Page 15 of The Earl's Wrangler
Mrs.J leaned forward.“Understand that this is a family matter, and all of the people on this ranch are family.It’s how we live and why we are successful.And we look after our own.”
“We definitely do,” Claude agreed.“There are plenty of people who have your back.Your father is responsible for his own actions and his debts.You are not.”He leaned closer for a few seconds, and then the two of them stood and quietly left the room.
“Too bad Tank isn’t here.He can scare the crap out of anyone,” Chip put in.“But he and Collin are back in England now.”
“We’ll figure it out.”Alan stood and left the room as headlights pulled into the drive.
Sawyer was not at all sure how he felt about everyone knowing his family business and, quite frankly, his shame.He had done his best to try to move beyond that part of his life and wished more than anything that the past would just stay there.He had spent most of his childhood either avoiding his father or dealing with the aftermath of his disasters.His mother had divorced him, and that brought some peace for a while.But the old goat always seemed to find them and put the screws to them, one way or another.
A knock on the door startled him even though he knew the sheriff was on his way.His nerves were strung way too tight.Alan opened it, and the sheriff strode in.He was a middle-aged man who look like he had seen just about everything.
“Your mother called,” he said gruffly.
“Knock off the attitude, Johnny,” Mrs.J said as she came in the room.“I used to babysit you when you were a kid, and I know things.Remember that.”She didn’t sit down, but held his gaze until he looked away.Damn, she was something else.“Sawyer has some things that he needs to tell you.And know that I take him seriously, so don’t give him any of your usual business.”
John Creiton was well known for running a tight ship.“What is it, then?”His tone grew less edgy.
“My father,” Sawyer said.
Randall cleared his throat.“We thought it important to tell you that he’s been here and was making demands on Sawyer.He didn’t get very far.”
“I know.I already got a complaint about him and you.Seems there was a bit of a dustup at Roy’s.Apparently everyone agrees that he was causing trouble, but I don’t like any ill behavior in my town.”He glared at both of them.
“Knock it off, Johnny,” Mrs.J cut in.“We called you because Sawyer’s father has a gambling problem and it’s likely some folks are after him for some money.He’s trying to get Sawyer to help him.”She pursed her lips.“You know what those kinds of men can be like.”
“Shit,” he said, drawing out the word.“What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing.We just wanted to make sure you knew what was going on.We’re all being good citizens here, and I expect you to treat everyone the way you should.”The sheriff was known to have issues with guys like Sawyer and Alan.
“I’ll do my job.”
She stepped forward.“I know you think you will.But it’s become known that you take your sweet time answering certain kinds of calls, and that needs to end.Am I making myself clear?Next year is an election year, and there are others who could always step up and decide to run against you.”Damn, she had balls of steel, and fuck all if the sheriff didn’t take a step back.“You’ve done good for this town, but you need to help all of it, and not just the ones you think might deserve it.”
“Now, Maureen.I didn’t take the complaint against Sawyer here seriously.And his friend….”He glanced at Randall.“Well, Sally stood up for him.”
“Did you speak with my father?”Sawyer asked.
“I tried to, but I haven’t been able to find him yet, and Sally and Roy have decided not to press charges.So there isn’t much I can do.”
“And he assaulted Sawyer here on the ranch.But we handled it and made him sober up before driving,” Alan said.“We stood guard on him.”
The sheriff nodded.“I thank you for that.”He turned his attention to Sawyer, who expected the third degree.“What did he do?”
“He hit him,” Randall answered.
Sawyer nodded.“Randall took him down.”
The sheriff humphed.“You ain’t that big.”
“I know how to handle myself, and I can take care of the people who are important.”Damn, Randall’s accent was heavy, and he stood tall, speaking to the sheriff in a haughty tone that must be his earl voice.“I should probably introduce myself.Randall Whealton, Earl of Plymouth.”Sawyer wanted to snort at the way Randall acted, especially since he had seen him shoveling out horse stalls.
“What the hell is going on?Is half of England over here?”
“He’s a friend of mine,” George said.“So is Viscount Haferton.You have probably heard about us.We’re all part of the family.”
The sheriff shook his head like he was trying to figure out if the damned world had turned on its ear.“Okay.Not that any of the fancy titles matter all that much here, but I will look into this as best I can.You call if anything happens.If he shows up here again, call.I can take him in if he causes trouble or if he makes any more threats.”He paused.“But do yourselves and me a favor if you can.Try to find out who he owes money to.That will help.”
“Thank you, Johnny,” Mrs.J said with a smirk.“Alan and Sawyer will see you out.”She waited while he and Alan went out with the sheriff.
