Page 96 of Needing Your Love
“Always.” I rubbed his back. Kissed his hair. Held him tight, giving him the solid foundation he—and I—needed at that moment.
A poor decision had almost cost me the future I’d been hoping to share with him, a rewarding existence with the perfect man by my side, one who fulfilled my needs by allowing me to care for his.
I loved Jimmy more than life. More than all of Pippen Creek. Even more than my title and what I’d seen as my purpose when I’d been appointed to watch over this town.
Jimmy was my everything, and I’d almost lost him.
A shudder ripped through me, and I sucked oxygen into my lungs, attempting to keep my stinging eyes from overflowing. “I was so afraid, baby boy…” I swallowed hard, hugging him tighter. “Couldn’t let him hurt you—need you so much.”
Jimmy sobbed, attempting to burrow deeper against me.
He and I had a serious conversation ahead, but considering the circumstances we huddled in, admissions of what we wanted for the future would have to wait.
Duty called regardless of how shock lingered in my body and mind.
Glancing around while soothing him with gentle touches, I took in the consequences of adultery, abuse, and drunkenness.
Sarah continued to sob even as Officer Jones pulled her from Kurt’s body. I didn’t need to see the lack of chest movement to know his heart no longer beat. Years of target practice in my backyard ensured I didn’t miss.
I’d given Kurt exactly what I had feared he hoped for today.
And now, I, along with the rest of those left behind, would have to suffer the consequences.
EMTs arrived.
Led Sarah from the building, far from the grisly sight of her lover.
Carried Stefen out on a stretcher.
Jamie crouched beside us to block off the sight of disaster, studying my face, hand on my shoulder, helping to ground me in reality. “Tell me what to do, Chief.” His tone held assurance—his trust in me even after taking the life of one of our own.
My first priority was the man still clinging to me. Once he was squared away for the time being, I could focus on work and the hours of tedious bullshit ahead for my department.
“Call the Sheriff’s department then get ahold of Dex,” I said. “He’ll take Jimmy home for me while we deal with the fallout.”
Jamie nodded and moved off, pulling his cell from his pocket.
Releasing a slow exhale, I closed my eyes and allowed myself one last selfish moment of holding my love before attempting to clean up the mess. While the danger had been ended, the aftermath would linger far into the days ahead of us.
The Chief of Pippen Creek had killed one of the residents beneath his protection—and I would do it all over again.
Would the forgiving spirit of this town remain after what I’d done?
Honestly, I didn’t care if the townsfolk scorned me for answering the call of duty.
Jimmy and I would go wherever the wind carried us—together.
Chapter 36
Jimmy
He’d come for me.
Killed a man to keep me safe.
Sutton had chosenme.
“I—I can’t do this life on my own,” I whispered, clinging to Sutton. He would pass me off onto his best friend, and even though I could tell by how he held me that he didn’t want me out of his sight any more than I did him, we had no choice.
