The little blue mini pulled onto the shoulder of the road as soon as Randy flipped on his red lights. The plates were from Missouri. Apparently, this city slicker didn’t realize the Sherriff drove a white SUV. The little blonde at the wheel zipped right past him as he sat in the intersection waiting to turn. Randy pulled up behind her and ran the plate. Elizabeth Stewart. Wasn’t Josh’s author’s name Elizabeth?
He climbed out of the truck and used his best police strut up to her window. He was rewarded as a beautiful blonde with big blue eyes smiled up at him. His eyes wandered down the length of her. She was petite, slender, and had a nice bust line, not huge but ample.
Amy held her smile, letting him check her out for a bit, then leaned toward the window to allow a clear view of her cleavage and asked, “Hello, officer. Was I speeding?”
Randy forced his eyes from her cleavage and met her gaze. He flashed a serious look and said, “Yes ma'am. I clocked you at 60 in a 45 zone back at the last intersection.”
“Call me Amy.” She cooed as she handed him her driver’s license, and added, “Officer Connor.”
He couldn’t help but smile. She was the cutest thing he’d seen in a very long time. He said, “It’s Sheriff Connor. Randy Connor.”
“Sheriff? Wow, that’s very exciting.” She oozed with feminine wiles. “I’ve never met a Sheriff before.”
Randy forced back the chuckle that threatened and said, “Well today is your lucky day. Not only have you met a Sheriff, but you’re coming away with a signed souvenir.”
Amy’s smile disappeared. She didn’t appreciate his humor.
Randy’s heart melted, but he held his cold demeanor. “Why don’t you tell me why you are driving Elizabeth Stewart’s car?”
“Oh, Beth is my boss. I was just running to the local market to get some groceries.” Amy answered as her smile returned.
Randy bent over and glanced inside the vehicle. “I see. Are you relocating to this area as well?”
“Yes sir,” Amy watched him carefully. He was tall and handsome. His eyes were kind, even when he was trying to be tough.
“Make sure to tell Elizabeth to get her registration transferred over as fast as possible.” Randy’s voice softened as their eyes met. “I’m going to let you off with a warning this time.”
Amy’s eyes opened wide in surprise, “Oh Sheriff, you are my hero!”
He laughed and added, “Would I sound like a total letch if I asked you to have dinner with me?”
Amy’s voice softened to a purr, as she answered, “Not at all. I’d love to try a local restaurant. Beth is a real homebody, and since I’ve been with her, I don’t get out much. I’ve been here for two weeks, and the only place I’ve gone is that little grocery store in town and the gas station.”
***********
Elizabeth surrendered and pulled up the Apple site on her computer to order another iPad. She found it extremely frustrating. All of her quick notes for new book ideas were on that device. Moreover, her favorite bra had disappeared with it. She could blame Charlie for the bra. She was always snatching and grabbing towels or clothing and stuffing them behind the sofa or under the bed. However, it was highly unlikely that Charlie grabbed the iPad. If she had, there would be pieces of it all over the living room.
Amy breezed in the door with an armful of groceries. She rushed to the kitchen and hastily began putting items away. She called to Elizabeth, “Beth! Get changed! We have a date! Hurry, hurry, hurry!”
Leaning back in her seat, Elizabeth watched as Amy danced around the kitchen shoving cans onto the shelves and slamming cabinet doors. “We, Meaning you and I are going out? Or we, meaning a double date?”
Amy stopped and stared at her, throwing her arms up in exasperation saying, “Why do you have to be so literal all of the time? We, meaning the Sheriff, Joshua's best friend. He nearly gave me a ticket on the way home. We are meeting them at that bar and grill the two of you went to on your first date in they’re probably on their way there now!”
Elizabeth rose slowly and walked to the kitchen. She asked, “You almost got a ticket, in my car?”
“Speaking of cars,” Amy ignored her question. “Randy, the sheriff, says we won’t get 10 feet this winter in the Mini once the snow starts. We need a new car. In fact, I need my own car. Oh, and I completely forgot to tell you; Franklin will be here tomorrow to go over the details of your release and tour. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Randy is so hot! His badge makes me quiver.”
“Amy, you are the only woman I know that can not only get out of a ticket, but walk away with a date as well.” She rose and went to help Amy put the rest of the groceries away. Afterward, they rushed upstairs. Beth gave Amy free reign of the main bathroom while she took a quick shower in the half bath off her bedroom. They were dressed and out the door in twenty minutes.
The Sheriff's truck sat out front next to Joshua’s pickup. Elizabeth frowned at Joshua’s truck.
Elizabeth glanced over at Amy. She was perfect. Her golden hair flowed freely around her shoulders. Her makeup was perfect. Her nails were perfect. Her choice of a peasant blouse and dark blue jeans with dangling earrings made her look like she belonged on the big screen, in some steamy drama. Elizabeth was dressed in a tank top and capris. They were quite a pair. Barbie and one of the Bratz dolls go on a date. Elizabeth sighed, and forced away the sense that she was too old for this kind of crap and followed Amy into the bar.
Amy floated across the bar toward Joshua and Randy’s table. Both men rose as they neared. Elizabeth was pleased that Joshua’s eyes remained on her as they approached. He gave her a quick kiss and pulled out her chair before turning to say hi to Amy. Randy was clearly smitten. He stumbled all over himself, pulling her chair out roughly and rushing to push it in a bit too fast. Elizabeth suspected he wanted to throw Amy down on the table and have his way with her, but instead managed to smile and say hello.
Elizabeth was looking forward to the night. Amy was not one to portray a pseudo persona around her, so it would be interesting to see if one emerged in the Sheriff’s presence. It was obvious the Sheriff was on his best behavior. He sat stiffly upright in his chair, with his hands in his lap, his feet flat on the floor. Why hadn’t she thought of double dating with her free-spirited assistant before? It was excellent research.
Amy's approach mesmerized Beth. She maintained her usual mannerisms. Amy didn’t alter to adjust to Randy’s tone or character. The two of them appeared to maintain their individuality while trying to find common interests and goals. Suddenly, it occurred to Elizabeth: these people were enigmas. They had to be. Randy and Amy were not regular. Perhaps Amy was the catalyst. Everyone has a pseudo personality, everyone except Amy because she was an innocent. That had to be it. She was just too naive, too untarnished by the world to know any better.
Randy, well he was just a slow starter. Maybe he hadn’t established what his pseudo personality should be with Amy. Just give him time. If they started dating, Elizabeth was sure it would emerge. Just like Joshua’s true self was bound to start sneaking through. Eventually, Elizabeth was sure she would begin to see the real Joshua in all his flawed glory. She was glaring at him. She watched Joshua laugh and joke with Randy and tease Amy. She knew he couldn’t be perfect. Deep down inside there was selfishness or immaturity or some terrible habit or secret he’d managed to keep hidden from the world.
Joshua glanced over at Elizabeth, and the smile vanished. He asked quietly, “What’s wrong?”
Elizabeth snapped out of her stupor and forced a smile on her face. “I’m sorry. I was just lost in thought. It looks like Amy and Randy are hitting it off.”
Joshua frowned at her puzzled, then smiled at her and said, “They sure are.” He turned back to them and announced, “The next round is on me.”
It was past 1 o’clock by the time they left the bar. Joshua and Randy walked the girls to their car. Elizabeth draped her arms around Joshua’s neck. His lips crushed hers with abandon
the misty night air could not cool. Elizabeth leaned against him as his hands ran down the length of her back then wrapped around her. When they finally parted, a quick glance toward Amy found the new couple in a shy embrace. Joshua winked at Elizabeth and opened the car door for her.
He whispered, “Looks like we can plan on more couples nights like this in the future; unless you consider that too bold of a plan for the future?” Elizabeth missed his quip and got in the car.
Randy reluctantly released Amy from their timid goodbye kiss. Randy wanted more, but the vision of his late wife flashed before his eyes slowing his pace. Amy was also very young. He leaned in the window after shutting the door behind her.
Resisting the urge to kiss her again, he said, “You want me to follow you girls home? It’s pretty late.”
Elizabeth smiled and said, “Thanks for the offer, but we don’t have far to go. We’ll be fine.”
The night had grown cloudy, and a storm was approaching. Elizabeth opened the moon roof and allowed the cool night air to flow through the car. Amy sank back into the seat and gazed out her window with a dreamy expression.
“So,” Elizabeth began, “It appears the night went well.”
Amy glanced over at Elizabeth and flashed a huge grin. She said, “He’s dreamy. I can’t believe a man in law enforcement can be so kind and sweet.”
“And sexy,” Elizabeth added with a grin.
Amy laughed, “Oh yeah, that Sheriff uniform combined with his big brown eyes created quite a response when he kissed me. I wanted to jump him right there in the parking lot.”
Elizabeth turned off the main road onto a narrow winding road that began the climb up the mountain to their cabin. She asked, “What is it about the mountains that breed charming men with such huge muscles?”
“And tiny butts!” Amy said, bursting into giggles.
Elizabeth spied the turn off onto the long driveway to the cabin. Suddenly a blur of movement came out of the trees. She slammed on the brakes as the movement flashed in front of the vehicle.
Amy screamed as the car slid on the wet road heading straight toward the blur, “No! It’s Charlie!”
Elizabeth’s heart jumped into her throat. Charlie froze in the middle of the road as the car slid toward her. She spun the steering wheel to the right sending them onto the shoulder of the road, just barely missing Charlie and a large tree. The girls jumped out of the car and rushed to Charlie, who stood shivering in the middle of the road.
“Charlie!” Elizabeth gasped, as she knelt to embrace her. Amy was instantly next to her hugging both of them. They huddled on the road oblivious to the large raindrops that began to fall.
Elizabeth caught her breath and started to check Charlie, squeezing each leg and running her hands over her head and back. She was uninjured but covered in mud. Elizabeth smiled at her shaken dog and said, “Charlie, what are you doing out here?” She glanced at Amy and asked, “How did she get out?”
Amy shook her head and pulled Elizabeth to her feet. “I locked the front door, I know I did. We better get up there and see what’s going on.” She walked back to the car and opened the door for Charlie. When Charlie was inside, she turned back to Elizabeth adding with a smile, “Should we call the Sheriff?”
Elizabeth laughed and climbed in the car as Amy dashed around to the other side. “Let’s wait and see.”
When they reached the house, they noticed the front door was standing wide open. Elizabeth pulled the car up, so the headlights were shining at the cabin. They sat in the car staring at the house. Amy glanced around the yard and toward the barn.
She said, “I don’t see any sign that someone else is here. I’m confident I shut and locked that door. Could the landlord have dropped by to check on you and left the door open?”
Elizabeth pulled her cell phone out of her purse and said grimly, “No, Joshua changed the locks.”
************
Joshua just climbed into bed when the phone rang. He saw Elizabeth’s number flash up on the display and quickly answered it. “Beth? Is everything okay?”
Elizabeth answered him calmly, “Josh, I’m really sorry to call you, but when we got home Charlie was out, and the front door is standing open. I’m just a bit concerned about going inside.”
“Don’t go in the house,” Joshua answered quickly climbing out of bed as he spoke. “Stay in the car, lock the doors and if anyone comes out of the house, I want you to hightail it back to the bar. I’m on my way. I’m going to call Randy. He lives closer and can get to you quicker.”
“We’re fine, Josh,” Elizabeth answered.
“I’ll call you back in a few minutes,” Josh replied and hung up.
Elizabeth turned to Amy and said, “Josh is calling Randy; he’s closer, but they are both on their way.”
Amy had her back turned to Elizabeth; she was staring out the window toward the stables. She said, “Can you turn the headlights on the stables, something is moving over there.”
Elizabeth backed up the car and turned it toward the stables. They sat in silence watching for movement. Amy shook her head after a few minutes and said, “I swear I thought I saw a person walking into the stables, but in this darkness, I suppose it could have been a deer or just a shadow.”
They both jumped as Elizabeth’s phone rang. Amy laughed and patted Charlie’s head when she stuck it between seats to check on them. Elizabeth answered the phone; it was Randy.
His deep voice resonated from the earpiece. “Elizabeth, this is Randy. I’ll be there in about 5 minutes.” Elizabeth put him on speaker as he continued, “I just want to make sure you are both staying in the car.”
Amy answered, “Randy, it's Amy. We are in the Mini, but I thought I saw someone go into the stables.”
Randy’s voice deepened, “Just stay in the car. Is Charlie with you?” As he finished his question, Charlie began to bark at the back seat window on Amy’s side. “I’m almost there. It might be a good idea for you to head toward the road.”
Elizabeth answered as she reached back to pat Charlie. “The headlights are shining on the barn, but we haven’t seen anyone, and there aren’t any vehicles here. I think Amy and Charlie are just spooked. We’ll stay put unless we see someone.”
Randy’s voice softened, he said, “I’m almost there. Don’t move the car again unless you need to leave. If someone was there, I want to look for tire marks.” Josh said, “Do you have weapons on-site?”
Elizabeth glanced at Amy and said, “Josh gave me a shotgun. It’s on top of the kitchen cabinets. I don’t think anyone would see it if they didn’t know it was there.”
“Good to know,” Randy answered, “Okay, ladies. I’m turning onto the side road that leads to your driveway. See you in about 2 minutes. Call me if anything changes.”
Elizabeth disconnected the call, and they sat in the darkness listening to the windshield wipers move back and forth. The rain began to fall in sheets as the wind grew stronger, whipping the treetops into a frenzy. It was a very long two minutes before Randy’s flashing red lights lit up the darkness around them. He drove past them and shone his searchlight into the small stables before returning to the cabin. He shone the searchlight on the front door and climbed out of his truck carrying a large flashlight.
He walked to their car as Elizabeth rolled down the window. He flashed a smile at them as he leaned against the car. Elizabeth smiled back; Amy was right. He had a sexy smile. He said, “I’m going to check the house. I need you lovely ladies to stay right here until I back.”
“Anything you say, Sheriff,” Amy answered with a smile.
Randy nodded and disappeared into the house. They sat in nervous silence as the lights in the house slowly came on one by one. Joshua’s truck roared up the drive as the upstairs lights came on. Joshua was out of his truck in an instant and at Elizabeth’s window.
The look of concern on his face sent Elizabeth’s heart racing. He asked, “You two okay?”
Eli
zabeth nodded at the sight of him; a large knot developed in her throat, and she couldn’t answer. He smiled and reached out to touch her arm adding, “Okay, I’m going to check with Randy. I’ll be right back.” Elizabeth nodded, noticing the handgun stuck in his belt.
They watched Joshua disappear into the house. Amy sighed and said, “I’m beginning to feel like a foolish girl. We should have manned up and checked the house ourselves. It’s probably nothing. We lived in the theater district of Manhattan for two years and never had a problem. Why are we such wimps now?"
Elizabeth turned to Amy and said, “I know you. If you told me you locked the door, the door was locked. As you said, we lived in New York for two years, we aren’t a couple of careless females. Frankly, we’re out of our element here. We have no idea what to expect out here on our own. In New York, everyone in the building watched out for each other. Here we don’t have any neighbors to hear our screams and come running. Now I understand why Joshua brought me that gun.”
Randy and Joshua appeared in the doorway. Joshua was holding the shotgun he gave Elizabeth. They talked for a minute then Randy headed for the stables. Joshua went to his truck and opened the door. A large black and white malamute with a mixture of gray spread throughout his longhaired coat bounded out to greet him. Joshua motioned toward the stables and Kilo dashed off after Randy. Joshua watched Kilo until he caught up with Randy, then came to the girl’s car.
He met Elizabeth’s questioning gaze with a soft smile and said, “It’s all clear, but Randy thinks someone did break in. Let’s get you girls, and Charlie inside, and we’ll talk about it. Randy doesn’t believe they are around, but he’s going to check the stables just to make sure. Why don’t you leave the headlights on until he’s finished, and I’ll come out and move the car later.” He opened Elizabeth’s door and offered his hand. Then opened the back door and whistled for Charlie, who eagerly jumped out into the rain to greet him.
Elizabeth and Amy followed Joshua inside. They stood frozen in the entryway as they glanced around the room. Joshua returned from a small bathroom off the kitchen with a towel for Charlie. He stopped when he saw them and stared for a minute. Realizing they were terrified, Joshua came back over to them. He put his arm around their shoulders and escorted them to the sofa.
He took their jackets and urged them to sit down. He said, “Don’t worry. It’s safe. No one else is here, and we are not going to leave you alone tonight.” Joshua sat down in the armchair across from them and called Charlie over. He threw a towel over her back and began to rub her down. He chuckled and asked, “Did you have much of an adventure tonight Charlie?”
“Are you joking?” Elizabeth gasped, “I nearly killed her! Who knows how long she ran wild in the darkness? She made it all the way out to the road. She ran right out in front of my car. I could have...” Elizabeth’s voice broke, and she began to sob.
Joshua was instantly at her side. Pulling her into his arms, he held her close. Amy moved to Elizabeth’s other side and embraced them both. Randy walked through the door and stopped to stare at them.
He asked, “Do you three want to be alone or do you have room for one more?”
Amy jumped up and rushed across the room to embrace him as Kilo dashed through the door and bounded up to Charlie. Amy and Randy scrambled to catch the pair of wet dogs and herd them into the bathroom. Joshua and Elizabeth remained on the sofa.
Joshua pulled back and cupped her chin saying, “Charlie’s lucky to have someone like you in her life. She’s a sweet dog. I’m sure that whoever broke in just put her outside. Golden's are just about as far away from a guard dog as you can get. She probably wagged her tail and greeted them. There was no reason to hurt her.”
Elizabeth wiped away her tears and met Joshua’s gaze. She said softly, “Someone violated my home. Your home is supposed to be a safe haven.”
“I know,” Joshua brushed a stray hair from her cheek and said, “It’s scary, but you aren’t alone. Randy will figure out who did this, and when he does, I’ll personally kick their butt.”
Elizabeth laughed at the completely serious expression on Joshua’s face. He raised one eyebrow as if to question her belief in his sincerity. Finally, he smiled and chuckled, then said, “Why don’t I leave Kilo here for a few days. Charlie could use a playmate, and it will help you relax.”
Randy and Amy reappeared from the bathroom with the dogs. Elizabeth and Joshua rose to greet them. Amy came to Elizabeth’s side and gave her an encouraging smile. Amy said, “Randy wants us to take a look around and see if we can tell what is missing.”
Elizabeth glanced at Randy, and he added, “It appears they concentrated on the bedrooms, but we should start here on the main floor and work our way upstairs.”
Elizabeth and Amy’s eyes went straight to the kitchen table. Amy rushed over and immediately sighed with relief. She turned to Elizabeth and said, “The laptops are still here.”
Elizabeth relaxed a bit with that news and glanced around the room. She said, “The flat screen TV and Blue Ray are here, as well. Everything seems fine on this floor. What did they do upstairs?”
Randy and Joshua exchanged glances then Randy answered, “They went through the drawers and closets. Do you own any expensive jewelry?”
“Jewelry…”Amy gasped and ran up the stairs, the others followed. Amy ran into her room and moaned, “Oh no, my grandma’s jewelry box!”
Randy followed at her heels. When Elizabeth and Joshua reached the room, Amy was sobbing in Randy’s arms. Elizabeth was shocked at the disarray before her. Amy’s dresser drawers lay scattered about. Her clothes lay strewn across the floor. Her mattress lay halfway off the bed. Shreds of her pillows littered the floor. The contents of Amy’s closet pulled out and trampled in the search.
Elizabeth turned and ran to her room. She found the same confusion. Clothing and drawers scattered; pillows slashed and her dresser turned on its side. Joshua came up behind her and touched her shoulder. She pushed him away as anger filled her.
“Beth, I know it looks bad.” He began, “But they are only material things, you need to concentrate on what’s important.”
Elizabeth spun to glare at him and growled, “Important?” When their eyes met the compassion, she found there shook her to her core. She didn’t know how to respond. The men in her past had always been so judgmental and self-concerning, just as her father had been. One look at this room and her father would have lectured her for hours on her carelessness and reckless attitude toward her own safety. Yet Joshua wanted to comfort her, protect her.
Elizabeth had no idea how long she stood there staring at Joshua. Finally, she glanced down at the floor and said, “I’m sorry, this isn’t your fault.”
Joshua reached out and took her by the shoulders. He whispered, “It’s going to be alright.” He pulled her against him, and they held each other in silence.