Runaway Bride

  * * *

  The next morning Ben walked into the office an hour early. He hadn't slept a wink and by the looks of her, Savannah hadn't either. Something deep within him wanted to comfort her, but he kept telling himself just how much trouble she was and that he had been right from the start about her. The sooner she got out of town the better!

  He'd been a fool once before over a woman, he wouldn't be repeating that experience.

  Instead he greeted her with a smile and a "Good morning."

  He wasn't feeling good about this whole mess. What was wrong with him, locking her up like some common criminal? But at least he knew exactly what he had to do now.

  He went about his business till Henry popped in for his daily dose of gossip and men talk. Of all days, this wasn't the day to gossip.

  "Still got her here, do ya?" Henry glanced over Ben's shoulder at her.

  "Yes, Henry, I do." Ben eyed Henry.

  "Gonna let her go, today?" He asked, scratching his chin.

  "Maybe."

  He saw her move toward the door eagerly, "Later."

  "Probably best. We don't need her kind here, do we, Sheriff?" Henry winked at her.

  "You can say that again!"

  "Gotta admit though, she brought some excitement to town." Henry scratched his chin and smiled.

  "Yeah, I guess."

  "Well, I'll be going home now. Ma'am." Henry tipped his hat to her.

  Savannah nodded.

  Ben tried to look busy when Henry left.

  She sighed. "Are you going to keep me or let me go? You can’t keep me over 24 hours without charging me with something."

  Now he approached her cell, with the keys in his hand. He turned the key and opened the door, but he stood in her way of freedom.

  Savannah stared into his cold brown eyes, wishing there was something she could do to make him smile again, to make herself smile again.

  "You want to tell me what you were trying to pull over there?"

  His voice sounded cold and unresponsive.

  She shook her head.

  He nodded.

  "Your “parents” car's out front. Get in it, and go home, understand?" He said hotly.

  "Yes," she managed in a weak voice.

  "Your personal things are on my desk. Pick them up and get."

  "Thanks, Sheriff."

  And then she was gone, and the whole room went cold and silent and Ben Hogg didn't know what had hit him.

  Chapter Six