Hugh's Chase

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “Then why are you still in Colton?” Sandra wasn’t budging.

  Adira respected the woman’s cautious curiosity. When all else fails, be honest. “I punched Marshall Reed and Judge Marley sentenced me to community service.” She heard Hugh’s humph.

  “I wish I had front seats to that show.”

  The door came open and Adira and Hugh exchanged a look of surprise before stepping into the house. The inside looked nothing like the outside. It was clean and cozy. However, Sandra’s sullen gaze, dark circles, and oversized clothes told a story that Adira couldn’t miss. The woman was disheveled with several healing bruises on her face and a fresh looking one around her temple.

  Adira swallowed the acid in her throat. Now she understood why they were making a welfare check.

  Hugh tucked his thumbs into his front pockets, his jaw turned tight and new lines appeared around his eyes. “Looks like you’ve fallen again.”

  Sandra brought a shaky hand to her face. “Yeah, something like that.”

  “Look, I’m not going to beat around the bush. I know you kicked Joe out last night. He did this to you, right?”

  Chapter 5

  Reminding himself that it was his job to remain cool, he resisted the urge to hunt down Joe and wring his neck for beating on his wife. Hugh realized he needed to support Sandra and losing his composure wouldn’t help. It also wasn’t his job to tell her what she must do, but instead lay out the options—the safe options.

  She lowered her eyes to the floor for a second before bringing her chin back up, her mouth twisted. “Things have been tough on him lately, Hugh. He lost his job at the mill. The farm has gone downhill. You know he’s a man with a lot of pride.”

  “Things are tough for a lot of folks. That’s not an excuse to take his aggression out on you.”

  “This is Marshall Reed’s fault. Since he took over the paper mill, the biggest job market near Colton, put in all those computers to take the place of humans, he’s destroyed a lot of lives.” There was a quiver to her voice.

  “I get change can be hard, but you can’t make excuses for your husband. He’s responsible for his behavior, not you or anyone ese. Why did you kick him out? Because he hit you?”

  Sandra spun on her flip flops and went to sit on the flowered chair by the fireplace, clasping her hands tightly in her lap. “I couldn’t take it anymore,” she whispered.

  Hugh sat down on the couch beside her. “Let me help you. File charges against him.”

  Her chin popped up as her eyes widened. “And what? Will he be arrested?” Her brows scrunched.

  Placing his elbows on his knees, he leaned forward. “I’ll arrest him. He’s committed a crime.

  She quickly shook her head, sending oily strands of hair hitting her cheeks. “No. I don’t want him arrested. He’ll get out and when he does, he’ll be angrier than ever.”

  “Judge Marley can issue a protective order keeping Joe from getting near you. I can contact the victim’s advocate for the court and she can help you.”

  Sandra laughed and it was raw. “What will keep him away? A piece of paper?”

  Adira, who had been quiet up until now, said, “We don’t know each other, but I know what you’re going through, all too well. Violence like this doesn’t stop. It only gets worse. I understand you don’t want him arrested. Do you have anywhere you can go? Someplace safe? Getting away can help you clear your mind.”

  Reaching for a tissue from a box on the table, Sandra dabbed at her eyes. “I-I guess I could go to my sister’s. She lives over in Wattawa County.”

  “Having Joe arrested will give you enough time to make arrangements with your sister. The protective order will tell him that you mean business and you want the abuse to stop,” Hugh said.

  “I won’t change my mind about him being arrested.” Her expression stayed firm. “But I’ll agree to the order. Is that possible?”

  Some relief came to Hugh. He wanted Sandra safe and at least they were getting somewhere. “I’ll speak to Judge Marley. I’m sure there’s something we can do.”

  “If you’d like, I can stay with you until you make arrangements with your sister,” Adira volunteered.

  Hugh targeted her with a skeptical gaze. He wasn’t sure about this idea. Sandra being in danger’s way was bad enough. He didn’t need to worry about Adira too.

  Sandra crumbled her tissue. “I-I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

  “You didn’t ask. I’m volunteering.”

  “Can I speak to you a moment?” He motioned for Adira to follow him onto the porch. Once they were alone, he shook his head. “You can’t do this.”

  “Why not?”

  “Have you forgotten you’re not a deputy?”

  She crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her chin firmly. “No, I haven’t forgotten, but right now she needs someone who understands.”

  He scrubbed his jaw, making a mental note to ask her later how she knew so much about domestic abuse. For now, he’d let her help because she was right, Sandra needed someone who got it. “Fine, but if Joe comes back, do not answer the door.”

  “I won’t.”

  Hugh had a tough time releasing the tension as he headed back to town with a promise from both women to call him at once if there was any sign of trouble. First thing he did, he drove to the courthouse to speak to Judge Marley who happily issued a protective order.

  It didn’t take long for Hugh to find Joe. He was straddling a stool at the bar.

  Walking into the dimly lit place, several patrons brought their heads up and their eyes widened. He swore he heard their sighs of relief when he passed their tables and headed toward his target.

  Joe drank enough to make him wobbly on his seat. He nudged the man sitting next to him. “Dirk, you still seeing that purty little lady who works at the corner market?”

  “She kicked me out. Looks like you and I both have been kicked to the curb.” Dirk laughed and shot back his drink.

  “I won’t be for long. Mark my words,” he grumbled. When Hugh approached, the bartender greeted him and Joe swiveled, a scowl on his face. “Sheriff, don’t you have anything better to do besides breathe down my neck?” he said in a slurred voice.

  “In fact, I do have better things to do.” Hugh withdrew the legal document from his pocket and placed it on the pockmarked bar, receiving a confused expression from the drunken man.

  “What’s this?”

  “Call it a lifeline.”

  Joe unfolded the paper and as he read it, his jaw grew tighter and tighter. He slammed the document down with his fist. “Fuck this!”

  “Say what you want, but the law states if you come any closer than fifty feet of Sandra you’ll be arrested. If I had my way, you’d be in cuffs and spending some time in a six by eight. If anything, it might get you sobered up and off the sauce.”

  “My wife didn’t have anything to do with this.” He picked up the paper, crumbled it in his swollen fist and threw it back down.

  “Rest assured, your wife wants you to leave her alone. You’ve crossed a line.”

  “No one can keep me from her. Not even you, Jericho.” He shot spittle as he spoke. Luckily, Hugh wasn’t close enough to get rained on.

  “Sober up, then come and see me. I’ll answer any questions you have. I might even be able to throw the name of a rehab your way.”

  Joe slid off his stool, wobbled and swiped the back of his hand across his bearded chin. “I’m sober enough to tell you to stick that piece of paper up your egotistical ass, Sheriff.” Several bystanders chuckled and some mumbled “Joe you’re stupid” and “big mistake”.

  Guarding his patience, Hugh took a deep breath. “Listen up, Joe,” he was a few inches taller and at least forty pounds heavier than the other man. “You’ll stay away from Sandra. Do yourself a favor, avoid the farm, get yourself clearheaded and read that paper again.”

  “Fuck you, man.”

  Hugh shrugged. “Good day.” He tipped his hat, pivoted on his
boots, ready to head toward the exit when he felt tight fingers on his shoulder. He turned, grabbed Joe by the wrist, twisting his arm behind his back, then pushed him against the edge of the bar. “I’ve given you a chance, buddy. Don’t push your luck. One more wrong move from you and I’ll see you in my jail. Got it?”

  Patrons had now surrounded them.

  The only thing received in response was silence.

  Once he felt Joe’s muscles relax, Hugh let go of him and took a step back. The other man slowly turned, rubbing his wrist, smirking, but still didn’t say a word.

  Hugh strolled out and slid into the driver’s side of his truck, just as Deputy LaGatta came over the radio. “Sheriff Jericho? Maggie called. She’s angry because you haven’t stopped by.”

  “Thank you, Deputy. I’ll check in and see what the problem is.”

  Before he started his engine, he reached for his phone and dialed Adira’s number. She answered on the second ring. “I served the papers. Please tell me Sandra contacted her sister.”

  “She did and she has her things packed. I’m staying with her until her sister picks her up.”

  “I’m having Deputy Hall come out to stay too. I have a call to take care of. See you later.”

  He dropped his phone on the dashboard, turned on the engine and pulled onto the road as his thoughts drifted to Adira who seemed to wander into his mind a lot lately. Unprepared for his sudden lack of logic, he reminded himself that he didn’t need, nor want, the diversion of a beautiful woman in his life. If only the incident hadn’t popped up with Reed, she’d be gone by now and he’d be back to concentrating on matters at hand. Keeping the peace. He didn’t have the time to take on the troubles of allowing his libido to call the shots. He’d made a promise to himself to stay on the path he’d set for himself.

  Yet, why did he suddenly feel lonely?

  At his age, the loneliness was setting in. He’d had enough one night stands to last a lifetime, although now was not the time to put too much thought into relationships.

  Pulling in front of Maggie’s house, he slipped out of the truck and strolled up on the porch. The door was open and he heard her call out through the screen door. “In here, Hugh.”

  He stopped at the threshold and peered into the dimly lit room, but he didn’t see her. “Maggie?”

  “Turn the light on, Sheriff.”

  Unsure of what was happening, and out of habit he placed his hand on his gun holster, went to the table lamp and switched it on. He scanned the room and then found her, standing across the short space near the foot of the stairs. She was leaning against the bannister, wearing matching black bra and panties, strappy stilettos, and a smile, all while holding a beer can in each hand. His breath came out in a hiss. He’d walked right into this trap.

  “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to wait too long.” She sashayed her way across the room, stopping in front of him and placing one can on the table. She popped the lid to the other and handed it to him. He accepted it, although he didn’t take a drink. “Seeing that we didn’t make a plan for that third date yet, I thought I might have to push things along.”

  “Sorry. I’m still on duty.” He sat the can next to the one on the table.

  She pressed herself close, planting her palms against his chest, tapping a nail against the button of his shirt. “I’m disappointed, Sheriff. You haven’t said one itty bitty word about what I’m wearing.” She pursed her crimson, full lips.

  “You look nice.” He shifted in his boots.

  She chuckled and tossed the ends of her curly hair over one shoulder. “Nice? That’s all a woman gets when she went to the trouble of picking out the perfect lingerie and buying your favorite beer?”

  He scratched his chin. “It’s been a busy day. Maybe if I wasn’t on du—”

  “Silly.” Maggie didn’t give him time to answer. She snuggled closer, brushing the tips of her fingers along his cheek. “You should take some time for yourself, Sheriff. I hear being a lawman is a stressful job and I have just the cure to destress.” She slid one button on his shirt through the hole and then another. “I heard about the Newman girl. I bet that’s keeping you occupied. Is she still missing?”

  “Yes.”

  “Any idea what happened? Where she could be?”

  “Why the interest? Have you heard something?”

  She gave her head a quick shake. “No, I’m just interested in your job, cowboy.” She crawled her fingers to his waist and slid one tip underneath the belt.

  A part of him—a big part—wanted to allow his body to submit to the need, but the longer he stood there, the clearer an image came into his mind. The beautiful brunette who’d bombarded her way into his life. Adira.

  This wasn’t going to happen.

  After dragging the beautiful blonde off his chest, he took a step back.

  He started to open his mouth when his cell buzzed. She sighed in irritation. “Sorry. I have to get this.” He pulled the phone out and checked the screen. “Hi, Deputy LaGatta,” he said into the phone. “What’s up?”

  “Deandra Newman has been found.”

  ~~~~~

  “I heard about that young girl. I’m sorry,” Adira said from the steps to the porch where Hugh sat in a rocker. He wore a black T-shirt that fit his broad shoulders, and jeans that had holes in the knees. His booted feet were propped against the rail and he had an open beer in his hand.

  “Want one?” He raised his bottle.

  “I don’t drink.” Although that wasn’t an answer people usually heard, he didn’t seem to think twice. She sat down on the top step and leaned against the frame. “Will she be okay?”

  He shrugged. “She’s in a coma. Doc said the next twenty-four hours are critical.”

  “What happened?”

  “She got a bad batch of drugs. Thankfully, someone found her before it was too late.”

  Adira watched him take a long drink, how his lips curved around the lid of the bottle and his throat moved. She knew how much pride he took in his work and protecting the town. His concern was written in every dark shadow and crease of his face. “I came out here to see how you are and to tell you Sandra called and said she made it to her sister’s house.”

  “Thank you for letting me know.”

  Several minutes passed. She stood and pushed her hands into her back pockets. “I guess I should be leaving.”

  “I have an idea.” He placed his bottle on the upside-down crate and stood. “Are you in a hurry?”

  “Yeah, I have so many places to be.” She smiled.

  “I’ll take you to one of my favorite places.”

  “Really?”

  “Why so surprised?”

  “Well, earlier today you didn’t want me shadowing you, and now you’re offering to show me around. That’s why.”

  He laughed. “I could use the company.”

  Adira thought they’d take the truck, but Hugh suggested they walk. “So, your favorite place is here on the ranch?”

  “Absolutely. There are many wonderful places on this land, but where we’re going to is exceptional.”

  As they walked along a path through the woods, several times she caught herself reaching for his hand as lovers would do, but they weren’t intimate. Not even close enough to call each other friends, and yet she felt comfortable with him. He exuded a calmness that relaxed her too.

  “I visited with Presley earlier. Did you hear the news?”

  “That I’m becoming an uncle again? Sure did.”

  “I bet being surrounded by all this love must make you an open target for cupid’s arrow.”

  He shrugged. “Have my sisters-in-law been talking to you about my love life?”

  “You mean the lack of one? Maybe.” She hid her smile.

  “Do they realize how pathetic they make a man seem, how desperate, when they’re always trying to fix me up? Did Presley send you out here?”

  “No. I came on my own.”

  Once they reached a clearing, she didn�
��t even wait for Hugh. She ran through the field spotted with purple wildflowers, loving the feel of the warmth and the breeze rushing through her hair. Reaching the edge of the woods, she looked around at the tall, thick trees that offered shade from the sun. Slipping off her sandals, she swung them over one finger and strolled across the thick grass, her feet sinking into the soft undergrowth.

  “Is this the place?” she asked when he joined her.

  “Part of it.” He pointed to something ahead in the distance.

  She could hear the rushing and churning of water. “Is that what I think it is?”

  He nodded. “As kids, my brothers and I used to come down here and play in the creek and do some fishing. Come on and I’ll show you.”

  Again, she took off at a run, loving the country and the freedom. With little effort, he was beside her, and then he did something that completely spun her into a loop. He reached out, grabbed her hand and together they raced along the grassy plain until they reached the bank. He pulled her to stand underneath a tall willow tree.

  Carved into the bark were all the brothers’ names. She touched Hugh’s, tracing each letter methodically.

  “We were like every other kid who thinks they must leave their autograph on everything.” He laughed.

  The water rushed over the rocks violently after the storms they’d had for several days. She listened to the calming sound, loving the sweet lullaby and the warmth of their linked fingers. Neither made a move to slip away. Neither said anything. After a few minutes of silence, she looked at his profile. “Thank you for bringing me here. It’s lovely.”

  “I come here when I need to put things in order.”

  “I know how you must hate seeing Deandra like she is, but from what I hear, she’s a strong girl.”

  “Sometimes I wonder what the hell is going on in this town.”

  “You can close your eyes and point to any place on a map and you’ll find these same issues. Trust someone who knows. I’ve witnessed a lot.”

  He brushed a tendril of hair off her cheek. The touch was so sweet that she felt herself leaning in and then she looked past his shoulder. She saw a treehouse in an oak tree. “Did you used to climb that?” she pointed.