A Randall Returns

by Judy Christenberry

  Caroline’s heart sank.

  Jake glanced at her. “Give me a minute with Mike.”

  Caroline watched as her dad went in and closed the door behind him.

  JAKE STARED AT MIKE. “So, you’re going to abandon my daughter?”

  “Sir, your daughter told me she only wanted us to be friends. That’s the kiss of death, and you know it.”

  Jake grinned. “Yeah, that’s a killer. So you think my daughter asked me to help because she’s concerned about law enforcement in Rawhide?”

  “Probably.”

  “Mike, wake up. Not only does she not want you to leave, but your uncle doesn’t, either. Didn’t he tell you that?”

  “Sure. But you didn’t see how excited he was about coming back.” Mike rubbed the back of his neck. “Look, Jake, the man’s been good to me. I can’t take the job he wants.”

  “He’s not being offered the job.”

  “What?”

  “We’re all glad he’s back, but not as sheriff. We want you as the sheriff. We like your energy, your superior training, your heart.”

  “Sir, if you’re arguing this because you think Caroline will decide she wants to marry, I can’t promise—”

  “Mike, I want you because you believe in not using guns without just cause. And you want to raise the entire staff to that level. I approve.”

  “But Caroline—”

  “I’m not demanding anything from you on the subject of Caroline. I want her happy, but only if the man feels the same way.”

  Mike stood and stuck out his hand. “Thank you. I accept.”

  Jake took it in his. “Let’s go eat.” He clapped Mike on the back as they stepped out into the main office.

  Caroline sat behind a desk. “Everyone else is gone.”

  “Then we’d better hurry,” Jake said. “I don’t want the café to run out of enchiladas.”

  “Are you eating with us?” she asked Mike, keeping all emotion from her face and voice.

  “I do love enchiladas,” he said with a grin.

  Caroline stood up and put her hands on her hips. “Mike Davis, I have worried myself sick about you losing your job and having to go back to Chicago, and you want to make jokes?”

  She didn’t wait for an answer. She strode out of the office. “I’m going home.”

  When someone caught hold of her arm, she whirled around again, ready to start swinging. Only it was her father.

  “Whoa, Caroline. You’re not the only one who’s been through a lot this morning. Pull yourself together, because you’re going to join us whether you want to or not. All the guys will think you’re mad about buying lunch. I won’t have that.”

  Caroline bowed her head, trying to compose herself. “Of course, Dad. I apologize. I hope we can find three places to sit.” She began walking at a more moderate rate. Her father was right. She couldn’t hurt the feelings of all the men working so hard to give Mike what he wanted.

  Before she entered the café, she pasted a smile on her face. She didn’t look to see if Mike was still with them. She told herself she didn’t care. She was going to make her father proud.

  When she went inside, she found all the men seated at tables side by side. She stopped the waitress who was serving them. “I hope they told you I was paying,” she said.

  “Yes,” the woman said, “but I didn’t want to take their word for it until I saw you.”

  “It’s true. And don’t let them skip dessert, either. They’ve earned it.”

  The men, overhearing her, cheered.

  Her father stepped past her. “I’m joining my brothers. There’s a table for two over there. You’d better go grab it,” he said, looking at Mike.

  “Dad!” Caroline protested.

  But her father just smiled and walked away.

  Mike took her arm and headed for the small table for two in a corner. “Come on, sit down. If you do, I’ll split the bill with you.”

  Bitterly, she whispered, “Do you think I care about that? Do you think that’s why I yelled at you?”

  “No, I think you’re frustrated…as I am. I’m staying, Caroline. That’s what I wanted. But I couldn’t do anything to hurt Uncle Bill. You want to know what we worked out?”

  “Yes,” she admitted, but her voice was shaking.

  As he sat down, a waitress came to wait on them. “Could you bring us a couple of coffees at once? It’s cold out there.”

  “Of course, Sheriff. Right away.” The woman didn’t even wait for Caroline to say anything.

  “I’m glad that’s what I want,” she said softly.

  Mike grinned. “If it’s not, I’ll personally have it changed. I appreciate your support, Caroline. I appreciate your father’s negotiation skills. I didn’t want to leave town.”

  Caroline swallowed. “So, what did you work out?”

  “Your father pointed out that if Bill wanted to live another twenty years and enjoy his marriage, he needed a less stressful job.”

  “What job?” Caroline could hardly wait to hear.

  “We’ll share the work, but Bill will focus on the administrative side. I’ll be in charge of training and working with the men. Jake said he’d make sure they had enough money to pay for another administrator. I was afraid Bill wouldn’t be able to handle that change, but he was pleased. He said he knew he couldn’t meet the standards I was setting. He thought my idea was good, especially since it’ll be implemented with an incredible workout facility.”

  “And that’s all it took?”

  “He wanted the job again so he could provide for Margie. And he’ll earn his money. The paperwork is copious, believe me. If there’s time, I can help him out. If other things are going on, he can handle it on his own.”

  The waitress brought their coffee. Caroline took a sip to steady herself. “I’m so glad it worked out.”

  “Yeah. Do I dare ask you out to dinner again?”

  “Maybe we should plan on eating in. We’ll—oh, dear. I’ve already made plans to leave this evening for Casper with my mother. I won’t be back until late Saturday night.”

  “How about dinner Sunday evening?”

  “All right. But I’ll cook. And if you show up on my doorstep with anyone else, I’m not going to let you in.”

  “That sounds promising. Will you dress like you did last night?”

  “You noticed?”

  “You know I did, Caro. I’d have to be dead not to notice.”

  She couldn’t hold back a smile. Then she said, “Oh! Harry. I told him you were leaving. He was very upset.”

  “He wasn’t the only one. We’ve become good friends. I’ll go with you to the hospital to reassure him.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Mike did want to tell Harry that he was staying, accompanying her to the clinic also meant he could remain in Caroline’s company a little bit longer. He felt that he’d averted disaster with his uncle’s offer to stay here as the administrative sheriff while he ran the department. It was the best of both worlds.

  He’d have family here with him, and he’d be close to Caroline. How close might be determined Sunday night.

  They walked slowly back to the hospital, trying to extend their few private minutes.

  “I missed you jogging with me this morning.”

  “I wasn’t sure you’d go with so much happening.”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Got to stay in shape.”

  “I’m glad you’re staying,” she whispered, as if afraid someone might hear her.

  “Me, too. So we get our chance to start over?”

  “Sunday night.”

  “I’ll see you then.”

  At the door of the clinic they each went their separate ways, with covert back glances.

  Mike stepped into Harry’s room without knocking and interrupted a kiss Harry was sharing with the nurse, Susan.

  Mike coughed, which had the two lovebirds jumping apart. “Excuse me. Didn’t mean to interrupt anything.”

  Susan hur
ried to the door, saying nothing.

  When they were left alone, Harry said, “Don’t tell me you’ve come to say goodbye, ’cause I can’t take that. You’re too good.”

  Mike smiled at his deputy and friend, and told him the news.

  “Thank God,” Harry said with relief, holding out his left hand to shake Mike’s in congratulation.

  “Thanks, Harry. I’m happy about it, too. I get to keep my job and have Uncle Bill here.”

  “And you get to hang out with Caroline?” Harry teased.

  “Harry, my friend, at least I wasn’t caught smooching.”

  Harry turned a bright red. “Don’t tell anyone, boss. I don’t want Susie embarrassed. She’s special!”

  “Good. Maybe we can give you a raise so you can support her.”

  “We haven’t gotten that far. Marriage is a big step.”

  Mike felt as if a mirror had been held up to his thoughts. “I know what you mean, Harry, but when the right woman comes along, you don’t want her to move on. Susan seems like she might be the right woman.”

  “Is that because you think Caroline is the right woman for you?”

  “It’s possible. But there are complications. When you’re older, you’ve got a lot of baggage you haven’t unpacked,” he added with a grin. To change the subject, Mike asked, “Is there anything you need?”

  “Nope. Steve came by on the way in this morning to offer to do anything. Everyone in the hospital cringes when he comes in the door. It’s like kicking a puppy when I can’t think of anything he can do for me. This morning I told him I needed a paper so I could see what’s going on in the world. I think he ran all the way to the newsstand and brought me back the Chicago Sun-Times.”

  Mike grinned. “That’s what you get for being a hero.”

  Harry blushed. “I’m not a hero.”

  Mike turned serious. “Harry, did you not use your gun because of things I’ve said? You could’ve shot the thief before he shot you, I believe.”

  Harry gave him a rueful smile. “Nope. I just didn’t think fast enough.”

  Mike patted him on the shoulder. “Okay. But if only a gun will work, don’t hesitate to use it.”

  “Yes, Sheriff,” Harry agreed, grinning. “I’m so glad I can still call you that.”

  “Me, too.”

  CAROLINE WAS ENJOYING her trip to Casper. In addition to her mom, her aunt Janie and Toby’s wife, Elizabeth, had come along.

  “Wow!” Elizabeth said as they drove to another store. “A weekend without the kids! What a great idea.”

  The two other mothers laughed. Caroline stared at Elizabeth. “You’re happy to be without your children?”

  “Don’t look so horrified, dear,” her mother said. “When you were little, I enjoyed time away, too.”

  “Oh, lordy, yes,” Janie agreed. “It was like the twins had sixteen arms and legs, all finding trouble.”

  Everyone laughed. But Caroline still looked concerned. “Don’t you worry about them while you’re away?”

  Still laughing, Janie said, “Every minute of every day, whether I’m there or not. But we’re lucky. We have Mildred and Red. And when Pete and I went to Hawaii, we had Camille and Griff. Of course, we didn’t know then they would end up married to each other.”

  “But if you worry about the kids, why does it make you feel good to go away?”

  “Because we know we’re coming back,” Elizabeth said. “And they always miss us. But not too much. It’s humbling to see how happy they are with Red and Mildred. But that hug they keep just for you is special. We come home refreshed and they appreciate us more.”

  “Nicely said, Elizabeth,” B.J. exclaimed.

  “You’ll see,” Janie added, “when you have your own little ones.”

  Caroline didn’t run away and hide this time. “Probably not, Aunt Janie. They don’t think I can have children.” She knew even her mother was surprised by her openness.

  Janie broke the silence. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “You didn’t know, Aunt Janie. It’s all right. I’m over feeling sorry for myself. I have a lot to be thankful for.”

  Since Caroline was driving and her mother was riding in the back seat, B.J. simply said, “I’m proud of you, Caro.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” she replied, smiling at her mother in the rearview mirror.

  “Why didn’t you tell us?” Elizabeth asked, sympathy in her voice.

  “Because for four years now, I believed I was damaged goods, that I didn’t have anything to offer a man. And the bum I was living with did nothing to change my mind. Especially when he left me for his nurse, who happened to be carrying his child.”

  “He deserves to be lynched!” Janie said, and the others agreed.

  They drove in silence for a couple of minutes until Elizabeth asked another question. “So what made you realize you’re not damaged goods?”

  Caroline smiled. “Someone told me to get over feeling sorry for myself. I started counting my blessings. Top on the list is my wonderful family.”

  “You definitely are right,” Janie said with a laugh.

  MIKE WAS COUNTING the minutes until Caroline got back and he could show up on her doorstep. He hoped no one noticed his distraction. He kept telling himself he’d take it slow. But he was haunted by memories of the one night they’d spent together.

  The training session he’d conducted yesterday had gone well. He’d taken three of the youngest deputies, Steve included, and taught them how to handle perps, even if the bad guys were bigger than them. And Mike was making sure his men were doing their exercises. One of Bill’s administrative duties was to record the amount of time each one exercised.

  Mike went upstairs and showered and changed when it was close to time to go to Caroline’s. Then he came back down to the Sheriff’s Office. “I’ve got my cell with me if you need me tonight,” he told the guys on duty.

  “You smell mighty purty for an old sheriff!” one of his men declared.

  “Too much?”

  “Naw, I was just teasin’ you,” the man said with a grin. “Want to tell us who she is?”

  “So you could try to steal her? I don’t think so. You’re too handsome for your own good.” With a laugh, Mike went out the front door into the lightly snowing, crisp night.

  He immediately noticed the sports car pulled up in front of the Sheriff’s Office. It was low-slung, expensive—and totally useless in Wyoming weather. A man got out of it and looked at Mike.

  “Excuse me. Is this the Sheriff’s Office?”

  Mike turned and looked at the bold black lettering above the door that said Sheriff’s Office. Obviously this man was a belt-and-suspenders type.

  “Yes, it is. May I help you?”

  “No, I’d rather talk to the sheriff.”

  Mike smiled. “I am the sheriff. Mike Davis,” he said, sticking out his hand.

  “Oh. How fortunate to run into you. I’m looking for someone.”

  “Anyone in particular?”

  “Well, yes, actually. A doctor, Dr. Randall.”

  Mike froze. This man had to be from Caroline’s past. Could he be the infamous Don?

  “And you would be…?”

  “Dr. Donald Scott.”

  So his hunch was right. Don didn’t move to shake his hand, and Mike dropped his.

  “Have you checked at the clinic?”

  “Yes. They refused to give me any information.” His irritation showed through.

  Mike didn’t want to help him. But he had to know if Caroline meant what she’d said about being over Don. “I can help you. I’ll show you where she lives.”

  “Well, thank you very much. I was afraid no one would tell me anything. I am a friend of hers, not a stalker,” he added with a laugh.

  “I’m not worried,” Mike assured him with a hard smile. “If she wants you gone, I’ll make certain it happens.”

  The man actually took a step back. “Shall I follow you in my car?” />
  “Up to you. I’m walking. It’s close.”

  Don closed his car door and stepped up on the sidewalk. “Lead the way.”

  Mike strolled forward, feeling the doctor’s presence behind him. He didn’t like turning his back on the man, so he stepped to the side and asked, “How long have you known Dr. Randall?”

  “We went to med school together in Chicago. Ever been to Chicago? It’s a wonderful city.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been there.”

  “Really? I didn’t think people this far in the middle of nowhere would’ve traveled much. I bet Caroline is going crazy here.”

  “Haven’t seen any signs of it.”

  “You probably don’t know her as well as I do.”

  Mike didn’t say anything. He thought it best that he keep quiet before he was tempted to say too much.

  CAROLINE COULDN’T BELIEVE how nervous she was. What was wrong with her? It was just Mike.

  She laughed at that thought. Just Mike. That was why she’d taken another bubble bath, carefully done her makeup and left her hair down. She’d added her favorite perfume as a special touch.

  Waiting in the kitchen was a dish of chicken spaghetti, one of her favorite meals, with tossed salad and green beans. She had rolls ready to go in the oven, some cheese and crackers for a starter, and Red’s chocolate cake as dessert.

  All of that just for Mike. Her smile grew. She couldn’t wait for him to arrive. She wanted to tell him how good she felt now. How his anger had awakened her, rescued her from self-pity.

  Where was he? Her watch said two minutes to seven. She’d hoped he’d be early. She did a last-minute check. The fire was crackling in the fireplace. The room was warm and welcoming, tidied up for visitors.

  Suddenly she heard footsteps outside and looked at her watch. Of course, she should’ve known. He was exactly on time. He wasn’t about to reveal his feelings by being early.

  Taking a deep breath, she headed for the door. But she wasn’t going to answer it until he knocked. She definitely had that much self-discipline.

  When the knock sounded, she swung open the door, a happy smile on her face.

  Until she saw that Mike had brought company. Unwanted company.