A Randall Returns (3 page)

“I’ve heard about doctors having a Godlike attitude, but this is the first time I’ve ever experienced it. Are all doctors like you?”

“Yes.”

“So they’re all beautiful women?”

“Sheriff—” she began.

“Make it Mike. If you’re going to order me around like my mother, we might as well be informal.”

She ignored him as Alice returned with a small pill in a miniature paper cup. Taking the cup, Caroline signaled that Alice could return to the nurse’s desk, leaving the patient in her care. Caroline poured a glass of water, then held the pill near his lips. “Open, please.”

He reached up a hand, but she drew back. “No hands,” she ordered. They stared at each other in a silent struggle. Finally he opened his mouth. She dropped the pill in and then handed him the glass of water. “Drink it all,” she insisted.

He did so, reluctantly. “Satisfied?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you. Sleep tight and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“No good-night kiss?”

There was a challenge in his gaze that made her feel reckless. Delighting in that feeling, she bent over, intending to kiss his cheek, but he turned his head and met her lips with his.

His soft yet powerful mouth clung to hers, and Caroline was shocked at how much she wanted to give in to their touch. That very thought shocked her even more and she jerked away.

She intended to reprimand him, but she couldn’t pull herself together. Instead, he murmured, “That was worth it.” A sweet smile formed on his lips and he drifted off to sleep.

She backed away from the bed, as if an incredible danger lay there and could draw her in if she went too close. Her body was flooded with sensations. What was wrong with her? No man had ever done so much damage with a single kiss.

She turned and hurried down the hall.

“Everything okay, Caroline?” Alice asked, staring at her curiously.

“Yes, fine. Good night.” She never stopped walking, trying desperately not to run. When she stepped outside
into the cold, crisp night air, she drew a deep breath and some of her panic faded.

It was because she was tired. Because she wasn’t used to being home again. Those facts were to blame for her unbridled reaction to Sheriff Mike Davis. Nothing else.

That was it, she told herself, pleased with her self-diagnosis. All she had to do was pull herself together and get a good night’s sleep. Starting tomorrow she would just avoid the new sheriff.

Her house was safe and warm, comforting. But she didn’t dare go to bed right away. First she needed to clear her mind of what had happened so she didn’t have to relive the experience in her dreams.

After reading far too late, she finally retired to her bed and closed her eyes. Snug in the covers, her head resting on a fluffy pillow, Caroline began drifting off. But just as sleep claimed her, she found herself wrapped in Mike’s arms, his lips claiming hers…and a smile formed on her lips.

H
ER LIPS WERE SWOLLEN
and cherry-red from his sweet-tasting kisses, yet she couldn’t stop herself from taking pleasure in his mouth one more time. Her tongue danced with his and—

What was that rapping sound she heard pounding in her ears? The beating of her own heart, she reasoned. Then she heard it again and this time identified it. Someone was knocking on her door.

With a start Caroline awoke and sat bolt upright in her bed. Around her the sheets lay in a twisted heap. If
she didn’t know better, she’d think this was the site of a long night of passionate lovemaking. Her and Mike Davis…

No. Whatever had transpired between her and Mike had happened only in her dreams.

Erasing the carnal image from her mind, she grabbed her robe and pulled it on, trying to look at her watch at the same time as she struggled to get to the front door.

“I’m coming,” she called out.

When she opened the door, her mother stood there, her eyebrows raised.

“Good morning, dear. Did I awaken you?”

“Yes, but I’m glad you did. Is anything wrong?”

“No. I took an emergency call out at the Benton ranch this morning. I thought I’d stop and take you to breakfast before I went home.”

“Oh. Oh, yes, that will be nice.” Caroline stepped back and allowed her mom to enter. She felt strange, almost as if she didn’t want to make eye contact with her mother for fear her eyes would be a life-size screen on which would play the images of her and her lover that had imprinted her dreams last night and into this morning.

“I—I’ll get dressed,” she said, walking toward her bedroom.

“Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Of course, Mom. I won’t be a minute.”

In her bedroom she frantically found a pair of jeans and a knit shirt to put on, adding socks and boots. Then she ran a brush through her long hair and braided it
down her back. Taking a deep breath, she came back into the living room. “I’m ready, Mom.”

Her mother was sitting on the couch, looking at a magazine. “There’s no big rush, Caro. At least, that’s true unless Red learns we chose the café over his cooking.”

Caroline relaxed a little. “Do you mind if we stop by the clinic? I need to check on a patient before we go.”

“Of course not, dear. Who’s the patient? Anyone I know?”

Caroline made sure she was turned away so her mother wouldn’t see any undue emotion in her face. “Sheriff Davis. He got cut breaking up a fight last night.”

Her mother frowned. “Must’ve been a bad cut to require overnight care.”

“It shouldn’t have been, but he insisted on taking the men to jail before he came in. He lost a lot of blood.”

“Ah. One of those stubborn men.”

“Exactly. Not only did he not want to stay in the hospital, but he also faked taking his sedative. I had to give it to him personally to ensure that he swallowed it.”

Her mom laughed. “I’m sure you managed, sweetheart. You’ve always been a strong woman.”

It was comforting to think her mother believed in her. But memories of the initial confusion and desire to yield to Mike Davis’s touch worried Caroline. That was why she asked her mother to accompany her into his room when they reached the clinic.

The man wouldn’t be able to get to her with her mother present.

Caroline greeted the nurse on duty, who had relieved Alice at seven. “Morning, Helen. How’s our patient this morning?”

“If you mean the sheriff, he signed out just after I came on board this morning. Said he didn’t need any more care. I tried to convince him to wait until you arrived, but he refused.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” Caroline asked sternly.

“Sorry, Doctor. I didn’t think it would be necessary to disturb you.”

“Did he say where he was going?”

“He’d called one of his deputies and said he was going to the café for breakfast.”

“I see,” Caroline said, biting her tongue. Then she turned to her mother. “Let’s go there and see if I can find my missing patient!”

“Uh-oh,” Mike Davis muttered as he watched the newest arrivals enter the café. Dr. Caroline Randall stared around the room until her blue gaze collided with his.

“What, boss?” Harry Gowan asked before he put a big bite of scrambled eggs in his mouth.

“I think I’ve irritated the doctor.”

“Jon? How—”

“The new one, Dr. Randall,” Mike said, watching as the beautiful woman cut through the tables of diners. He could tell she was going to challenge his behavior.

Harry’s eyes widened as he noted her approach, followed by that of B.J. Randall, of the all-powerful Randall family. “Uh, boss, that’s Mrs. Randall.”

“I know.” He stood and addressed the women. “Good morning, Doctor, Mrs. Randall. Would you join us? We’ve just started.”

B.J. accepted the offer without consulting her daughter. Caroline found herself face-to-face with the sheriff while her mother sat down beside the handsome young deputy.

Mike pulled out the chair beside him and gestured for Caroline to sit down. Without causing a scene that
would hurriedly be repeated on Rawhide’s grapevine, Caroline had no choice. She flashed a look of panic at her mother, but the woman was discussing something trivial with the deputy and didn’t glance her way.

“I assume you’re upset that I signed myself out?” the sheriff asked in a low tone meant only for her ears.

“I thought it was an unprofessional thing to do,” she said stiffly.

Before Mike could reply, a voice interrupted them. “Hey, Caro! I heard you were back. Why did it take so long for you to come in?” the waitress asked as she reached their table.

Caroline wanted to sink down in her chair, but she smiled brightly. “Hey, Sylvia. It’s good to see you. But I’ve been busy since I got in. I started work at once.”

“Well, your first breakfast is on the house. What will you have?”

Caroline gave her order. Then she sat quietly as her mother did the same.

After the waitress departed, Mike leaned forward. “I was going to offer to buy your breakfast, but since it’s on the house, I guess I won’t bother.”

“You wouldn’t need to do so, anyway. Are you going to check in sometime today so I can examine the wound?” She held her breath for his answer.

“I already examined it. It’s not the first knife wound I’ve had.”

“And that makes you an expert?”

“How many such wounds have you treated? I don’t think many upper-crust Chicagoans get knife wounds.” He gave her his charming smile.

“Sheriff Davis, I did two ER rotations. I can assure you knife wounds were commonplace.”

Mike frowned, staring at her. “You dealt with the ER? That’s pretty tough.”

“Yes, it was. But I happen to be pretty tough myself. I’d like you to come to the clinic sometime today for me to check the wound.”

He paused before he answered. “What time?”

“I’ll be at the clinic all day after I finish breakfast. Jon and I are going to alternate Saturdays. Today’s my turn. On Sundays we’ll only have a couple of nurses on duty.”

“Darling, I’m sorry,” her mother interrupted. “I didn’t realize you hadn’t met Harry. This is Deputy Harry Gowan. Harry, my daughter, Caroline.”

“Or Dr. Randall, as she’s known to some people,” Mike added, eyeing Caroline.

She blushed, remembering her snippy remark, which she now regretted. “‘Caroline’ will be fine, Harry. Rawhide is a friendly town.”

“It sure is, Caroline. Welcome home.”

“Thank you. How long have you lived here?”

“Three years now. Sheriff Metzger hired me right out of college. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and he promised me some excitement.”

The deputy seemed very young to Caroline. Probably twenty-five, from what he’d said, which gave her five years on him. “And you, Sheriff Davis? Were you hired straight from college?”

“No, ma’am. I didn’t make it to college.”

“Oh?” Since she’d gone to school for what felt like
her whole lifetime, the idea of Mike not attending college seemed bizarre.

“I joined the army. Afterwards I worked with the Chicago PD for ten years.”

Quickly she did the mental calculations to figure out his age.

As if reading her mind, Mike offered, “I’m thirty-five.”

Unconsciously, Caroline let go a sigh of relief. Otherwise, she would’ve thought she’d robbed the cradle when he’d kissed her last night.

She recovered quickly and shrugged it off. “Yes, well, I’m sure you learned a great deal while working.”

He smiled wryly. “Yeah. Quite a bit.”

“He’s great,” Harry said with enthusiasm. “I’ve learned a lot since he got here. Not that I’m saying anything against Sheriff Metzger,” Harry hurriedly added, looking apologetically at Mike.

“Thanks, Harry. When I start campaigning for election next year, I’ll enlist you as my PR guy.”

Just then Sylvia brought the ladies’ food. Mike looked at Caroline’s plate. “That’s a big breakfast,” he commented.

“I have a fast metabolism,” she said, not looking at him.

“Say, Caroline, are you planning on staying here?” the young deputy asked, obviously trying to make polite conversation.

“I’m not sure, Harry. I’m going to work with Jon for a while and see how I like it.” She smiled at the pleasant man.

“Afraid you’ll miss the sophistication of Chicago?” Mike asked.

“No. Are you?”

“Not me. I never went to the symphony or the ballet.”

“But I bet you went to football, basketball and baseball games occasionally. We don’t have those here in Rawhide.”

He grinned and raised that left eyebrow. “No, but the high school has a great wrestling program. And the basketball team is getting better.”

“I heard you’re helping coach the basketball team,” B.J. said. “My nephew Casey has been raving about you.”

Caroline looked at her mother. “Casey is playing basketball?”

“He’s good,” Mike said. “And a hard worker.”

“I’ll tell Pete you said so. That will make him proud,” B.J. said.

“But he’s all arms and legs.” Caroline couldn’t get the image of the gangly teen from her mind. “He seemed so awkward when I saw him last time.”

Mike looked at B.J., not Caroline. “Beautiful women do that to young men.” He winked at her mother, who laughed in appreciation. “When he gets on the court, though, he makes good use of his talents.”

“And you’re doing this as a part-time job?” Caroline asked.

“Volunteer work. It helps keep me in shape.”

“But you won’t be playing for a couple of weeks at least,” she said in her doctorly voice.

“Maybe one week.”

“Sheriff, as your doctor, I certainly wouldn’t approve of you testing your wound that soon.”

He smiled. “I heal quickly.”

Caroline saw his comment as a challenge to her authority and glared at him. She wiped her mouth with her napkin and stood up. “I need to be going, Mother. Harry, I’m glad I met you. Sheriff, I’ll see you for your checkup today.” With a nod, she was gone.

B.J. sat there, surprise on her face.

“Sorry to drive your daughter away, Mrs. Randall.” Mike spoke sincerely, but his lips were curved in a rueful smile.

“Make it B.J., Mike. There are too many Mrs. Randalls in Rawhide. And I’m sure you didn’t drive Caroline away. She’s just determined to do her job well.”

“I’m sure she will.”

When the waitress brought the bill, Mike took it, insisting on paying for Harry’s and B.J.’s breakfasts. Then he headed to the clinic, ready to get closer to Caroline Randall again.

C
AROLINE ENTERED
an examination room and extended a hand to greet an old high school friend. “Tracey, I’m so glad to see you. How are you?”

“Fine, Caroline. We’re glad you’re back in town. Jon was overrun with patients.”

“He must’ve been because we’re both working hard.” Then Caroline bent down to greet the two children accompanying her friend. “Hello. Who is Beth and who is Jenny?”

The girls, eight and five, shyly identified themselves. Caroline noticed the younger one, Jenny, was flushed, and she rang for a nurse. “Let’s check the temps,” she suggested, still smiling. Then she turned to Tracey. “What symptoms have they been showing?”

“Colds, I thought, but they keep hanging on. It’s right before Christmas vacation, so I’ve sent them to school. But we’re supposed to go to Denver for Christmas with my parents, and I don’t want to give anything to Mom and Dad.”

“You haven’t had any of the symptoms?”

She didn’t know if Tracey’s look of sheer exhaustion was from an illness or from being run ragged taking care of two young kids.

Her friend dropped her gaze. “Well, I’ve gotten tired lately, but it’s because I’m trying to get ready for Christmas, I think.”

“Why don’t we give you a little checkup, too? Take both girls into the bathroom and all three of you give us a sample.”

After ten minutes, Caroline diagnosed the girls with infected throats and fever. She prescribed antibiotics for both of them, bed rest and a lot of fluids. Then she turned to her friend. “Tracey, you’re run-down. Maybe you should take some iron pills.”

Before she could reply, the nurse came in and handed Caroline a note. After glancing at it, Caroline asked the nurse to take the girls to pick out the color of lollipop they wanted for being so good.

As soon as the little girls left, she asked her friend to sit down. “I have some news for you, Tracey.”

“The girls? It’s worse than you thought?” she asked anxiously.

“No. It’s about you. And I hope it’s good news. You’re pregnant.”

Tracey paled and Caroline reached for her, afraid she might pass out.

“No!” Tracey cried.

Caroline backed her into a chair before she answered, “I gather it’s not good news?”

“No! I mean—I’ve made plans. Next fall, when both girls are in school all day, I was going to get a job, try to get rid of some of the debt. Maybe…maybe get a divorce.”

Caroline gave herself a moment before she responded. “Why? Tracey, what’s wrong?”

Her friend looked away. “M-my husband gets violent when he’s been drinking.”

“He hits you?”

Tracey nodded.

“I don’t see any bruises.”

“I’ve been locking the three of us in the girls’ room. He’s given up trying to get in, and sleeps it off. In the morning he’s sorry.” She looked at Caroline. “But it’s usually only on Friday nights.”

Caroline kept any censure from her voice. “Have you tried to get him help?”

Tracey shook her head. “It would embarrass him.”

“I see. Well, I’d like to examine you today.”

Tracey nodded and stood up compliantly. “I’m still taking birth control pills. Will that hurt the baby?”

“I hope not. We’ll watch it closely. And of course, you need to stop taking them at once.”

After the examination, Caroline said, “Everything appears normal. I think you’re about two months along.” Smiling, she told her friend goodbye, wishing she could wave a magic wand to make the new baby a happy event. But she couldn’t.

Her mind was still on Tracey when she found the sheriff in the next room. She barely greeted him. Telling him to lie down, she rang for a nurse. “Please open the sheriff’s shirt so I can look at the wound.” After examining it, Caroline spread a topical antibiotic cream on the cut and then bandaged it. “Please leave this bandage on and don’t get the area wet for a week.”

Then she sent the nurse away. “Sheriff, do we have many cases of wife beating?” she asked abruptly.

Frowning as he sat up and buttoned his shirt, Mike said, “Not since I’ve been here. Do you know of any, or have suspicions?”

She looked away and shook her head.

“Caroline? Are you sure?”

“I—I’m not certain.”

“Let me know if you do. I’ll try to improve the situation.”

She nodded. From the tension in her body and the look on her face, she knew he could tell she was still worried. But she couldn’t help it. She feared for her friend and the two little girls.

Mike stood and tucked in his shirt. Then he reached out and cupped her chin. “You can’t change the world, Doc. Just do what you can.”

Much to her surprise, she found his touch a comfort. She nodded, grateful for his reassurances and his advice. Then Mike left the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts and fears.

They were her constant companions all day. No matter what patient she saw, Tracey remained on her mind.

Her fears turned prophetic at nine that night when her home phone rang.

“Doctor, we have an emergency with a patient you saw today. Tracey Long.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Caroline grabbed her coat and flew out the door. Usually the walk took her a couple of minutes. Now she reached the clinic door in about thirty seconds. She could already guess what had happened. She found Tracey cleaned and prepped for examination, but Caroline winced at the angry bruises on her friend’s slim body.

“Tracey, did your husband do this?”

The woman nodded.

“Where are the girls? Are they okay?”

“They’re sleeping. He…didn’t touch them. But, Caroline, I—I think I lost the baby.” She ended with a sob.

Reassuring her friend, Caroline started her examination, but told the nurse to summon the sheriff at once. Wide-eyed, Alice hurried from the room.

After the examination, Caroline determined that the baby was indeed lost. In addition Tracey’s arm was broken, and she had several painful bruises and cuts.
Caroline had the nurse give Tracey a sedative that would put her to sleep right away.

“Transfer her to a long-term care room,” Caroline told Alice. “She’ll be staying for several days, at least. Is the sheriff here yet?”

“Yes,” Alice assured her. “He’s in the waiting room.”

Caroline nodded and pulled off her gloves. She went out to the waiting room.

Mike stood as soon as she entered. “You okay?” he asked quickly.

“Me?” She looked down at the blood on her clothes. “Oh, yes. But I need you to arrest Jerry Long for murder.”

“Murder?” Instantly Mike’s face tightened and his back straightened. He went into sheriff mode. “Who’s the victim?”

“It’s an unborn infant. He beat his wife and caused a miscarriage.”

Without saying anything, Mike turned to go.