The Son He Never Knew (Harlequin Super Romance) by Gold Kristi

Author:Gold, Kristi [Gold, Kristi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises
Published: 2011-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

HE’D BE DAMNED if he let him get away with this.

Chase stormed into the department and went straight to Buck’s office. When he didn’t find him there, he retraced his steps and located him in the break room. As usual, he was seated at a round table, drinking his morning coffee and reading the Placid newspaper.

“We need to talk, Sheriff.”

Buck continued to scan the page without bothering to look up. “I thought I told you yesterday to go home and not come back until Monday.”

He still didn’t care for that directive, then or now. “And I thought I told you Buster Eustace belonged in jail.”

“Yep, that’s what you said.”

Buck’s lack of concern only fed Chase’s anger. “So why is it that he’s still roaming the streets?”

He flipped to another page. “We only arrest ’em. We don’t decide how long they stay. “

He thought about Jess spending last night in a hell-hole, while Eustace was free as a bird, having breakfast in the local diner. “How long did he stay, Buck?”

Buck folded the paper in precise creases and put it aside. “Not too long after you turned him over to Jones and he hauled him in. I was in bed when I got a phone call from the D.A.’s office. They said a couple of witnesses came forward, claimed it was a misunderstanding, and I was then instructed to let him go.”

In all probability, bought-and-paid-for witnesses. “A misunderstanding? He slapped the hell out of Jess right there on the street.”

“You probably should count your lucky stars that Buster didn’t file charges against her. From what I hear, she started it. She’s already in enough trouble already. You don’t need to borrow more for her, so leave it alone.”

He planted his palms on the table and leaned forward. “You can bet Wainwright had something to do with Buster’s exoneration.”

“Maybe so, but I learned over the years not to ask too many questions.”

That had to be the sorriest excuse he’d ever heard coming from a peace officer’s mouth. “And during all those years, you just bent over and took it.”

Buck gave him a look as hard as steel. “I did what I had to do to put food on the table and keep a roof over your head. Some battles aren’t worth fighting if you stand to lose more than it’s worth. You’ll learn that when you take over this job after I retire next year.”

His own father had pretty much looked the other way to save his own ass. Disgusted, he straightened and backed away from the table. “I don’t want this damn job. Not if it means turning my back on the law.”

“Where are you going now?” Buck asked as Chase headed toward the door.

“To Jess’s arraignment.”

“You’re already in too deep.”

Chase turned, slowly. “I’m not going to desert her, so just lay off.”

Buck inclined his head and narrowed his eyes. “Are you in love with her?”

The hesitation in his response was pretty damn telling. “I care about her.” And he couldn’t imagine not having her in his life, something best left unsaid.

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