Fighting For Carly

by Deanndra Hall

  “You should’ve―”

  “What? Called you? For you to do nothing, or possibly call me a liar or charge me with filing a false report? You and I both know you’re not going to do shit to him, but you’d better listen and listen carefully. Eric Cross, or whoever he is, is about to go down.” He watched the blood drain from Anderson’s face. “If you don’t want to go with him, you’d better get your shit straight and cut him loose. I don’t know what you think you owe him, but it’s not enough, whatever it is. Not for what’s about to happen.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Just wait. Hide and watch, sheriff. Things are about to get crazy where Eric Cross is concerned, and you do not want to be implicated in that, do you understand? What Tank knows about you that he hasn’t shared yet? It’s nothing compared to this. Nothing. So get ready, and make sure you’re not in the crosshairs when it all comes apart. Losing your position with the county will be the least of your concerns, trust me.” Ross turned, climbed the steps, and strode toward the front door, knowing Anderson was still standing there. “Oh, and sheriff?” he said, never turning to look at the man.

  “Yes?”

  “If you don’t know who Eric Cross really is, I’d say you’d better start trying to find out. Otherwise, somebody else is about to do it for you. It’s going to look really, really bad when they show you up.” Ross didn’t say another word, just unlocked the door, stepped inside, and closed and locked it behind him. Then he turned and looked out the little glass in the door.

  Chuck Anderson was still standing there, staring at the house and looking a bit shell-shocked. Based on what he was observing, Anderson had no idea what Ross was talking about, but he would soon enough. As soon as the FBI and Texas Rangers descended on the whole thing, it would come apart fast, and there was no doubt they were about to get involved.

  Would Eric Cross run? Ross didn’t know, and he didn’t care, as long as the guy was as far from Carly as he could get. He wouldn’t be satisfied until that happened.

  Chapter 13

  They were still in bed the next morning when his phone rang, and it was a number he didn’t recognize, which meant he had to answer it. He hopped up, ran up the hallway and out the back door to the back porch before answering, “Hello?”

  “I’d like to speak to Ross McEvers, please.”

  “This is McEvers.”

  “Mr. McEvers, this is Ranger Daxton Chambers. I understand from Agent Livingston that you were expecting my call.”

  “Yes, sir. He told me you’d probably be calling me. What can I do to help you?”

  “Based on the fact that whoever this is posing as Eric Cross has committed identity fraud, and he’s also an official in Bandera County, we’re obligated to investigate. Have you thought of anything you haven’t told Agent Livingston that could be helpful?”

  “Well, here’s something. The asshole came into this house last night. I didn’t know at first who it was, so I hid behind the bed because I got caught without anything I could use as a weapon. But he came into the bedroom, opened up a hole in the wall that had obviously been made by somebody, and took something out.”

  “Any idea what it was?”

  “No. It’s a hole about, I dunno, seven inches wide and five inches tall, and about the depth of a two by four, like a little compartment. Big enough to hold something small.”

  “Big enough to hold a passport?”

  Ross hadn’t even thought about that. “Yes. Absolutely big enough to hold a passport, and other documents along with it.”

  “Okay. Good. That’s a start. Did you report it to local law enforcement?”

  “Yes. Matter of fact, the sheriff came looking for me, and I pretty much told him he’d better cut ties with Cross if he wanted to stay in the position he has now.”

  “How did the sheriff come to call on you?”

  “Because I went to Cross’s office and told him to stay the hell away from Carly and her house. I’ve had enough of that shit.”

  “So he knows we have information on him.”

  “No, but I think he suspects that I may know things he’d rather I didn’t.”

  “I see. Okay, I think we’d better move pretty quickly on this. I don’t know if I’ll come down, or if it’ll be Agent Livingston, but one of us will be there tomorrow. It’ll probably be me, and if I find something I think the FBI should be involved in, he’ll step in. By the way, he and I are good friends, so we work well together. We should be able to crack this pretty quickly and get an arrest, at the very least for the identity fraud charge. But it’s my suspicion that if he’s using an alias, there’s a reason, and when we find it, it’s going to be pretty damning.”

  “That’s kinda what I’m thinking too. Anything I need to do in the meantime?”

  “Yes. Watch Ms. Cross. She could be in a dangerous situation if he decides she knows too much. Can someone watch her at her place of employment?”

  “Sir, she’s a deputy sheriff.”

  “Oh! Um, okay. That’s a little different. Guess that would make it hard to watch her. Could you ride along with her?”

  “I don’t think the sheriff would allow that. He’s already pissed at me.”

  “Hmmm. I may call the THP and have them come in to do some surveillance.”

  “Highway patrol?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I’m from Kentucky. We have state police.”

  “Gotcha. Yeah, ours is Texas Highway Patrol. We’ll get somebody down there to kind of hover, if you know what I mean. She’ll be safe, or at least we’ll try to keep her that way.” There was something in Ranger Chambers’ voice that made Ross feel better. He could tell the guy was competent and knew his job, and that went a long way to telling him that Carly would be okay.

  Even so, he was still worried. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Just make sure she’s safe when she’s with you. I’m sure she can handle herself, but this is an emotionally-charged situation for her, seeing as how it’s an ex-husband, regardless what she tells you. This is someone she once loved and trusted. That’s a blow that can make a person sloppy or careless. Don’t let that happen.”

  “I won’t, sir. I promise. I’d die for her.”

  “I believe you, but I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that. So hang in there and we’ll be in touch as soon as we know who’s coming and have an ETA.”

  “Thank you, sir. Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome. Have a good day, sir. Talk to you soon.”

  The call ended and Ross stood there, phone in hand. He breathed a sigh of relief. That was, until a voice startled him. “Ross? Who was that?”

  “What are you doing up?”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “It’s best if you don’t know.”

  “He was in the house last night?”

  Shit. How long has she been standing there? he thought. Damn. That was not how he wanted that to go. “Somebody was, and I have to believe it was him.”

  “Did he try to hurt you?”

  “I don’t know if he realized I was here or not.”

  “But your truck was out there.”

  “Yeah, but the house was dark. He might’ve thought I was somewhere with you.”

  “Oh. What did he want?”

  “I don’t know, Carly. Did you know there’s a little compartment in the back of your closet?”

  “No.” He could tell she was confused by the way her eyebrows dipped toward the bridge of her nose. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “I can’t tell you more. But I need to ask you something. What do you know about Eric’s background? About his family or college friends? Any connection to his past?”

  She shrugged and sat down in the rocker next to his. “He doesn’t have any family. Told me they were all dead. He went to school at the University of Wisconsin and grew up somewhere in Idaho. I never met any friends from anytime in his past.” She sat there fo
r a second, staring at the porch floor, then looked back up at him. “You know, since you asked, I really don’t know much about him at all. I never realized that until now.”

  Ross dropped to his knees in front of her and took both her hands. “Babe, we have reason to believe he’s not who he says he is. That means he’s probably very dangerous. So I need you to be extra careful. Don’t get caught anywhere alone with him. Don’t talk to him, don’t let him near you. If you see him coming, go the other direction. Do not talk to Sheriff Anderson about him. If he tries to talk to you about Eric, just shut him down.”

  “But what are we―”

  “We aren’t going to do anything. I’m going to take care of it. I promised you I’d take care of you, protect you, and I will. You have to trust me on this. But I’m not doing it alone. I’ll have help. Big help. You just have to sit back and let it unfold. Do not try to get involved in this. I know you’re law enforcement, and you keep your eyes and ears open, but when it comes to personal stuff, it’s much harder. That’s why you need to just do your job, come home to me, and let everybody else involved take care of this. Please?”

  She leaned over and gave him a tender kiss. “Okay. I’ll do as you’ve asked. But tell me what’s going on, please? I need to know.”

  “I’ll tell you if something’s going on that could be dangerous, because I’ll want you to come home and stay with me. Anderson can just suck on it. If he gives you trouble, you tell me and I’ll take care of him.”

  “He came to see you last night too?”

  “Yep.”

  “What did he say?”

  “It wasn’t what he said. It was what I said to him. Honestly, sweetie, I don’t think he’ll give you a minute’s trouble. Matter of fact, he knows if anything happens to you, I’ll come looking for him and it won’t be pretty. So don’t be surprised if he puts you on desk duty or gives you an assignment that’ll leave you surrounded by people so he knows you’re safe. At this point, he doesn’t want anything to happen to you. It could be disastrous for him, and not just because of me.”

  She pursed her lips and looked off to the side. “You know, I think I’m going to ask for an assignment that’ll keep me in front of a lot of people.”

  “Good girl. That’s what I need. I’ll be meeting with someone tomorrow who may want to meet with you. If they do, I’ll let you know.”

  Her brows popped up. “It’s not a hitman, is it?”

  “God, no, girl! You’ve been watching too many TV shows!” Ross answered, laughing. That got a smile out of her, and he reached up and pressed his palm to her cheek. “That’s my girl! Keep your chin up and your eyes open and everything will be just fine.”

  “Okay. I trust you, Ross.”

  “And I’d give my life to keep that trust.”

  “I know. That’s what scares me.” She stood and headed toward the back door, then turned to look back at him. “Want some coffee?”

  “I sure do.” As she stepped inside, he struggled to standing. Why did he suddenly feel seventy years old? He’d come there to rest and recuperate, and now he was knee-deep in a mess. But that was okay.

  There was a prize in that box of Cracker Jacks, and it was Carly Cross. She was definitely the best prize any man could ever have, and he wanted her all to himself.

  She felt like she was inside a pressure cooker and it was about to explode. Carly wanted to know what was happening, but something inside her told her she’d be better off not knowing. That’s what Ross had told her. If he said that, there had to be a good reason.

  She couldn’t help checking her mirror all the way to the office. So far, she hadn’t seen anything unusual, but that meant nothing. If there was anything she knew about Eric, it was that he was sneaky in a very in-your-face kinda way. Not only was he sneaky, he wanted you to see how clever he was, and that had to be the stupidest thing about the guy. Being sneaky wasn’t sneaky if you were flaunting it in everybody’s face. The only thing she could figure was that it was a product of his arrogance, and boy, he had that by the bushels.

  Andy Danvers was in the office when she got there, and Scott Newsom was back in the back, doing some kind of paperwork processing. She’d barely logged in when she heard a voice say, “Deputy Cross? I need you in my office.”

  Well, shit. What now? Instead of putting her bag away, she just left it on her shoulder and headed that direction. “Yes, sir?” she asked as she cleared the doorway.

  “I need you to hang around here today. That records room back there needs to be cleaned up, and you and Danvers can work on that while Newsom answers the phones.”

  Oh, wow. Wait ‘til Ross finds out about this! He was right on the money. “Yes, sir. Not a problem. Thank you. Anything else?”

  “If you … Never mind. Nothing. It may take you a few days, so don’t get in a hurry. I’d rather it was done right than fast.”

  “Yes, sir. Got it, sir.” She managed to keep a straight face until her back was turned, and then a wily smile broke across it from cheek to cheek. Wow. Guess she wouldn’t have to ask for a highly-populated assignment location. When she reached her desk, she dropped her bag into a drawer, but not before she pulled out her phone and shot Ross a quick text: Guess what? I’m working in the office for at least two days. With Danvers. And Newsom.

  In a few seconds she got one back: Good. He got the message. Love you.

  Love you too. See you tonight. After dropping the phone into her bag, she headed to the records room. Anderson wasn’t kidding—it was a mess.

  She could hear the sheriff moving around at about a quarter after five, and she knew he was getting ready to go home. There were boxes surrounding her and Danvers and they were telling each other stupid jokes when she heard a voice. “Stay here. I’m going out to get my phone. I’ll be right back.” As she made her way silently into the outer room, she listened closely.

  “What are you going to do about it?”

  “There’s nothing I can do about it! Why don’t you just level with me? What’s going on? What is it you don’t want anybody to know? Look, I vouched for you, but that’s run out. Fifty thousand dollars only buys so much loyalty, Cross. If you’re going down, I’m not going with you. Not if I can help it.”

  “You’ll do what I say, Chuck. You always have, and you always will. I bought you this position, and I can ruin you.”

  “Not if you’re already ruined. Look, you financed my campaign. I’ve helped you stay in that office. Let’s just call it even and go our separate ways, okay?”

  “It doesn’t work that way and you know it. Get that through your head. I’m going to need some help, and I’ll need it from you.”

  “Listen to me. I’m pretty sure the big dogs are coming in on this. I can’t do anything about that. It’s out of my reach. Don’t you understand? This is now out of my hands, Eric. You? Me? Our alliance? It’s over. It’s every man for himself now.”

  “It’s over when I say it’s over, and I say it’s not over. You bail on me, Anderson, you’d better watch your back. I can still shame and disgrace a dead man, and he won’t be around to defend his honor posthumously. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  Oh, I understand exactly what you’re saying, you asshole, Carly thought. He was threatening the sheriff, and he was serious too. I hope Chuck realizes how dangerous he can be.

  He obviously did, because he answered with, “Yes. I do. And I’ll do whatever I can, but I’m not sure I can do anything that will make a difference.”

  There were a few moments of silence before she heard Eric say, “You have a beautiful wife, Chuck. It would be a shame if anything happened to her.”

  Oh holy hell. Nope. This has to end. Please, god, let Ross put an end to this. Adelaide hasn’t done anything wrong. Neither have Chuck’s kids. No. Just no. She waited, but Chuck never said anything, and all she heard was the sound of footsteps and the front door opening and closing.

  Carly sneaked back to the records room and pretended nothing had happened. �
��What’s going on?” Andy asked.

  “Nothing. I need to see the sheriff about something. Be right back.” Stepping silently down the hallway, she made her way to the sheriff’s office and stopped in the doorway. What she saw shocked her.

  Chuck sat there at his desk, yanking things out of drawers and throwing them in a garbage bag. “Sheriff?”

  His head popped up, his eyes wide, and he barked, “What?”

  Carly closed the door behind her and stood there, staring at him. “Look, you’ve got one chance to make this right, Chuck.”

  He was trying hard to pretend he didn’t know what she was talking about when he asked, “What do you mean?”

  “Listen to me. I know we’ve had our differences, but I don’t want anything to happen to you. Regardless of everything else, you’ve been a good sheriff. Don’t blow it, and don’t play into his demands. Do the right thing here.”

  She was shocked to her core when he said, “Carly, there’s no hope for me. No matter what happens, I’m going down. I know that now, and it’s nobody’s fault but mine. But I can tell you this: You need to be very, very careful. He’s dangerous. I didn’t realize that before, but I do now, and I don’t want you out where he can get to you. You’ll stay right here in this office with one or two of the other guys at all times until this is resolved. I mean it.”

  “Thanks, but Ross already told me I needed an assignment like that. I don’t know everything that’s going on, but I know a little, and it’s enough. If there’s more, I really don’t want to know. Ross said he’d take care of it and protect me, and I trust him to do that.”

  “Good. Because, frankly, I can’t. I’ll be lucky if I can protect my own wife and children. Carly, what the hell am I going to do? I don’t know what to―”

  “Does your wife have relatives somewhere else, someone she could stay with?”

  He perked up a bit. “Yes! I’ll tell her to go to her mother’s! She’s in Tennessee. That should be far enough away.”

  “Yes. Do that. Now. Don’t wait. Take her yourself if you have to. You need to get her out of here.”