Almost Home

by Caroline Clemmons

His voice drowned out in the scream of the engines. The door sealed. Through the plane’s window he saw Virgil Lee offer a tentative smile and wave goodbye.

  The plane taxied forward down the runway gathering speed. The smell of fuel seared his nostrils. Link followed behind for a few feet, then stopped. His body sagged in defeat.

  "Aw, hell." He sat on the runway and pillowed his head on his knees.

  Virgil Lee was as good as dead and he hadn't been able to prevent it.

  Harris raced to the car radio while the other men in their group stared transfixed at the plane.

  The Beachcraft sped down the concourse and lifted in flight. Link stared as it wavered, then righted and leveled out. The silhouette against the sky grew smaller.

  When it was the size of a toy plane, Link heard a small pop, like a cherry bomb on the 4th of July. The tiny image exploded in a ball of fire and smoke. Debris showered in all directions.

  Silence surrounded those on the ground. A part of Link gaped in horror at what had been three humans in an aircraft. Another part of him was aware the other seven men stared at the place where the plane had been only seconds before, seemingly immobile and in shock.

  From the distance, the sound of sirens broke his trance and theirs. The men on the runway swung into action.

  Except for Link.

  Link Dixon remained where he was and said a prayer for his cousin's soul.

  Chapter Forty Eight

  Link grimaced at the irony. Only a few weeks ago, he’d started at the bottom of the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department staff. Hard to believe he was now the Sheriff. Almost. County Commissioners appointed him to fill the unexpired portion of Gary Don's term of office.

  A few citizens who remembered only that Link had once been accused of murder came to voice opposition to the appointment. Two other men also sought the position, but neither seemed surprised when Link was named sheriff in a rare unanimous vote from the County Commissioners.

  Getting Coy's home returned took longer. Forsythe had lined up a deal with a developer to put a luxury retirement center complex where the homes of Coy and his neighbors stood. The crooked lawyer convinced many homeowners a landfill was going in next to the hill near their property. He was able to buy many homes from panicked owners at prices far below market value.

  To acquire the balance of the buildings Forsythe wanted, he and Gary Don dummied tax records to seize the properties. That's what had happened to Coy. Link thanked God for hard-nosed Judge Humphreys and the fact that matters like this moved far faster in a small town than in a city. Otherwise, Coy's home and the others might have been tied up in court for years.

  Vince succeeded in convincing the court that since Coy had no part in the drug scheme, he should not suffer any financial punishment or lose any property. Zach Dunaway’s claims against Mitzi’s estate had slowed things further, but an equitable split was finally arranged between Zach and the Francis family. Coy asked Vince to withdraw his name because he had all the land Gary Don had purchased in Coy’s name.

  Records and charges eventually had been properly dealt with. Coy and Link were in the sheriff's car. Behind them, Rob Gamble towed Coy’s things in a rental trailer.

  Coy said, "I'm so happy I get Mama's house back. You did that for me and I thank you."

  Link headed for Coy's home. "You'll have to thank Vince. It took him days to unravel the paperwork. Gary Don and his crooked lawyer made it look as if you were the criminal."

  Coy looked as near angry as Link had ever seen him. "I sure am disappointed Gary Don did that to me. He promised Mama he’d take care of me after she died. He lied."

  "Yes, he did. Now that Gwen and her husband are taking care of you, things will be just fine. Forrest is a terrific CPA and real good with money. He'll make sure you always have everything you need.”

  Coy nodded. “That’s good. Miz Gwen and Mister Phifer are always nice to me. Miz Gwen helped me in my bidness so I wouldn’t be locked up.”

  “Coy, you can quit worrying about someone locking you up. You’re safe now."

  “You mean always?” Coy sounded doubtful.

  “Always, unless you decide to rob the bank.”

  Coy chuckled. “Now, Link, you know I wouldn’t never do nothin’ like that.”

  They passed by Akridge House. The new roof was on but painters’ scaffolding still stood on the south side. Another day or two should finish up the outside of the house. Maggie had enlisted Anna’s and Gwen’s help in selecting things for the interior and work had already begun on the plumbing. Thank God, he wouldn’t have to battle those old pipes again.

  Coy was silent for a bit. “Link, Mama said sometimes people lock up the feeble-minded if there’s any trouble. I reckon I just can’t help worryin’ some.”

  “You can stop worrying. I promise.”

  They came to a stop sign, so Link had a chance to face Coy. “Think about all you’ve done. For starters, you saved my life. I can’t tell you how much I thank you for believing in me and helping me. Aside from that, you’ve supported yourself in your own business for years, and you helped solve two murders. If anyone tried to lock you away, Coy, they’d have to fight me and my family first.” Having had his say, he pulled away from the stop sign.

  “I never thought about all that.” Coy gave a big sigh followed by a smile. “Okay, if you say so, I reckon I’ll stop my worrying.”

  He hummed for a few blocks, then asked, "And you're the sheriff now, sure enough?"

  "Sure enough, Coy. At least until the election. Who knows if I'll win then?"

  "Oh, you'll win. I bet ever'body will vote for you."

  They turned into the drive. Cars lined the street on both sides. Every light was on in the 1920’s brick bungalow that once more bore Coy’s name on the deed.

  Coy rubbernecked up and down the street. "I wonder what's goin' on. Looks like they's havin' a party somewheres 'round here. Why, look at that. Someone’s left the lights on in Mama’s house."

  “It’s your house now, Coy, not your Mama’s. It belongs completely to you.” At the front door, Link urged Coy in front of him.

  Two dozen voices shouted, "Surprise."

  Link said, "The party is for you. Welcome home."

  Half an hour later Link leaned against a bookcase at the side of the hearth and sipped at his punch. Coy opened housewarming presents with the enthusiasm of a child at Christmas. Link’s youngest sister, Beth, recorded everything with her camera.

  Contentment slid over Link like a glove. His family was here and he knew they would always offer their support. Most of the others not related to him were his friends. True friends, not the fair weather kind.

  Jason played on the floor with his cousins, with an occasional glance to make sure Link remained nearby. The house buzzed with conversation and laughter.

  In a corner of the room Bubba Dixon chatted up that hottie Billie Faye. From the way they stood, Link decided there must be some sort of chemistry thing going on there. He knew Billie Faye wasn’t on the guest list so he figured Bubba must have invited her as his date for this event.

  Those two as a couple prove God has a sense of humor.

  Through the archway into the dining room, Link saw Vince pause in the midst of conversation while Eddy found a chair for Ricky. Link wove his way through the other guests.

  "Hey, Ricky," Link said. "Great to see you out of the hospital."

  Though he looked as pale as a Hispanic guy could, Ricky smiled and his gold tooth flashed. "Got out of that therapy place yesterday. Still a little wobbly around the edges so Eddy gave me a ride here."

  Eddy said, "You ought to take a vacation somewhere nice. Get a little R and R under your belt before you go back to work."

  "You have some leave coming, don't you?" Link asked.

  "A lot. In fact, all I want. I resigned."

  Caught off guard, Link said, "Yeah? From the agency or just undercover?"

  Ricky shrugged. "All of it. I'm sick of undercover work, sick of all th
at secrecy, sick of moving around from place to place at a moment’s notice with no chance to put down any roots."

  "What do you figure on doing now?" Vince asked.

  "Settle down somewhere nice and make a real home for myself." He looked at Link. "Matter of fact, I was hoping you'd find a place for me in your department."

  Mentally rejoicing at the news and already placing Ricky on his staff, Link felt he had to play fair and warn him, "Man, you have any idea what the county pays its deputies?"

  "I’ve saved most of what I made the last few years, so I’m okay with that. Besides, you have any idea how much I hate what I've been doing? Believe me, I had lots of time in the hospital to think about this.”

  Ricky held up his hands as if in surrender, then dropped them to his lap. “No more fast lane excitement for me. I figure with you as sheriff, this county will be a nice, quiet place to live. If you don't have a place for me, I'll try one of the counties nearby."

  Link shook his head. "No way. You're hired. Let me know when you're ready to start work."

  “Two more weeks, okay?” Ricky said. “Give me time to get my feet under me and close up my apartment in Dallas.”

  “You’re on.” Link shook Ricky’s hand on it. “But take as long as you need. You have a job waiting whenever you’re ready.”

  From across the room Link met Anna Zimmermann's gaze and he smiled at her. She offered a tentative smile in return, one that held promise for the future. He pushed aside the feelings that smile resurrected in him, feelings he'd thought were long dead. Time enough for that later.

  Link’s sister, Gwen, appeared beside him and slid her arm through his. "Isn't it wonderful to have Coy back in his home? He told me no one ever gave him a party before. He's so happy, and he’ll treasure this memory of his friends sharing his triumph for the rest of his life."

  "Yeah, Gwen, it's great," Link agreed. "This party idea of yours was good. Don't think I've ever seen him so excited. And it's about time Coy got some pampering and special treatment."

  She nudged him with her elbow. "You could use some pampering and special treatment yourself.”

  He nodded absently but his thoughts strayed back to Anna. He noticed how often she looked his way, and had to admit he’d thought about her a lot lately. Seeing her in his home lately with Maggie and Gwen seemed right somehow, especially knowing how good she was with Jason.

  No, he wasn’t ready to deal with what that thought meant.

  Not yet.

  Gwen’s tug at his arm broke into his thoughts. “It's wonderful to have you and Jason home, too."

  He watched his son laugh at something his cousin Johnny said. "It's good to be home."

  It wasn't the same home Link had left years ago, it wasn't the same home he'd expected to find when he returned. He still felt a little like an outsider most of the time, but he was getting the hang of fitting in. In a few more months he might feel at ease with his new life.

  Who could say? Maybe Thomas Hardy was right. Maybe a man couldn’t truly go home again.

  Almost home was close enough to suit Link.

  And this time he'd stay.

  Dear Reader,

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  Read Caroline’s western historical titles:

  Mistletoe Mistake, sweet Christmas story set in Montana

  Blessing, Widows of Wildcat Ridge, set in Utah, sweet

  Garnet, Widows of Wildcat Ridge, coming January 2019

  Loving A Rancher Series (sweet)

  Amanda’s Rancher, No. 1

  The Rancher and the Shepherdess, No. 2

  Murdoch’s Bride, No. 3

  Bride’s Adventure, No. 4

  Snare His Heart, No. 5

  Capture Her Heart, No. 6

  Loving A Rancher, No. 7

  Patience, Bride of Washington, American Mail-Order Brides Series #42, sweet

  Bride Brigade Series: sweet, set in Texas

  Josephine, Bride Brigade book 1

  Angeline, Bride Brigade book 2

  Cassandra, Bride Brigade book 3

  Ophelia, Bride Brigade book 4

  Rachel, Bride Brigade book 5

  Lorraine, Bride Brigade book 6

  Prudence, Bride Brigade book 7

  The Surprise Brides: Jamie, sensual, released simultaneously with three other of The Surprise Brides books which are: Gideon by Cynthia Woolf, Caleb by Callie Hutton, and Ethan by Sylvia McDaniel, each book is about one of the Fraser brothers of Angel Springs, Colorado

  The Kincaid Series: Sensual, set in Texas

  The Most Unsuitable Wife, Kincaids book one

  The Most Unsuitable Husband, Kincaids book two

  The Most Unsuitable Courtship, Kincaids book three

  Gabe Kincaid, Kincaids book four

  Stone Mountain (Texas) Series:

  Brazos Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book one, sensual

  Buy the Audiobook here

  High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book two, sensual

  Buy the Audiobook here

  Bluebonnet Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Texas book three, sensual

  Tabitha’s Journey, a Stone Mountain Texas mail-order bride novella, sweet

  Stone Mountain Reunion, a Stone Mountain Texas short story, sweet

  Stone Mountain Christmas, a Stone Mountain Texas Christmas novella, sweet

  Winter Bride, a Stone Mountain Texas romance, sweet

  McClintocks: set in Texas

  The Texan’s Irish Bride, McClintocks book one, sensual

  O’Neill’s Texas Bride, McClintocks book two, sweet

  McClintock’s Reluctant Bride, McClintocks book three

  Daniel McClintock, McClintocks book four, sweet

  Save Your Heart For Me, a mildly sensual romance adventure novella set in Texas

  Long Way Home, a sweet-ish Civil War adventure romance set in Georgia

  Caroline’s Texas Time Travels

  Out Of The Blue, 1845 Irish lass comes forward to today Texas, sensual

  Texas Lightning, sweet, 1896 woman rancher comes forward to today

  Texas Rainbow, sweet, 1920s flapper comes forward to today

  Texas Storm, sweet, WWII WASP comes forward to today

  Contemporary Western Hearts Facebook Group

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  Caroline’s Contemporary Titles

  Angel For Christmas, sweet Christmas tale of second chances, sweet

  Texas Caprock Tales:

  Be My Guest, mildly sensual with mystery, sensual

  Grant Me The Moon, sweet with
mystery,

  Snowfires, sensual, set in Texas

  Home Sweet Texas Home, Texas Home book one, sweet

  Caroline’s Mysteries: (Texas)

  Almost Home, a Link Dixon mystery

  Death In The Garden, a Heather Cameron cozy mystery

  Take Advantage of Bargain Boxed Sets:

  Mail-Order Tangle: Linked books: Mail-Order Promise by Caroline Clemmons and Mail-Order Ruckus by Jacquie Rogers, set in Texas and Idaho

  Under A Mulberry Moon, nine-author anthology, July 2018, available for a limited time, novellas by Zina Abbott, Patricia Pacjac Carroll, Caroline Clemmons, Carra Copelin, Keta Diablo, P. A. Estelle, Cissie Patterson, Charlene Raddon, and Jacquie Rogers.

  The Kincaids, Books 1-4 in one set, sensual, Texas

  Cinderella Treasure Trove, excerpts, blurbs, author bios, and recipes from authors who write books with a new take on a fairy tale. Free

  Musings and Medleys, blurbs, excerpts, recipes, and author bios from the authors in Under A Mulberry Moon. Free

  About Caroline Clemmons

  Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To make up for this tragic error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a small office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. The books she creates there have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, and Pinterest.

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  She loves to hear from readers at caroline@carolineclemmons.com