Page 62 of Eyes Like a Hurricane

She shakes her head, “They didn’t state their names. I didn’t ask, either. I played dumb. I said I was a recent hire, but the vet had just retired. When they asked what the vet looked like, I described Doc MacAllen. They looked at each other confused, but then one of the men shrugged and said they should get to the county building before they head out of town.”

“Thank you for covering for me. The guy with steel gray eyes in the navy suit is my ex. He somehow found me. One of my tasks today is to locate an attorney who can help me file a restraining order against him. He was harassing Lachlan and me at the ranch this morning,” I say exasperated.

A squeal brings my gaze back up to Britt, who exclaims, “You and Lachlan. At the ranch this morning. I’m going to pin Axel down for details.”

Smirking, I decide to throw her a bone and murmur, “We are together, Britt. Not a big secret anymore. But that’s all the details you get for now. Okay?”

She nods before turning to head back to whatever room she was inventorying before I walked into the office. I pull up Google and peruse the various law offices within a forty-five-mile radius. There is one in town, McGuintry and Easton, PLLC. Better to call now and get the conversation out of the way. Hopefully, this is something they can resolve today.

The phone rings once before a young man’s voice answers, “McGuintry and Easton, PLLC, how may I direct your call?”

I calm my nerves and speak clearly, “Hi. My name is Aislinn Braniff. I’m new to town, but I was wondering if anyone in your office can file restraining orders. I have an ex-boyfriend who attacked and threatened me earlier this morning.”

He replies in a clear tenor, “Yes, Ms. Easton is our family law attorney. You don’t need an attorney to file a restraining order. You can represent yourself. But we have the forms required by the courthouse at our disposal and ready to be filed. First, you fill out a petition for a restraining order, then an affidavit explaining the events which led you to file the order.”

“What is her availability?” I ask, hopeful she can meet soon.

He hums, and I can hear the click of his fingers on a keyboard. “Let’s see, she has some time around 12:30 p.m. today if you would like to swing by for a quick consultation. If this is something you want to proceed with once you meet with her, she charges an hourly fee of two hundred and seventy-five dollars. She will file the necessary forms with the courthouse. Once the judge has reviewed your paperwork, there will be a service of process followed by the official hearing.”

“I will be there at 12:30 p.m. sharp,” I say, “Is there anything specific you need from me?”

“It helps if you can come prepared with threatening behavior and dates of the occurrence. Any witnesses to the threats. A description of the person as well as their home and work address. You need to be able to show specific instances of harassment,” he explains.

“Thank you for your help,” I say softly. “I’ve never done this before.”

He makes a noise of understanding before calmly saying, “It’s our pleasure. Because you are asking for a restraining order, I have to ask. Have you called the sheriff's office yet? Having an official report on file often helps as well. I know some people don’t feel comfortable or safe if the abuse is happening in their home, but the sheriff is a great guy and would be a big help.”

“Really, I’m fine right now. I’m at my office and surrounded by a few coworkers. I will make sure I’m not alone until I’m sure it’s safe. Ingrid Ambarsan called the sheriff this morning when the incident occurred, so I’m sure she filed the report when he arrived,” I explain. “Thank you again. See you soon.”

I end the call and look around. We are almost prepared for opening day, and we still have twelve days left. I have let the team know they can take their time and enjoy the afternoons off if there is nothing left to do.

The morning goes by quickly as I sort through files. Before I know it, noon has arrived, and I realize I’m starving. I look up at the sound of a large engine growling down the road. I recognize the sound, and a smile spreads across my face. I go over to the window just in time to see the bed of a gray truck and trailer turn into our parking lot.

I skip out of the backroom just in time to see the front door open. A cowboy hat leads the way, followed by broad shoulders and long legs. I start running down the hall, and as he lifts his head to the sound of my boots pounding on the ground, I see his smile matches mine. In one hand is a white paper bag, which he quickly sets down on one of the reception chairs. I leap into his arms and wrap myself around him like a koala bear, kissing his face all over.

His deep laughter fills the empty room, and I chuckle along with him.

“I take it you missed me?” he asks.

I cup my hands on his cheeks, looking him in the eyes. He adjusts his grip under my ass, pulling me tight against his stomach.

“Yes, I missed you, you silly man. You even need to ask?” I ask in mock surprise.

“Well, I think you will like me even better when you see what I brought. I saw you left without grabbing any lunch, and I knew you wouldn’t be able to pull yourself away long enough to go home. I wanted to surprise you with,” he takes a deep breath, “a BLT.”

A grin breaks across my face as I squeeze him tight.

“Best lunch ever!” I wiggle out of his grip, landing on my feet. “Thank you, truly. I was starting to feel hungry and wasn’t sure if I had time to go to Mama M’s. You’re right, I didn’t have enough time to run home.”

He nods, then sobers. Looking me directly in the eye, he places his large hands on my upper arms and draws me close.

“I also wanted to make sure you were okay. I was really worried about you,” he murmurs, searching my eyes.

I take a large bite of the sandwich. “This is delicious, thank you so much. I’m doing okay. This morning shook me tomy core, but I’m tough and I know I have you to support me. I was planning to call you. I was able to get an appointment with McGuintry and Easton, PLLC to meet with Ms. Easton at 12:30 p.m. today, to work on the paperwork for the restraining order. I wanted to know if you would join me and if Ingrid filed a report with the sheriff this morning. Her office said that report would help make my claim.”

Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, he uses his finger to tip my chin up. I meet his heated gaze.

He murmurs, “I will follow you anywhere you need me, Aislinn. I cleared my schedule for the remainder of the day. I’m all yours. We can have Edwin’s office fax over the report Ingrid filed. It won’t be a problem. We explained the situation to him, and he is on board.”

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