He never liked to think of challenges as more than just that. “I wouldn’t say it’s a bad day. Just a little challenging this morning.”
Her smile broadened. “That’s the way I like to think, too.”
He nodded toward the exit. “I’ll walk you out to your car.”
“Thanks.” She fell into step beside him.
They headed toward the front entrance together and outside. Her car was parked a short distance away, in front of the YCSO.
The day was windy and overcast and Anna hugged her arms around her body. “I should have worn my blazer.”
Mike would have put his arm around her shoulders but they reached the car and there hadn’t been a real opportunity to do so. She pressed the button to unlock her car and he opened the driver’s side door for her.
“If today doesn’t get out of hand, I’ll stop by the campaign office,” he said. Any more out of hand than it already has.
She put her hand on the door and smiled at him. “Then maybe I’ll see you later.”
He touched the base of her spine and she stilled. He lowered his mouth and moved his lips over hers for a long slow kiss. She sighed and kissed him in return.
When he drew back, her face was flushed, her eyes glittered with desire and he had no doubt she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
He let his hand slide away from her lower back and she noticeably relaxed, as if the sexual tension of the moment had dissipated.
She slid into her seat and he closed the door behind her.
Anna let out her breath as she pulled away from the curb and drove away as Mike walked back into the sheriff’s office.
As she headed back to the campaign HQ, her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number. She pressed the connect button and put it on speaker phone before answering with, “Hello.”
“Anna.” Chad’s voice caused a crawling sensation down her spine. “I saw your car parked outside the sheriff’s office.”
Her skin tingled with irritation. “What do you want?” The moment she said the words she regretted snapping at him. It wouldn’t do to tick him off.
“I don’t think that’s any way to respond to someone who holds your future in his hands,” Chad said, his tone suddenly hard. “What did you learn while you were at his office?”
She tried to keep her tone even without emotion. “Nothing. It was busy so I didn’t stay long and Mike was probably preoccupied with one of his deputies.”
“Why was he preoccupied with his deputy?” Chad asked.
Distracted by a streetlight turning red ahead of her, she said, “I heard a couple of other deputies say that someone named Reg lost control in an interrogation.” The moments she said the words, she wished she could take them back.
“Reg lost control?” Chad said with clear interest in his voice. “In what way?”
Her throat worked as the light turned green. “I—I’m sure it was nothing.”
“How did he lose control?” This time Chad’s words were harder and held a note of warning.
“He beat up some guy named Nuñez, I think, that they’d brought in for questioning.” She swallowed as she drove on, hoping she hadn’t just screwed up big-time by saying something that could hurt Mike.
“What else?” Chad asked and she didn’t like the nasty sound of his question as he said it.
“Just that it wasn’t the first time.” Anna wished desperately that she hadn’t answered the phone. She felt trapped and unable to get out of her current situation. “One of the deputies said that Reg has a short fuse. The deputy said it had happened it before, that he’d hit a suspect, and that it had only been a matter of time before he really lost it. The deputy also said that he should have been written up long ago.”
“Thank you, Anna.” This time she heard a note of satisfaction. “You’ve finally been of some use. Just make sure you keep your senses sharp and get me all of the information you can on Mike. Understand?”
Anna’s stomach turned over and she felt sick inside. “Yes.”
“Good.” Chad disconnected the call without another word.
“Damn.” The word did nothing to express how she really felt. She felt used and guilty for using Mike to keep her own secrets from being revealed.
She bit her lower lip and struggled to hold back tears as she drove through traffic.
This was all wrong, so very wrong. She was going to hurt Mike and she didn’t know what to do about it. Once the election was over and Chad couldn’t hold her family over her head anymore, she’d have to pull away from Mike. There was nothing else she could do, no other choice she could make.
No way out.
Chapter 14
Mike placed the phone back in its cradle and started to dial his assistant, Clarice, who’d attempted to get through to him twice.
“Sheriff.” Betty’s voice sounded urgent as she rushed through the doorway into his office. “Turn on the news.”
Mike frowned at the concern in the deputy’s tone. He picked up the remote from his desktop and pointed it at the flat screen TV in the corner of his office. The TV came to life and a news anchor was talking, while behind him was a picture of Reg next to one of Nuñez, which had been clearly taken after his release. His lip was split, his eye swollen and black, and his nose looked broken.
In the next moment, a recording of Nuñez being interviewed flashed onto the screen. “He went crazy on me,” Nuñez said. “I didn’t do nothin’ wrong.”
The camera went back to the anchor. “According to our source, Sergeant Schmidt has been known to abuse other suspects.”
It was only a day after Mike had reprimanded Reg, and shit had just hit the fan.
Mike clenched the piece of paper he’d been holding. “What the hell—”
“The sheriff has allegedly been negligent in writing up the deputy,” the anchor added. “Channel 7 news attempted to reach Sheriff Mike McBride but he was unavailable for comment.”
Mike dropped the piece of paper on his desk and dragged his hand down his face. That was no doubt why Clarice had buzzed his office while he’d been talking with one of the informants on Jesus Perez. He hadn’t asked the informant to hold because he’d been lucky to manage to get the man to talk to begin with.
In the next moment a reporter was talking with Chad Johnson. “What kind of sheriff can’t control his own deputies?” he said.
“What a dick,” Betty said in a growl.
Mike looked at her. “How did this get out?”
She shook her head. “No idea, Sheriff. They sure as hell didn’t hear it from me.”
“I doubt they heard it from Reg,” Mike said, more to himself. “Nuñez could have gone to the news about the beating, but the inside information had to come from someone on staff here.”
That knowledge surprised him. He had a good relationship with the staff and the deputies. Reg was the exception, but he wouldn’t have gone to the news about something that could get him in deep shit, which this just had. He’d have to go ahead and suspend Reg.
Mike blew out his breath. “Is Reg in the office?”
Betty nodded. “He looked ready to blow a gasket when his picture came up on the news.”
Mike glanced at the TV, pointed the remote at it, turning it off before he looked back at Betty. “Send him in.”
“Sure thing, Sheriff.” She turned and left the office.
A short time later, Reg stormed into the office. “How did the news get that information?” he shouted.
Mike gave Reg a hard look. “You’d better settle down before I end up having to fire your ass now.”
Reg sucked in his breath like he was holding back another bellow. His face turned purplish-red.
“An investigation will be made into your misconduct,” Mike said steadily as he stared down Reg. “You’ll be lucky if you don’t lose your job over this.” Mike leaned back in his chair. “You are suspended until further notice.”
Reg balled his hands into fists. “What the fuck—”
Mike cut him off. “It’ll be without pay if you say another word.”
Reg’s mouth clamped shut but his eyes burned with the fire of the words he had to hold back. He hesitated one moment and started to turn.
“Leave your gun and your badge,” Mike said.
Reg whirled back to face Mike, his eyes bulging. His hands clenched and unclenched before he took his gun out of its holster and laid it on Mike’s desktop. He unpinned his badge from his shirt and dropped it beside the gun. Without another word, he turned and marched out of the office.
Mike watched Reg leave before putting the deputy’s badge and weapon in a drawer and locking them both inside it.
Damn. Mike considered everyone in his office. Who the hell could have leaked the story? He slowly shook his head. It had to have been a conversation that was overheard. It was the only answer that he could come up with.
He pushed his fingers through his hair as he worked through the problem in his mind. He’d have to call a meeting and make it clear to his staff that no department business was to be discussed outside the office or with anyone not employed by the department. It wasn’t a conversation he should have to have with his staff.
His thoughts drifted to when Anna was in the office. He’d considered the need to talk with Betty and Ernie about discussing sensitive events when anyone was nearby in the office.
He wouldn’t even consider the possibility that Anna could have mentioned it to someone. However, someone else could have overheard Betty and Ernie in the office.
Mike clenched his jaws. He was just going to have to put out this fire and put it out in a hurry. And that meant he was going to have to respond directly to the news station.
His desk phone rang and on the caller ID screen he saw that it was Clarice. He blew out his breath and picked up the receiver. “I’ll bet you’ve got someone from the news on the line.”
“Yes,” Clarice said. “I’ve got Paige Windhaven from Channel 7 News.” Clarice sounded apologetic. “Sorry, Sheriff. I tried to get through to you earlier.”
“Thank you, Clarice,” he said as he picked up a pen with his free hand. “Put her through.”
* * * * *
Anna stared in horror at the TV in the campaign office. Chad had done it. He’d taken what she had told him and used it against Mike.
Her stomach clenched and she felt like she was going to vomit.
“Damn.” Angel’s voice came from beside Anna. “This is not good.”
Anna couldn’t speak and just stared mutely at the TV.
Megan moved into view. “That lowlife, Nuñez, must have gone to the news station.”
“But how could they know about Reg’s propensity for abuse?” Angel shook her head. “That’s insider information.”
“Things leak out,” Megan said. “Someone could have overheard.”
“Maybe.” Angel’s lips were tight. “Chad Johnson has to be behind this.”
Megan nodded. “No doubt.”
“Looks like we have some work to do.” Angel put her hands on her slim hips. She looked at Anna, who still hadn’t been able to speak. “Don’t worry, sweetie. Mike will pull through this.”
“Yes.” Anna finally was able to get words out. “Yes, he will.” And she’d do whatever she could to see that he did.
“Back to work for me.” Angel turned and headed to her desk.
“Me, too,” Megan said.
Anna returned to her desk, too, her skin prickling. That bastard, Chad. But what else had she expected from him?
Yesterday she hadn’t been able to get hold of Chad’s camp to arrange the debate. Now it would look like Mike would want to get a chance to respond to the accusations publicly with Chad. Anna hoped Mike would be able to recover easily from it.
She made some calls and finally reached Chad’s campaign manager and offered a few dates that Mike was available for a debate. The man said he’d get back to her, but he was certain that one day during the week before Halloween would work.
He eventually called back and they set the date for a Wednesday, a week and a half before Halloween
When she was finished, Anna asked Angel what she could do to help and Angel gave her a couple of tasks to take care of.
It was nearing the end of the day when Anna started to pack up to leave. She stood as she shoved her phone into her purse, her mind filled with what she’d done to Mike. Her skin prickled. She was being watched.
She looked up to see Mike standing in the entryway to the office. He was watching her. At first she thought he must be thinking that she was the one who had to have leaked the information regarding the deputy beating the man he had in for questioning.
But Mike’s lips curved into a sensual smile as his gaze met hers. For a long moment she was lost in the depth of sensuality that was clear in his eyes.
“Hi, Mike.” Megan’s voice jerked Anna’s attention away from Mike. “How’s it going?”
Anna was grateful for the interruption. She was afraid he’d see the guilt written on her expression.
“About as well as it can after today’s news bomb,” Mike said with a shake of his head. “How’re you doing today, Meg?”
“I’m doing well.” She picked up a backpack and swung it over her shoulder. She kept her laptop in the backpack along with her purse and other things. “Sorry for having to deal with that crap. We’ll pull through, though. We’re all confident.”
“Definitely,” Angel said from her desk. “We’ll make sure you win this election.”
“Hi, Mom.” Mike went to Angel and bent to kiss her cheek. “Need me for anything?”
Angel shook her head. “We’ve got it covered.”
“See you all tomorrow,” Megan said, and everyone responded in kind.
After Megan took her leave, Mike went to Anna’s desk where she’d stood, unable to move.
“Are you taking off?” Mike said, and she nodded. “If I’m not needed for anything, I’ll head out with you.”
“All right.” Her voice sounded small but she worked up a smile.
They said their goodbyes to Angel and walked outside.
“Want to get a bite to eat?” he asked.
“I can’t.” She gave him an apologetic look. “I need to get home. My aunt and uncle both work late tonight and I said I’d relieve the sitter, watch the kids, and take care of dinner.”
“When we go to the festival in Sedona on Saturday,” Mike said as they reached her car, “how about we have dinner afterward?”
“Okay,” she said before her brain caught up with her mouth.
He brought her against him and kissed her. “I could really get used to this,” he murmured as he raised his head.
She could too…almost. “Good night.”
He smiled and once again he was left behind, watching her drive away.
But this time as she drove away, a tear rolled down her cheek. She didn’t know how long she could do this. Her heart was aching from hurting Mike through Chad.
The tear was because she knew the truth. She was falling in love with Mike, destroying her own heart while possibly destroying Mike’s career.
Chapter 15
The sky was gray and overcast on Saturday and Anna checked the news to see if it might rain during the event in Sedona. Channel 7’s weather forecaster said it shouldn’t rain until evening, so Anna was hopeful that would be the case.
Anna had done some shopping at a great boutique in Sedona, which was one of her favorite places to shop. She and Chandra had made a few Sedona shopping trips in the past and had always come back with armloads of packages. She still hadn’t heard from Chandra and the thought made her insides hurt. She missed her friend terribly.
Before Mike arrived, Anna took a long shower then dressed in a black silk blouse and black skirt that reached mid-thigh, and added a black blazer. She wore red heels and carried a red handbag to give her wardrobe a little pop of color. After applying her makeup, she let her dark brown hair fall in long soft
waves around her shoulders. She added touches of gold jewelry at her ears and throat.
She prepared to keep things a little cooler between her and Mike when he picked her up. She needed some distance. This was business—she was helping him with his campaign.
However, once she was in the SUV with him, she couldn’t do it. He was easy to be with and she enjoyed his company so very much. It was the same as it had been every time they’d spent time alone like this—he made her smile, laugh, and simply made her feel good.
The event was fun although cool, so she was glad for her blazer. She hung back while Mike talked with people and shook hands. A few individuals threw questions at him regarding the ordeal with Sergeant Schmidt. Every time someone brought it up to Mike, she felt a sickness in her gut.
Toward evening she was feeling tired and a little drained. Her face hurt from smiling, her feet hurt from walking, and her heart hurt from what she was doing to Mike and from knowing she’d fallen hard for him.
“I made a reservation for dinner at one of my favorite Sedona resorts,” Mike said as they walked to his SUV. “I think you’ll enjoy it.”
She smiled. “I’m sure I will.”
Once they were on their way to the resort, she sank into the seat and relaxed for the first time since they’d driven to Sedona this morning. She and Mike chatted about the day and by the time they reached the resort she was feeling better.
It wasn’t long before they were seated and had their menus. Mike selected a bottle of Chardonnay from a local winery called Oak Creek Vineyards. The liquid went down easily and warmed Anna’s belly. It had been a long time since they’d had something for lunch and she was starving.
Dinner was terrific. They had caprese salad for an appetizer, citrus-crusted salmon for dinner, and a flourless chocolate cake with raspberry coulis for dessert.
She wondered if they’d ever run out of things to talk about because they talked and talked without any lulls in the conversation. She was getting deft at turning conversation away from specifics about her family. She did talk about her own childhood and growing up in the small town of Bisbee with her parents. She told him how her aunt and uncle had come to live with her family while she was away at the University of Arizona in Tucson. She returned when her parents were killed to be with her aunt and uncle and cousins.
Belong to You Page 10
