by Jenny Plumb
“That isn’t fair! I planned to drive out here before we left!”
“You turned the car around to head this way.”
“Because I almost forgot because I was angry with you!”
“Why are you angry with me? I saved your life.”
“Why am I angry? Because you showed up when all I wanted was to shower and go to bed. You made me realize that strange things can and do happen, and it frightens me. Do we all time travel when we die? Why on earth would God send you here? Why to me? What if I can’t make things right for you ever again? Do you realize you could have been killed by mixing into my fight? I am not some sweet little girl who needs a man’s protection! I am quite capable, and it makes me mad that you can’t see that! And, you spanked me earlier! I am not going to allow you to do it again!”
“You have a sassy temper,” Victor said with a chuckle.
“I am not trying to be funny!” she retorted.
“That is why I am laughing. You are so serious. I expect you to stomp your foot any second now.”
“I can’t stomp my foot while I am driving!” She heard him muffle another snort of laughter and her foot pressed harder on the accelerator. It was one way of shutting him up!
“Slow down. You will hit something!” he insisted.
“I am driving the speed limit. Get used to it! On the Interstate we drive a whole lot faster!” If she weren’t so provoked, the look on his face would have been funny.
“You will not drive on that thing you mentioned,” he ordered, and immediately knew he’d made a mistake. She was going to drive this thing straight there. “No, please do not. My heart could not stand it.”
A glance at him told her he wasn’t joking. She nodded and headed for her house, trying to calm down. By the time they arrived, she was over her temper.
“Thank you, Jessica.”
She looked at him questioningly. “For what?”
“For not driving on the fast place. I fear that.”
“I was angry, but I would not harm you.” He helped her carry the groceries inside and she put them away, after making them a sandwich and pouring some milk to drink.
Once they were finished eating, Victor crooked his finger at her.
“What?” she asked.
“You know what. I am going to spank you for running after that kid without a weapon. He could have killed you. It was not the way a peace officer should behave. You know this as well as I do. You have earned a spanking.”
“No! I am able to defend myself!” she insisted.
“I will bare you if you do not come to me right now. No more argument.”
“I am not about to let you spank me! I am not a child!”
“You are a feisty, sassy little redhead,” Victor said, and then he reached for her. To his surprise, she pulled some sort of Indian trick and got away from him. “That is only going to cost you, honey. I know how to fight too.”
“I have a black belt,” she warned.
“I wear a brown belt, but I can use it to tan your hide if you wish,” he said.
“It means that I am proficient in martial arts,” she patiently explained, but in the next second, he swept her off her feet, flipped her in the air, and she landed face down across his knee. He unfastened her jeans and jerked them down, her panties caught inside. “No— OW!” she ended on a yelp of pain as his palm landed on her bare skin. She was already tender from earlier, and this spanking really hurt. “Stop! Stop!” she pleaded.
“You risked your life, little girl.” Victor thought it was a shame that her father or her brothers permitted the pretty redhead to do such a dangerous job in order to support herself. She should be living at home, under her father’s roof. Instead, it was as though she was all alone in the world. She needed to be more careful, and he was going to give her the lesson she’d earned. He continued spanking her, ignoring her cries of pain.
Jess was in serious pain, and nothing she said made a difference. What really hurt was knowing that Victor thought he was doing right by her. In his own way, he was trying to keep her safe from the evils of the world. She burst into tears, wishing that she could keep Victor as her own sweet man. But how could she when all he wanted was to go home to his time. Would he disappear when his job here was finished? That thought caused serious pain to her heart.
“Let her go!” A male voice spoke with authority. “Don’t try anything; I have a gun on you, and I will shoot.”
“No! Timmy, no!” Jess cried out, trying to get up and place herself in front of Victor, but he wasn’t having it. He pushed her behind him.
“I am the sheriff of Guthrie. Put down your weapon.”
“Timmy, I am fine. Victor, this is my brother, Timothy. He is a police officer; please don’t try to be a hero. Tim, Victor cares about me and I frightened him earlier. He isn’t trying to harm me.”
“He was spanking you, Jessie.” Tim’s deep voice was full of incredulity. “Pull up your jeans, please,” he scolded, but had to grin when she blushed a fiery red and grabbed for her pants. His little sister was still innocent as could be. “So, Sheriff, why were you spanking my little sister? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t run you in.” He was mad as hell that the man had dared to put his hands to Jess in a rough manner.
“Your little sister chased after a thief tonight without a weapon to protect herself. He pulled a knife on her, and she was going to fight. If I hadn’t stepped in, she would have been killed. I came a long distance to protect Jessica, and I will keep her safe.”
“Jess, is this true? You chased after a thief without your gun?”
“I was off duty. I put my debit card in my pocket and left. I didn’t have my badge or my gun, but when he swiped the woman’s purse in the grocery store, I gave chase. In retrospect, it wasn’t the smartest thing to do. I didn’t call for backup, either. That is why Victor was spanking me. He felt I was foolish.”
“You were. That sort of thing could get you dead, little sister. You earned that spanking.”
“Don’t you dare tell anyone, though. Please? They would all tease me to pieces.”
“Come here,” he gruffly ordered, and Jess automatically obeyed him. Tim wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. “I want you to stay safe, little sister. You take too many chances.”
“You’ve been talking to Skylar again,” she whispered.
“I have. Girl, I am going to haul you up for disciplinary action if there is one more incident of this sort. I don’t want to; it will keep you from being promoted for at least ten years if I do. But I would rather do that than see you killed or injured on the job.” He hugged her again. “Mister, I don’t know you, but from what was going on here when I walked in, it sounded like you are trying to keep Jessie safe. You’d best show up at the folks and get Dad’s approval before you go to baring Jessie again; hear me?”
“I hear you; I have feelings for Jessica. She is very special to me.”
“That’s the only reason I’m not pounding you into next week.” He held his sister at arm’s length. “Be careful, Jessie, and I’m not talking police business now. Take things slow, and introduce this guy to the folks tomorrow if you are serious about him. Otherwise I’ll have to tell Dad what is going on.”
“You would tattle on me?” she said, hooting with laughter.
“You bet I would, and you wouldn’t find it so funny if Dad walked in on you like I just did. He would kick both your butts.”
Chapter 4
“Please stay right here, Victor. Watch television, and learn what you can about today’s world. I will call Mom and invite us to her house for dinner tonight. Otherwise, Dad and half of my brothers will show up here, ready to bounce you on your head.”
“I do not wish to cause problems for you with your family, Jessica. I will speak to your father respectfully and give him to know that I am willing to take good care of you.”
“He will question your faith and your morals.”
“I will handle that too. Do
not worry, little one.” He smiled at her. She left when her partner picked her up. Victor grabbed her keys, locked her front door as he saw her do the night before, and he approached her car with trepidation. He would rather break a horse than drive her car, but he needed to follow her. He knew she was going to the precinct, as she called the sheriff’s office. He got into the car and made sure he fastened his seat belt. With more confidence than he truly felt, he started the car. He knew how to operate the vehicle because he had made her explain how the car worked when she was driving him about.
He managed to back the car out of the driveway, and he was soon on his way to the precinct. He made sure to stay in his lane, stop for red lights and stop signs, and he was careful not to drive too fast, or too slow. He parked the car where he could see Jessica and her partner when they went out on patrol, and he followed them all day. He was relieved when her shift was over, and he drove on to her house, hurried inside, and turned on the television to see some woman claim she was a genie who lived in a bottle!
“Hi, I’m home!” Jess said, coming inside. She walked over and kissed him. “Are you all right, Victor?”
“Yes, fine. Did you call your mother?” he asked.
“I did. I’ll get a shower and change into regular clothes, and then we’ll go over and eat dinner with them. Are you sure you’re up to this?”
“Of course. I would assure them that my feelings for you are very real.”
“I missed you today, Victor. I also have been thinking. You would be miserable trying to get a job here in Guthrie. We should buy a small ranch and raise some horses. I love them, and it is something we could do together.”
“You would no longer be a peace officer?” he asked.
“I would hate to give up my job, Victor. We would need the money, especially in the beginning.” She smiled at him. “I’ll hurry to get presentable and we’ll go to my folks.”
She rushed to get dressed, putting on a brand new Christmas sweater, and applying some lipstick to match. She was wearing a pair of skinny jeans and short ankle boots. She took down her hair and brushed it out, letting it fall in waves around her shoulders. Her father loved her long, red hair.
“You are prettier without the lip rouge,” Victor stated. “Please take it off. In my time, only dance hall women wear lip rouge.”
“In this time, girls like to look pretty. My dad will love it. Let’s go. Mama won’t like it if we keep everyone waiting for dinner.”
It didn’t take long to drive to her family home. It also wasn’t surprising to see so many of her siblings already there. “Hi, everyone. This is Victor Bodey. Don’t start on him. I mean it; I’ll arrest you for harassment!” she threatened. She took Victor’s hand and marched him over to a recliner, her father’s place in the large house. “Daddy, this is Victor. Victor, this is my dad. Be nice to him, Dad. I am finally in love, and very serious about this man.” She didn’t give him a chance to say anything, but pulled Victor with her and into the kitchen to meet her mom. “Mama, this is Victor. Victor, my mama. Isn’t he cute, Mama?” she asked.
“He is very handsome,” her mother whispered back. “And so big too!”
“He makes me feel tiny,” Jess admitted. “Do you need help, Mom?”
“Yes. You can take up the fried chicken, and put the platter on the table. Do you like fried chicken, Victor?”
“Yes, ma’am. I sure do. May I carry something for you?”
“Oh, so polite. Yes, you may. Take up the green beans and put them on the table. Use that bowl,” she pointed with the spoon she was using to stir the gravy.
“Yes, ma’am. I think your daughter is beautiful,” he announced.
“She is beautiful,” her dad agreed from the doorway. “Do you need my help, Mama?” he offered.
“Yes, dear. Please check on the rolls so they don’t burn.”
“I don’t like burned rolls,” he agreed, hurrying to the top oven to open it and examine the baking bread. “They need another minute or two, honey. So, Victor, how do you support yourself?”
“I’ve been working as a sheriff, but Jessica and I are thinking about buying a small spread and raising horses. I do not like her doing such a dangerous job.”
“I don’t like it either, son. I think you are on the right track. Jessie loves horses, and she would be happy doing that. I hear you had to save her last night?”
“She was not armed; the kid had a knife. I thought it best to protect her. I would give my life to keep her safe from harm.”
“I like you, Victor. Jessie has never brought a boy home, so you must be special. No hanky pinky unless you speak the vows first. Jessie wasn’t raised without morals.”
“I know that, and I promise you that I respect her and will treat her with respect.”
“I raised my boys to show respect to ladies; it goes both ways, and it is what our church teaches.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Are you a church goer?”
“Daddy! Give Victor a break!” Jess moaned.
“Jessica, your father wouldn’t be much of a father if he didn’t ask my intentions. He is only trying to know me to make sure I am good enough for his little girl. I do not mind, little one.” He turned to her father. “Yes, sir. I attend church every Sunday. My ma raised me that way.”
“You’ll do, young man. Let’s get this food on the table. I think most of our family is here tonight. Did you make enough chicken, Mama?”
“There is a ham too, dear. We have enough food for our army.”
He laughed. “Everyone come to the dining room right now. Shut off the TV, kids.” When everyone was there, he said, “Let’s hold hands and recite our blessing together.” He led the prayer, and Victor was pleased it was the same prayer he was taught as a child. “Let’s all help the little ones first and seat them at the kitchen table.”
Victor liked Jessica’s family. They were warm, full of laughter, teased each other, and they cared deeply for his Jessica. It pleased him to know that he was the first man she’d brought to meet her family. They all seemed to like him too. The meal was almost over when Timothy walked in. He stood to greet him, and Tim seemed relieved he was there. “Are you going to marry, Jessie?” he asked bluntly.
“My intentions are honorable. Jessica might wish for more time to be sure of me before she says yes to marriage, but when she agrees, I will be a happy man.”
“She agrees,” one of the little girls spoke up. “Don’t you, Auntie Jess? Can I be a flower girl?” Everyone laughed, and Jess gave the child a hug.
“I would love to have you as a flower girl, honey.”
“See, Uncle Victor, Auntie says yes!”
Much later, they were finally permitted to leave. “I must go shopping, Victor. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. We all go to Mass together and we have Christmas on Christmas Evening. Mama feels it best the kids have Santa at home, and play with their new toys, and then we all get together. I need to finish up my shopping.”
“Do you mind if I go with you?” He didn’t want her shopping alone at this time of night.
“I think it will be a lot of fun. You won’t believe some of the toys we have for kids these days.”
“Are these stores safe at night?” he asked.
“Oh, this is a yearly occurrence. The stores have extended hours so people can do their shopping. I like to shop late at night because there are fewer people in the stores.” She drove to her favorite store, parked her car and locked it. Victor held her hand, and they walked into the brightly lit store. She grabbed a cart, and went straight to the toy section. “I need to buy for the boys. I’m finished with everyone else. So, look for boy things. Now listen, that isn’t politically correct. I know that kids can play with whatever they want, but… boys like certain types of things and girls like something else. So, we are shopping for little boys.”
“I understand. I got my first knife when I was ten.”
“No. Auntie doesn’t buy gifts that could upset the parents. I get fun
stuff for them.”
Victor had a great time playing with toys, and trying to help Auntie Jess pick out the best ones. When they finished, she drove them home. They snuggled on the sofa for a while, and spoke of love, and how shocking it was when it surprised them instantaneously. Victor slept on the sofa again, and his even snoring indicated to Jess that he was sound asleep. She used the time to wrap her Christmas gifts for everyone. Then she sat on her bed and wrote a long letter. Tears were running down her face as she finished, and she prayed that she would someday be able to destroy the letter and laugh at herself for being so superstitious.
Christmas Eve morning, she woke early and dressed in her uniform. She had to go to work, and when she got home that evening, she would change into clothes suitable for Midnight Mass and she and Victor would meet her family at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, they would all gather at her parents for a glass of wine and the German fruit and nut bread that was a tradition in her mother’s family.
“You should eat breakfast, Jessica,” Victor scolded.
“I am running late,” she answered. “You behave today.”
“It is hard to do. I was to be with my ma and my aunt this day. It is difficult to think of leaving my ma all alone in the world,” he admitted over the lump in his throat. “You be careful out there. Perhaps the criminals will all be with their families today?” he suggested.
“Or, desperate people will make foolish mistakes out of need to provide a fancy Christmas for loved ones.”
“I do not understand that thinking.”
“You are too honest, dear Victor. You wouldn’t steal from anyone, for any reason. But some people are convinced the only way to make Christmas happen for a child is to steal money or to take items without paying for them. They rob people at ATMs, or carjack their car. They wait in parking lots for people to come outside. It is a dangerous time of year.”
“I do not wish you to go; this job is too dangerous for a woman. I would rather you stay home and let me support you.” Victor was serious.
“I can’t do that right now, Victor. I have a sworn duty to protect, and I can’t just not show up for my shift. It wouldn’t be fair to my partner, or to all the people who depend on me to keep them safe from harm. You have to trust that I can take care of myself. I was trained by the best, and I can defend myself if necessary. When the time is right, I will resign and be content to let others wear the badge and represent law and order.”
