Runaway Colton

by Karen Whiddon

  “Sorry, boy, she couldn’t take you with her. But she’ll be back. In the meantime, you want to go check on the other animals with me?”

  The dog jumped to his feet, wagging his tail.

  “Come on, then.” Cord grabbed his coat and headed back out into the cold. He hadn’t been kidding about his livestock, though he only maintained a few token animals, the ones he’d inherited from Sam. They were all in the barn now, warm and fed, since the weather forecasters had been warning of an impending ice storm coming in on yet another cold front. In North Texas, Novembers could go either way. Some years they were balmy and spring-like, others ushered in weather more suited to January and winter than autumn.

  Keys in hand, he hurried to his truck, the frigid wind stinging his face. The sun had come up, though total cloud cover hid its warmth. Even the slate-gray sky warned of a worse chill.

  Once inside, he let the engine run for a moment to warm up while he tried to get a grip on his raging libido. He didn’t waste time wondering how he could want her at a time like this—no, he had a pretty good handle on how that worked. She was beautiful and hot and he’d always had a crush on her. Her confidence and direct nature only made her even more desirable. If he wasn’t careful, he was going to get himself in a rattlesnake’s nest of trouble.

  As he pulled up to the cinder block building that housed the sheriff’s office, he saw the bitter, cold wind hadn’t deterred Nick Prado from having his morning smoke. Ever since they’d banned smoking inside the building, Nick and any of the other smokers had stood on the southern side of the building, and puffed away. Today this provided the added blessing of sheltering Nick from the wind.

  Cord and Nick went way back. They’d become best buddies in kindergarten and their friendship had stood the test of time.

  “Hey, Cord.” Taking one last drag, Nick dropped his cigarette to the concrete and ground it under his heel. He then carefully picked it up and deposited the butt in the freestanding ashtray. “What brings you in this morning?” he asked.

  “Let’s get out of this cold,” Cord suggested, jerking his chin toward the door.

  “Gladly.” Nick led the way. Once inside, both men shrugged out of their coats.

  “Gotta love heat,” Cord commented.

  “True. You sure are early. Do you want a cup of coffee?” Nick headed toward the back. Though there were six desks in a bullpen area, none of them were occupied at the moment. Most of the other deputies either hadn’t come in yet or were out on patrol.

  Even Rochelle Ashely, the day receptionist, hadn’t yet arrived. Which actually helped. The fewer people who heard Cord’s questions, the better.

  “I’ve got a few questions about Eldridge Colton,” Cord began.

  Instantly, Nick’s posture tightened. He even looked around, as if he expected the sheriff to be listening in. “What about him?” Nick asked, his tone cautious.

  “I understand y’all think Eldridge Colton is dead. Have you ever come up with a body?”

  “No.” Nick snorted. “You know as well as I do those rich people will make sure his body is never found.”

  Cord played along. “Yeah, you’re probably right. I heard you arrested Piper Colton for the murder. For the DA to think you have a case, you must have some really compelling evidence against her, right?”

  Nick shifted his weight from foot to foot, clearly uneasy. He considered Cord’s question, gulping down his coffee. “What’s this really about, Cord?” he finally asked.

  “Piper’s a friend,” Cord admitted. “I’m checking into this on her behalf. I really don’t think she did it.”

  “Oh, yeah? Well, we have an eyewitness and enough evidence to charge her with the crime.”

  Cord’s heart sunk. “An eyewitness to what? Surely you’re not saying you have someone who claims they saw Piper commit the murder?”

  Jaw tight, Nick looked away. “I really shouldn’t be discussing this case with you,” he said. “I’m sorry, Cord, but I can’t comment further.”

  “I understand,” Cord said. And he did.

  Taking his leave, Cord next headed over to the courthouse.

  At the courthouse, Cord was well-known and he greeted everyone by name. Lots of the lawyers and bail bondsmen around here had, at one time or another, used Cord’s services. Cord had done favors for many of them and he figured now would be a good time to call in those favors.

  He located Jimbo Ryan, a personal injury attorney known for his loud advertisements and cheap suits. “Hey, Jimbo,” he greeted the man with a clap on the back. “How’s business?”

  They chatted for a few minutes before Jimbo made a show of glancing at his watch, an imitation Rolex. “Well, I’ve got to head to court. Time to get my client some cash.” He grinned.

  “Sounds good. You know, I need to find someone from the public defender’s office. I heard Piper Colton was using them for her legal defense.”

  Jimbo’s eyes went wide. “No way. With all the Colton money, I’d have thought they’d bring in some bigwig, celebrity attorney from up north or the west coast.”

  Cord shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m just curious. Thought I’d see what I could dig up.”

  “Why?” Jimbo’s gaze narrowed. For all his obnoxiousness, he had a pretty sharp brain in that big head. “I know you, Cord. You’re the least nosy person I know. So either Piper has skipped bail or someone hired you to prove she wasn’t guilty. Aha! That’s it, isn’t it?”

  About to make a show out of recoiling in mock horror, Cord reconsidered. “Maybe,” he allowed. “Maybe I have been asked to look into the evidence that led to her being charged. Keep that between us, all right? That’s why I need to find out who is her attorney.”

  Scratching his comb-over, Jimbo shook his head. “If her family isn’t willing to pay for a top-notch attorney, they must think she’s guilty, too.”

  “I don’t know.” Cord shrugged. “I’ve just got to find out what evidence they have on her. I stopped off at the sheriff’s office, but no one would talk.”

  “Between you and me...” Jimbo glanced to the left and to the right “... I think ole Piper Colton has some powerful enemies. There’s no way a sweet gal like her could kill a tough old coot like Eldridge.”

  “I agree.”

  “But,” Jimbo added, leaning in close, so close Cord could smell the whiskey he’d used to spike his coffee, “I’ve heard they had a witness. Someone who claimed to actually see Piper beating the old man.” With that, Jimbo sauntered off, leaving Cord staring after him.

  All the way home, Cord berated himself. Had he been taken in by her long-lashed green eyes and innocent expression? Was it possible he was actually harboring a murderess?

  Chapter 7

  Piper knew exactly where to start looking for Renee. Any little run-down bar or club between Terrell and Dallas. She figured the eighteen-year-old would want to work with a younger crowd. A quick search on her phone—a new, prepaid, no-contract one that she’d purchased with cash—revealed that, according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, eighteen was the minimum age to be able to legally serve alcohol. She’d bet Cord didn’t realize this, assuming as so many did, that since one had to be twenty-one to legally drink, that same age would apply to serving.

  Renee, though, no doubt knew this. If tending bar somewhere, anywhere, was her dream, then that’s what she’d be doing. Now all Piper had to do was find her.

  Cord had said he’d searched, but a big man like him was bound to draw attention. She’d bet if he’d happened to wander into Renee’s place of employment, she would have had plenty of time to hide. And her coworkers had no doubt been warned not to talk to a big, burly guy with shaggy dark hair.

  Which was why Piper anticipated finding Renee without too much difficulty. No one would see a woman as any kind of threat.

  Her main problem was the hour. This early in the morning most of the sort of places she needed to visit wouldn’t yet be open.

  So she didn’t completely wa
ste her time, Piper checked out all the breakfast places in between three of the most popular bars. Just in case Renee might have taken a little extra waitressing work to survive.

  No luck there.

  At lunchtime she passed a strip club advertising a five-dollar buffet. The parking lot was full. On impulse, she pulled in and parked.

  Did she have enough nerve to go inside? From what little she knew of these places, the clientele would be all men.

  Still, she wouldn’t get what she wanted unless she was fearless. Piper took a deep breath and got out of her car.

  The huge bald guy guarding the door waved her in without hesitation. He didn’t stamp her hand or anything, so she guessed cover charges only were at night. When she asked, the door guy flashed a toothy grin. “No charge. Women are free. Women are always free.”

  Well, there you go.

  Once inside, Piper kept her head held high while she tried to see in the smoke-filled, dim light. As she’d expected, men packed the place, their attention focused on a half-naked woman gyrating around a pole. Scantily clad waitresses circled the room, bringing overpriced drinks and private dances to those willing to pay.

  Refusing to show her discomfort or embarrassment, Piper continued to scan the room. While she really hoped she wouldn’t find Renee working in a place like this, one never knew. She’d heard the dancers made really good money.

  “What can I get you, honey?” One of the waitresses, a tiny woman with a long, black braid, came up.

  “Oh, nothing right now.” Piper pulled out her phone and brought up the photo. “I’m trying to find my friend. Have you seen this girl?”

  To her credit, the waitress actually studied the photo. “No, I haven’t seen her,” she said. “She doesn’t work here, either, as a dancer or server.”

  Relieved, Piper smiled. “Thanks for your help.”

  “No problem.” The waitress smiled back. “I hope you find your friend.”

  Aware of several men tracking her with their gazes, Piper hurried outside to her car. As soon as she got inside, she locked the doors. She wasn’t sure she could go inside another “gentlemen’s club,” but if Renee didn’t turn up at any of the bars, she might have to.

  Glancing at her watch, Piper saw it was still way too early to hit up some of the other trendy bars. Earlier she’d used Yelp to find places an eighteen-year-old might think cool.

  She decided to head back to Cord’s house and take a nap. After dinner, she’d go back out. Maybe she’d even get lucky and find Renee tonight.

  On the drive back, she admired the landscape. The leaves had started falling from the trees, but there was still enough color to make her smile. This time of year—Thanksgiving—had always been one of her favorites. She loved the huge family gathering, tasting everyone’s dishes, and the mouthwatering meal. Whitney had always made sure they had both smoked turkey and ham, and last year Piper had counted at least ten different pies.

  Thanksgiving was next week.

  Realizing she wouldn’t be there this year made her throat close up and her eyes sting. Despite everything, she loved her large family and she knew they—or at least most of them—loved her.

  Well, this year would just be different. Raising her chin, Piper kept her gaze on the road. Since everyone had their own traditions, she wondered what Cord usually did for his holiday. Surely Renee had to be missing that.

  She started daydreaming, another one of her flaws, at least according to Marceline. Maybe she and Cord’s niece would hit it off. They could plan their Thanksgiving menu together—just because it would be a small gathering didn’t mean they had to skimp on food.

  Buoyed by her happy thoughts, when she reached Cord’s place, she bounded from the car. His truck was gone, which she took as a good sign. If he was still working on finding out the true story with Eldridge, today would be a great day.

  He’d shown her where he hid his spare key, so she located that and let herself in. Once inside, she debated going to her room for a quick nap but decided she’d turn on the TV and doze on the couch. Truman seemed to think that was a great idea and jumped up right beside her.

  She’d just gotten all comfy, remote in hand, when she heard his truck pulling in.

  Nap forgotten, she jumped up, ready to question him the instant he came in the door. Truman eyed her, but didn’t budge from his spot.

  Cord entered through the garage, removing his Stetson and hanging it on a peg by the laundry room door. She’d had the foresight to grab him a can of Dr Pepper, which she held out as an offering.

  He eyed it—and then her—his expression completely shuttered. “Thanks.” He took the drink, popped the top and slugged down a third of the can.

  She braced herself, fully expecting a loud belch. Once again, he surprised her with silence.

  “What’d you find out?” she finally asked. “Judging from the look on your face, I’m not going to like whatever it is.”

  “Well...” He dragged one hand through his hair. “Maybe you’d better sit down.”

  She didn’t move. “That bad?”

  “I’m afraid so. Sit.”

  Just to hasten the process, she hopped up on one of the bar stools. “Tell me.”

  “Rumor has it that the police have an eyewitness who claims to have seen you beating on Eldridge.”

  She snorted. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

  He didn’t smile back or laugh with her. “Is it? Any idea who’s the eyewitness?”

  “Nope. None whatsoever.” Equilibrium regained, she took a sip of her own Dr Pepper. “But it’s BS. Complete and utter nonsense. I’ve never raised a hand against my father in my life.”

  “The police didn’t tell you who it was?”

  “No. All they would say is that someone had come forward. They spent ten hours trying to get me to confess to something I didn’t do.” Despite her bold tone, her lower lip wobbled a bit at the memory. “It was horrible.”

  “But they charged you anyway?”

  She nodded. “When I asked for an attorney, they said they’d call one, but no one ever came.”

  She couldn’t tell if the muscle working in his jaw meant he was angry with her or with them.

  “Are you telling me the truth?” he demanded. “Because for me to help you, I’ve got to have that.”

  Her quiet and dignified response hid her hurt that he still questioned her integrity. “All I’ve given you is the truth.”

  “Okay, then.” He took another drink. “So then do you mind telling me why you were at a tittie bar out off I-20?”

  Flushing, she gaped at him. “How do you... Someone recognized me.”

  “Yep. Were you looking for a way to supplement your income?”

  Shocked, she gasped. “No. Don’t be ridiculous.” Then her sense of humor reasserted itself. “Plus, I don’t have the body to be a stripper.”

  His gaze raked over her, leaving little tendrils of fire. “Oh, I don’t know about that. I think you’d be very successful.”

  Even though her entire body flushed, she managed to push through and focus. “Who called you? Is there any chance he’s going to let Fowler know?”

  “Nope. It was Daryl Stroud, a friend of mine. He’s a probate attorney and I saw him briefly at the courthouse this morning. He’d heard I was asking around about you, so he thought he’d let me know he’d seen you on his lunch break.”

  She winced. “How’d he recognize me? I cut and colored my hair.”

  “You still look like you.” He came closer. “With a sexier haircut.”

  Damn. Her entire body quivered and quaked. She had to fight the urge to step away. She wouldn’t, because she had no reason to back down.

  “So what were you doing there?” Of course, he persisted in his questioning. “You still haven’t told me.”

  “Looking for Renee.” The shocked expression on his face would have been priceless under different circumstances. “I mean,” she rushed on, “it occurred to me s
he might have figured out that kind of job would be a good way to make a lot of cash quickly.”

  “She wouldn’t do that.”

  “You never know.” As his expression hardened, she explained. “She wasn’t there and the waitress said she hadn’t seen her. Tonight I’m going to check out some of the trendier bars on the outskirts of Dallas.”

  “Not alone, you’re not.”

  Now she did move away. Restless, both with pent-up desire and nervous energy, she moved from one end of the room to the other. “Do you want me to find your niece or not?”

  “Not at the cost of your safety.”

  Slowly, she shook her head. “You’re not my bodyguard.”

  “I am right now.”

  She tried another way of reasoning with him. “The reason I want to go alone is because she won’t recognize me, or have any reason to consider me a threat. With your size, she’d see you coming. I think that’s probably why you haven’t had any luck.”

  “Women who go alone to a bar are perceived by unscrupulous men as being there for one reason,” he said, his voice as dark as his gaze. “Unless you can honestly tell me you’re trained in self-defense or you have your concealed handgun permit, I’m going with you.”

  Stalemate. “I’m beginning to regret coming back here. I could have simply hung out in a mall or something until later.”

  “And risk someone recognizing you again?”

  He had a point. Still, she wasn’t accustomed to being told what she could and couldn’t do. For that reason alone, she was inclined to argue.

  “How about we compromise,” he finally said. “I’ll go with you, but wait in the car. That way if you get into any trouble, I can rescue you.”

  Though she appreciated his attempt to meet her halfway, she wasn’t sure how she felt about his insistence in wanting to take care of her. Part warm and fuzzy glow, and part oh hell no.

  “You and your brothers T.C. and Reid are close, aren’t you?” he asked, his voice quiet.

  “Yes, but I don’t see what that has to do with—”

  “Would either of them let you go to a bar alone?”

  “Let me? They’re not like that.”