A Foster Mother's Promise by Ruth Logan Herne

Author:Ruth Logan Herne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-15T17:30:52+00:00

Chapter Ten

Mike was pretty sure half the sheriff’s department disliked him. That made rough odds to assume command in the fall.

“I wish I could disagree, but I can’t,” Sheriff Byrne told him when Mike broached the subject on Friday morning. The sheriff’s expression reflected the concern in his voice. “Maybe bringing you in on a temporary basis wasn’t a smart idea. I blame Coach,” he added wryly. “I can say that now that he’s doing better.”

Coach Wynn was regaining strength, but he had a long road of recovery ahead of him and wouldn’t resume coaching anytime soon.

“If his heart had behaved, you wouldn’t be coaching and we’d be on even ground, but no one in this town goes against Wynn’s wishes,” Byrne continued. “The man’s won too many games and healed too many hearts for us to be foolish about that. He picked you because he could trust you to do it right. His words, not mine,” he added when Mike quirked his brow in question. “That move is making others angry. Sometimes that’s just how it goes.”

“The town puts a mighty high value on winning,” noted Mike. “I like winning, but my goal is to see kids learn and grow. If they do that, the score generally takes care of itself. No one wins all the time,” he finished.

“We hadn’t lost to the Tigers in seven years,” Byrne replied. “A couple of our guys took it personally because they’ve got kids on the team. Too personally, according to Coach Wynn. Enough so the best interests of the kids are being kicked to the curb. Wynn balanced both. He taught the ability to win by inspiration. Not everyone coaching kids has that skill.”

His words underscored some of the behaviors Mike had called out during practices. Were the boys quietly being taught how to cheat the system? Fool the refs?

“I’d like your thoughts on working here, Mike. What you’re thinking now that you’ve been here awhile. Do you intend to accept the sheriff’s job?” Byrne asked frankly. “Or are you heading back to Nashville when your three months are up?”

A moment of truth had arrived. “I love it here.” The honesty of the words surprised Mike. “You don’t realize there’s no peace and quiet in the city until you come to where you’re surrounded by peace and quiet. The area is great. Kendrick Creek and its people are amazing. They’ve made me feel welcome,” he told the sheriff. “The only place that feels awkward is right here, and with some of the team stuff that’s going on.” He stood. So did the sheriff. “I don’t like making waves for no reason. Ruffling feathers for the good of the department is fine on occasion. That’s what happens when you’re in charge, but this infighting about football and the force isn’t good. One shouldn’t affect the other.”

“Want me to step in?” the sheriff asked.

That was the last thing Mike wanted. “That would only fuel the fire. Let’s give it a little more time,” he said as he moved toward the door.

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