MOST ELIGIBLE SHERIFF by CATHY McDAVID

Author:CATHY McDAVID, [McDAVID,, CATHY]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ROMANCE
Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Published: 2013-02-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

A shrill buzz filled the station seconds before the door swung wide. Cliff strode forward to greet their visitor. Iva Lynn glanced up from her computer, and her jaw went slack.

Detective James stood at least six-five and was built like a freight train. He’d called Cliff earlier to say he wanted to deliver this latest development to Ruby personally. He’d taken a special interest in her case and felt responsible for her safety. Cliff didn’t argue. The more people interested in her case, the better for her.

“You made good time.” Cliff shook the other man’s hand.

“There isn’t a minute to lose.”

After a brief introduction, he said to Iva Lynn, “I’ll call when we know more.”

She’d been assigned to remain at the station in case an update on Crowley came in while Cliff and Detective James were at the Gold Nugget.

The two men left in Cliff’s SUV. He didn’t engage the flashers on the chance Crowley or one of his hired minions was in Sweetheart.

When they were on the road, he called Sam and advised him of their ETA. Cliff had included his friend in the latest developments in order that he keep a watch on Ruby and an eye out for Crowley. After the events of last night, they could no longer count on Crowley’s aversion to crowds.

“There’s a gymkhana going on today,” Cliff informed Detective James.

“A what?”

“Fun and games for the family. Roping, team penning, pony rides, mutton busting.”

“Mutton busting?” The young detective’s laugh reverberated from deep in his chest. “I’m not going to ask what that is.” The next instant, he sobered. “You’ve gotten close to Ruby these past ten days. How’s she going to take the news?”

“Not well. She’ll panic.”

“I think so, too. We need a backup plan.”

“Been working on that.”

James sent him a curious look but didn’t press for details. “I’ll leave it to you.”

The ranch was swarming with guests and locals when they arrived. Cliff had to park a good hundred yards from the main house. Nerves, combined with the hotter than normal weather, caused both men to sweat profusely. Passing a makeshift snack bar, they drew stares from everyone.

Cliff could imagine the whispered conversations.

“Who’s that man with the sheriff?”

“He’s wearing a badge on his belt.”

“Must be official business.”

“What kind of official business?”

They bypassed the arena and headed straight to the barn. Cliff didn’t want Ruby spotting them before they had a chance to talk to her.

“Wait here,” Cliff said once he and James were inside. “I’ll bring her.”

The detective produced a handkerchief and wiped his brow. “What’s that smell?”

“Horses.”

He lifted a foot and inspected the sole of his shoe. “Am I safe?”

“Watch your step.”

“Damned if you country boys don’t live a different life.”

“Be right back.”

Cliff ignored the many familiar faces and friendly hellos. He’d spotted Ruby at the chutes, readying children and ewes for mutton busting, the final event of the day. Sam was with her. Good.

Upon seeing Cliff, she smiled happily. “Hey! Just in time. Ellie’s next.”

He came up beside her and lowered his mouth to her ear.

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