Page 2 of Dusty
Biting back a hysterical laugh, she wondered if it had been reported stolen by its owner. She’d abandoned it earlier that day when she’d run out of gas, and didn’t have enough money to buy more. What meager funds she still had she was saving tobuy food. So far, she’d managed to make do, eating only once a day, but within a couple of days, she’d be broke and completely destitute, unless she could somehow find a job.
Good luck with that, dummy. Who’s going to hire a stranger in a small town? One who can’t claim an address or even clean clothes. Cooper or his men are going to catch up to me, and he’s going to kill me.
As they drove, Sharon stole glances at the deputy. He seemed kind, even warm in his quiet demeanor. But she couldn’t afford to let her guard down. Too much was at stake. The envelope in her pocket felt like a lead weight against her chest, its contents the only lifeline she had left.
“Do you know anybody in Shiloh Springs?” She shook her head at his softly voiced question. “Well, we’ll get your broken-down car straightened out this morning. Town’s got an excellent mechanic, and he can get your car towed in. I’ll make sure he puts a rush on it.”
“I appreciate it, um, Deputy…” She trailed off, realizing she couldn’t remember his name. Not that she needed to, she wasn’t planning on sticking around longer than it took to get warm, maybe grab something to eat, and then hit the bricks, getting as far away from the handsome deputy as she could.
“Dusty Warner.” The smile he directed at her was warm and friendly, and it struck her straight in her core. It had her wondering when the last time anybody looked at her judgment-free and friendly, simply because. “Need anything more than a warm place?” he asked, his tone sincere.
She turned to him, her throat tightening at the unexpected offer of help. “No,” she whispered, the lie burning in her throat. “Thank you.”
“It’s still a bit early. I know country folks tend to rise with the sun, but we’re probably going to need to give Frank a little longer to get up and at ’em. There’s a great bakery in town,makes the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted. I’m headed that way. How about I treat you to one of Jill’s rolls and a cup of coffee?” The growl of her stomach answered his question, and he chuckled. “I’ll take that’s a yes.”
“Seems like I keep saying thanks to you this morning, Deputy Warner.”
“Please call me Dusty. Nobody in town calls me Deputy Warner. Shoot, folks probably wouldn’t know who you were talking about if you call me by that name.”
“Sounds like a wonderful place to live.” Nothing like Chicago, where she lived. Had lived. She sighed, wondering if she’d ever see her home again. Not that she had anything to go back to. A sterile condo. Few friends outside of work, and those she’d worked with all turned their backs on her when she’d been tarnished by scandal. Cooper had made sure of that.
“Shiloh Springs is a wonderful place to live. Of course, I might be a little prejudiced, because I’ve been here long enough to get to know all the folks around here, and they are the best.”
The town lights of Shiloh Springs came into view, their festive red-and-green holiday glow a cruel reminder of a normal life she could never return to. Clenching her hands into fists, determination hardened her resolve. She would survive this. It wasn’t like she had a choice. She was in a fight for her life, and she wasn’t about to lose—not to a lying, deceitful wretch like Cooper Madison. Somehow, she’d find a way to prove her innocence and bring him down.
CHAPTER TWO
Sharon wrapped herhands around her cup of hot chocolate, staring down at the tiny marshmallows floating on top. For the first time all night, she finally felt warm. The cold outside had gone through her like icy fingers clawing at her soul. Now seated in the local bakery, with the heavenly scents of cinnamon, yeast, and sugar pervading the air, she felt a second of bliss. Dusty had been right when he said their local baker made the best cinnamon rolls in town. Hunger pangs had gnawed at her, and she’d practically inhaled it as soon as it had been placed before her.
“Feeling better?”
She nodded, finally looking up to meet the deputy’s gaze. He’d been nothing but kind and polite from the moment he’d found her walking toward town. Once she’d climbed inside his patrol car, he’d made simple small talk, telling her about Shiloh Springs, about some of the town’s characters, where the best places to eat were, and which shop had the best coffee. All good things to know—if she was staying—which she wasn’t. As soon as she figured out a way to head out of town without rousing suspicions, she’d hit the road.
“Yes. Thank you for the ride. I didn’t realize how cold it got in Texas.”
“We’ve had a cold front move in, made the temperatures drop. It’ll warm up in a couple of days. Where do you hail from?”
I stepped right into that, didn’t I?
“Up north. Illinois mostly, and Indiana.”
He nodded, took a sip of his coffee, then motioned to the girl behind the counter, and pointed to both of their plates, indicating to bring out two more cinnamon rolls. Guilt flooded her as she realized he knew she was hungry. He probably didn’t have a clue that it had been nearly two days since she’d had anything more substantial than a package of peanut butter crackers and a bottle of water. Keeping on the move, she’d hoarded every penny, which usually meant going without until the hunger pangs became too much.
“How about I call Frank at the garage and have him pick up your car? He can get it hooked up to his tow truck, have it hauled in, and take a look. Best mechanic between here and Austin, he’ll get you taken care of quickly and his rates are reasonable.”
Sharon swallowed down the bite she’d just put in her mouth. She couldn’t allow that to happen. If they found the car, they’d know it was stolen, and she’d end up in the county jail. Which meant Cooper’s men wouldn’t have any problem finding her.
“That’s okay. I…if you’ll give me his number, I’ll take care of it.”
Dusty looked at her, and she felt like he was seeing all the way to her soul. Could see all her secrets, all her lies. She felt stripped bare, and she was terrified he’d figure out she was the biggest fraud he’d ever met.
“Are you sure, Ms. Elliott? It’s no trouble, Frank’s a friend, and I’d be happy to make the arrangements for you.”
“I appreciate it, really. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, but I’d rather take care of it myself.” She slid from the booth and stuck her arms into the sleeves of her coat, buttoning it all the way to her throat. “Thank you again, Deputy. I’d still be stuck on the side of the road, walking toward town if you hadn’t come past. I appreciate the help, and the breakfast.”
Dusty stood and reached forward, taking her hand in his. “It was my pleasure, Ms. Elliott. I know it’s not much of a welcometo Shiloh Springs, but I bet you’ll find we’re a nice place to visit and maybe stay a while.”
Drawing in a strained breath, she nodded, anxious to get away from Dusty. He seemed to see too much, know too much, and she had the feeling he was smart enough to figure out she was lying through her teeth about everything. With a nod, she turned and walked out the front door, turning right, not really knowing where she was headed, just away. Away from the man who was kind, nicer to her than she deserved. What she needed was a moment to herself, to rest and figure out what she was going to do, where she was going to go next, and how to do that with the remnants of what little money she had left.
