The Sheriff's Christmas Angels (Texas Lawmen Book 4)

by Debra Holt

  Emma hated guns, but she was grateful there was one she could use if needed. Her heart jumped several beats when, through a slit in the blinds at the window in the hallway, she saw the automatic motion lights come on at the side of the house. Something… or someone… was moving along the sidewalk around the corner of the porch. Angel advanced in a slow-motion stance that made Emma’s fear compound. Dogs knew when danger was near… more so than their human counterparts. Taking the gun in hand, she moved to the table next to the front door, placing it on the tabletop behind a flower arrangement… concealed if Charlie came into the room, but close enough where Emma could grab it if needed.

  She drew out her cell phone from her pocket. Her first thought was to call the sheriff’s department. But what if it were only an animal? A deer possibly? She’d waste their time and alarm a lot of people with an emergency call to the sheriff’s home. She wanted to call Cole. But he had enough to deal with and, again, what if it was nothing? She had promised him that she would handle things at home so he could concentrate on the Pamela issue.

  Vernon. She’d call him. He was closer than anyone else to their location. She hit the speed dial button. The phone rang… and rang… and no answer. She ended the call and then typed in the text message they had agreed upon as their own equivalent of an emergency code… 321. She hit send and her heart stopped. There was a tapping at the front door. Angel emitted a loud bark, followed by the guttural growl.

  Charlie appeared at the top of the stairs. “Is someone outside, Emma?”

  Emma kept her voice steady and her gaze met Charlie’s. “I need you to go to the special closet at the end of the hall and stay there until I come get you. Do you understand?”

  The eyes grew wide in the child’s face, but she just nodded and disappeared in a run. Emma waited until she heard the faint sound of the door closing upstairs. If people didn’t know, and most didn’t, only the immediate family and Emma did… in the hall closet, behind the winter coats and such, there was a smaller trap door that allowed a person to enter into a recess between the walls of the bedrooms. Charlie had been told it was an emergency safe place and only go there if told to do so or she was really scared. And never ask why if she was told to run there and stay. Thankfully, the child followed the instructions without issue.

  The tapping came again, louder. Emma knew it was up to her to face whatever was on the other side of the door. She also needed to slow down everything as much as she could… to buy time for help to arrive. She drew in a deep breath. Charlie had to be kept safe, first and foremost. She glanced at Angel. The dog seemed to know she was the backup and moved to stand poised for a charge, beside Emma. “Okay, Angel. It’s on us,” she whispered in the heavy silence.

  Take the offensive. She placed a determined look on her face, eyed the distance to the concealed gun, and then opened the door a couple of inches, her foot wedged against the back of it. Her voice was clear and steady, much to her surprise.

  “What is it?” Her brain hit an imaginary speed bump that made her grab for the first words that she could find. Pamela Drayton stood on the porch, at the front door. What in the world?

  “Hello. I’m sorry if I frightened anyone. And I know it’s a bit late to be calling. But I don’t know if you have heard of me or not and this—”

  “I know who you are. Why are you here right now?”

  Emma’s response and direct gaze clearly gave the other woman pause. Emma felt something akin to anger and righteous indignation growing inside her. How dare this poor excuse for a mother appear in the dead of night at the home she forfeited any right to set foot in or around years ago… abandoning her own child and husband. Emma’s grip tightened on the door handle.

  Pamela’s gaze took in the dog that had sidled closer to Emma’s foot.

  “Now aren’t you a ferocious little one?”

  “Looks are deceiving. Her teeth are just as sharp as a coyote’s. She protects her own.”

  That brought the woman’s green-eyed gaze back to meet Emma’s. “I’m sure of it. You both seem to be ready to do just that. But I realize you’re paid to babysit and all, but I can assure you that—”

  “State your business.”

  The gaze narrowed and the smile left the woman’s face. “I was just returning Cole’s gloves.” She raised her hand, showing the familiar pair of brown leather gloves. “I thought he might be missing them. He left them in our hotel room last night. He left so early this morning that he must have overlooked them.”

  Emma tried to deflect the words and their implications from her heart. Maybe it was just the woman’s ploy to get under her skin? Or maybe Cole had succumbed to the charms that caught him the first time around with this woman? There were a lot of maybes forming in her mind. But then a calmness settled in place.

  “I expect you can give them to him. One of the vehicles flying up the road behind you will be his.” She soundly shut the door in the woman’s face.

  Her forehead leaned against the cool wood. Her ears picked up the sounds of the woman’s booted feet moving from the doorway. The engines of the two SUVs she had spotted flying up the road from the front gate toward the house, one with light bars flashing, had been like the cavalry to the rescue and emboldened her to slam the door in the woman’s face. She heard the vehicles come to a halt and then the sound of muted voices. She didn’t care to hear what was being said. On autopilot, she reached for the gun and returned to the hall closet, stepping inside and opening the safe.

  The door flew open and Cole was the first one inside. He saw her and advanced to the door. Concern was etched over his whole being.

  “Is Charlie okay? Are you okay? Did she—”

  “Yes, Charlie is okay and doesn’t know anything except she got to go to the ‘secret cave’ and is waiting there until I come get her. I am fine. No, your Pamela did not enter this house. I did my job.” She shut the gun away, locked the safe.

  Then Emma shut the closet door behind her… all without setting her eyes on the lawman. She made it to the bottom of the stairs before his hand on top of hers on the balustrade halted her ascent and did bring her gaze to his.

  “Are you okay, Emma? Why are you acting this way?”

  “How am I supposed to act? My main concern was for Charlie and whatever danger there might be for her. I don’t know anything that is going on with that woman and until I am told otherwise, I will continue to shield Charlie from her. I am doing the best I know how to do under the circumstances. Now, I need to get your daughter out of the hiding place and then you can spare a few minutes, I am sure, to try to explain whatever you need to her. But I will also tell you, that Pamela approached Charlie at the tree lot earlier today. I called your office to speak to you about it when we got home earlier but they said you were out. This wasn’t a random visit tonight. Apparently, after you two spent the night together last night and you left your gloves behind, she felt she had the right to come to your house. The rest, you can sort out. It’s none of my business.”

  Cole didn’t stop her and for that she was grateful, reaching the hall closet and then tapping on the little door. The little girl shot out of the hiding spot and locked her arms around Emma’s neck in a tight grip.

  Emma sank down on the flooring and held her for several long moments, stroking her hair. “It’s okay, little one. Your daddy and grampy are downstairs and Angel, too. All is safe and good. I’m proud of you for doing what you were told to do. You are such a smart, brave girl.”

  “Daddy’s here?” The reply was muffled against Emma’s shoulder.

  “Yes, I’m here, princess.” Cole had approached the pair quietly and waited.

  He had just enough time to brace himself before Charlie flew out of Emma’s arms and into his. He stood and gathered the child closer. Emma rose more slowly and paused in the doorway of the child’s room. Cole sat on the edge of the frilly bed and Charlie continued to hold on to him.

  “Just like Emma said, you did everything you were supposed to
do and I am so very proud of you. But all is safe and sound here in your house… thanks to Emma and Angel. You truly do have two of the best guardian angels watching over you.” Cole met Emma’s gaze above the child’s head.

  His silent gratitude should have warmed her heart… should have. Her heart was a bit busy hoisting a familiar wall into place once again. Gratitude was not love. And Emma needed to realize the difference. If anything, the night’s events had removed the silly rose-colored glasses she had hid her common sense behind the last few months. This was a job. These people were not her family. They were her employers… period.

  “You look tired, Emma. I’ve got her. I’ll put her to bed. You need to get some rest.”

  Cole’s words spurred her to move. “Goodnight.” Emma didn’t pause until she was inside her room and shut the door.

  She didn’t even turn on the lights. Curling up into a fetal position on top of her bed covers, she shut her eyes… squeezing them to stay shut as moisture built up and then escaped from beneath her lashes. She hated the pain that came with caring too much. She tried to keep it away and had done well… until coming to McKenna Springs and making the mistake of staying. Staying… she had even fooled herself into thinking she could actually stay and be happy here. Stupid fool. She berated herself for the weakness and allowing the pain to reach her heart.

  Things were changing around her. The Draytons had much on their plates to deal with now. Maybe the return of Charlie’s mother was a good thing. Really? Emma was biased in that regard. She had no idea how any mother could walk away from their child. And to throw away the love of a good man like Cole? The woman had it all at one time… and it wasn’t good enough then, why would it be different now?

  Maybe she had some epiphany and was a changed woman, seeking a second chance and forgiveness? Emma tried to find an ounce of forgiveness for her, but it wouldn’t come. She was too close to it all. And that was when a granule of truth began to grow into a real seed. She was too close. She needed to give them all a chance to allow whatever change that was meant to be to happen. Looking up at the dark ceiling, the invisible writing was on it. There was only one question in need of an answer. Was she brave enough to reveal it?

  Chapter Fourteen

  “I was going to let you sleep a bit longer before I disturbed you for breakfast.” Mae’s words met her as Emma came into the kitchen. Her quick glance around the room told her that the two women were alone. No sign of Charlie… or of Cole. Although she had steeled herself to not be surprised if that was the case. It had become the “new” normal of late. Cole was a busy man… a sheriff, a rancher, a father, and a man with his beautiful “ex” wanting back in his life. Yes, he was a busy man.

  “I’m glad you can still attempt a smile even after last night. When Vernon received your emergency text, he was out of that office like a shot from a cannon, grabbing his rifle as he went. Cole wasn’t far behind after his dad got him on the radio in the truck. They met up at the front gate to this place. Vernon gave me most of the story after he got home.” She pushed a mug of coffee toward Emma and waited while she settled herself on one of the stools.

  “I’ve got a short stack and sausage here,” Mae said, adding the last pancake to the plate before setting it in front of Emma. “I can add eggs also. Fruit, maybe?” The woman was being kind and Emma had to fight to hang on to her resolve.

  She shook her head. “This is more than enough, thank you. And I feel like I need to be on that side and you should be sitting here. I’m not an invalid and it’s my job.”

  Mae’s brow knitted at the words but she didn’t respond with the question that was clearly in her gaze. “Cole is at the office. Grampy took Charlie into town to school. Cole already had a word with the principal and teacher and there’s someone going to be close by Charlie from now on. They won’t get in your way and you probably won’t know they are even around most of the time, but you won’t be on your own as you were last night without someone to rely upon for help in a shorter response time.”

  Emma looked at the woman and took in the words. “Is Cole worried that Pamela may be up to something that could harm Charlie? I thought they were talking and things were going to be worked out.”

  “You know Cole. He doesn’t leave things to chance. He would rather err through an abundance of caution than through not being prepared in advance. I know this is all confusing. And I told those two men of mine that they should have brought you into their thinking before now. It would have left you better prepared.”

  “Is that what you’re doing now? Preparing me?” Emma’s gaze met Mae’s.

  The older woman gave a smile and slow nod.

  “You are a smart girl, Emma. Smarter than you’ve been given credit for. And I can’t say how much it touched my heart when I heard how you reacted to protect Charlie last night. I felt before that you were sent to cross paths with us, but now I am sure of it. You came to us for a reason that day at the crossroads at the station. I firmly believe that. I don’t think Charlie could ever be in a safer place than with you. I think you would have given your life to protect her… and that is something I will never forget. Cole knows that, too. I hope you realize that.”

  “I’m doing my job to take care of her. I care for Charlie very much. Whatever is best for her is what I want.”

  Mae seemed to want to say more, but the words didn’t come. She nodded and returned to placing the utensils and pans she had used earlier inside the dishwasher. If she had any comments about Emma’s response or demeanor, she didn’t voice them.

  *

  “Whatever you men are going to do about this situation, you best get it done. This threat of impending doom hanging over our heads is getting to everyone.” Mae’s words preceded her into Cole’s office where Vernon and two other men were seated around the conference table in the corner. Cole stood and drew another chair up next to him for his mother to take a seat and join them.

  “That’s what we’re discussing,” Vernon replied.

  “Enough discussion. What are we going to do about all this?”

  “Did you speak with Emma… about the added protection?”

  Mae’s gaze zeroed in on her son. “Yes, I did speak with her this morning. And she understood. She’s a lot smarter than she’s been given credit for. That woman was ready to do battle with whatever was outside that door last night… with any weapons necessary… including a brain that can far outshine some of the ones at this table. I spoke with her… something you should be doing instead.”

  Cole drew his gaze away after receiving his mother’s message loud and clear. “Paul, Davis… thank you both for meeting with us this morning. I’ll look over those papers, Paul, and get them back to your legal secretary this afternoon. Davis, I appreciate the loan of one of your trusted officers taking this assignment on while off the official clock.”

  “You’ve been there a time or two to help me out,” the ranger spoke up, rising and taking his hat off the rack by the door. “We won’t let anyone harm your two ladies… Charlie and Emma are special to a lot of us, too.” Cole nodded and the fact Davis indicated that he understood Emma was a vital part of any equation involving Cole put an added ease to Cole’s mind. The door shut behind the two men.

  “You just called a ranger and our attorney less than bright,” Vernon said, his head shaking as he looked across at his wife.

  “I didn’t just call them less than bright. You and our son are also in this room.” Mae never was one to mince words.

  Cole was the referee. “We should have handled things better. Hindsight is twenty-twenty. But we’re getting to a resolution. The question is whether we can all live with it or not?”

  Vernon nodded. Mae’s gaze grew concerned as she looked at her son. “I’m more than a little concerned. I know where your dad and I stand on this. We back you up a hundred per cent. I know you’ve thought about Charlie in this situation. And I hope you’ve given some thought to Emma, also. You know how we feel about her.”


  “I couldn’t help but know how you feel about Emma, Mother. And I have included her in all the scenarios I’ve grappled with over the last couple of days. Until this is all resolved, Charlie is the priority. I have to trust that Emma will understand.”

  “Let’s hope we’re making the right decision.”

  Cole only nodded his agreement to that statement as silence fell around the table.

  *

  Emma was aware that normalcy was key in any child’s daily routine. With Charlie being as precocious and smart as she was, she needed to keep ahead of the game and focus on keeping to the norm in the daily routine. It was hard at first, knowing they were being watched… and by whom, she did not know. But she trusted that the person was very good or Cole would not have entrusted his daughter’s safety to them.

  She hoped the person liked diner food. She had given in to Charlie’s request to stop at the diner after school and get one of Darcy’s pies to take home. And Emma felt the need to get her mind removed from the gloom filling it. Darcy was a good one to put smiles in place of frowns. She did so right away as Emma and Charlie stepped through the doorway. They had to return the warm greeting Darcy shot their way from behind the counter.

  “Well, it’s about time you two ladies show up. I’ve had bar stools reserved and you haven’t been in here to take them. What’ll you have now that you’re here?”

  “Pie please. A pecan one for my daddy. We’re putting stuff on the tree tonight and he likes pecans.”

  Emma shook her head and grinned as Darcy shot her a look. “We’re decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments tonight. Charlie thinks we need a special dinner to go along with it. It’s a big occasion.”

  Darcy grinned at the little girl. “And so it is! And I bet your tree will be the best one in all the county. I’ve heard about the special decorations and all.”

  “Mae must have told you,” Emma responded.

  “It’s a surprise. Emma and me are going to surprise daddy with the ones we made. There’re some bought ones too, but I like ours the best.”