The Sherriff's Daughter: WESTERN ROMANCE (Cowboy Alpha Male Bad Boy Romance) (Rancher Pregnancy Romance Short Stories) (2 page)

Clay was late and my father probably stayed with Dizzy Moon and lost track of time. It was quiet so I should have been thankful, turned over and had an extra 30 minutes of sleep but I didn’t. I climbed out of bed and looked at the post where Clay normally left Laddie. The horse wasn’t there but I noticed a number of horses approaching followed by a wagon. Dizzy Moon was on the first horse in the procession. I didn’t see my father on horseback and I grew numb before racing down the stairs and onto the street. I was wearing my nightdress and no shoes.

“Dizzy Moon; please tell me that my worst fears have not come true. Tell me that this is a horrible nightmare and that my father is alive,” I pleaded.

“Like many good men before him, he has left our world. He has died Beth and we are bringing his body home so you can bury him according to your custom. A more valorous man of the law, I have never known. He saved our women from the treacherous men who came to take them. He will forever be honored by my people for his sacrifice.”

“Were you able to speak with him before he died?”

“I was holding his head when he spoke his last words. Before everything turned to gibberish, he mentioned you and asked that I look out for you. He said I must join with Clay and show you the way.” Dizzy Moon looked deep into my eyes. He was a man of his word and I trusted that he would be there for me.

“What type of gibberish did he speak?”

“He repeated the word red over and over again. I believe he was referring to the blood pouring out from his wounds.”

Through misty eyes, I saw Clay looking angrier than I had ever seen him. His glare was intense and his eyes were all grey with no hint of blue. He jumped off his horse and approached me.

“Your father was shot dead. Sheriff Kevin Grant was riddled with bullets and one by one, I will make the men who did this to your Father pay with their lives. A man like your Father deserved better and if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll bring justice back to Gaffney.”

I saw the Sheriff’s badge spattered with blood pinned on his chest. “The only time I felt this anger was when my own father died so I realize your feelings of helplessness. Your father brought his murderer to justice and I plan to return the favor. Please take care of the arrangements; I’m confident that many people will want to pitch in and help,” Clay said. I believed him.

“I’ll never feel safe and happy again. My Father was everything to me.”

Clay put his hand on my shoulder. “From the day your Father laid eyes on you, he kept you safe. Now it’s my job. I’ll never be your father but I will work hard to view the world as he did.”

The remainder of the day was a blur as I arranged for my father to be buried on a butte overlooking Gaffney. The Sioux carved a cross to mark his grave and the citizens planned a memorial in the center of Gaffney. Then things went back to normal except that Kevin Grant wasn’t around. I faked my happiness but a big part of me was buried alongside my father. For a few days, Clay was exceptionally nice to me but that didn’t last long. He was in charge and he made sure I knew it.

We were having an ordinary day of work in the Sheriff’s office. I made breakfast for Clay and the new deputy. He hired Dewey Long who I didn’t like or dislike. Dewey was the type of character who blended into the background. I suspected that Clay owed him some type of favor.

“Have you heard of any further nonsense at the reservation?” Clay asked me.

“I spoke with Dizzy Moon and Morning Breeze yesterday and they’ve had some theft but nothing as bad as the day my father was killed. They are concerned about their stash of gold and the black stallions. I thought they were just horses but apparently they’re rare and faster than most horses.”

“Word must have gotten out that if he steps foot in this county I’ll shoot him dead.” Clay referred to my Father’s killer. “I spoke with Dizzy Moon about his hidden treasures and eased his concerns. Only three people know their location and one of us is dead.”

“You say you’ll shoot my Father’s killer dead. If you need help, I’ll hold him down while you do it.”

A stranger walked into the Sheriff’s office.

“Good to hear from the law abiding citizens of Gaffney.” He said sarcastically. “I’m Darryl Sawyer from the Pinkerton Security agency and I’ve heard you’ve had some trouble with a criminal gang.”

“Hello Mr. Sawyer. I’m Beth and it was my Father who was killed in the line of duty. We suspect it was a gang looking to take over our town. It’s conveniently located near the Black Hills and coaches with loads of gold and money pass through these parts. ”

“My condolences Beth. You can call me Sawyer and I’ve heard nothing but great things about Sheriff Grant but I didn’t know he had a stunning daughter. This is turning out to be a lot better than I thought it would be. I can assure you that I will do everything possible to restore the peace in this lovely town. I’m gonna be asking many questions while I’m here and I’ll need directions to the Sioux people. I’ve heard that you’ve developed quite the relationship with the savages.” Sawyer was short with wiry red hair but what he lacked in looks he made up for in charm.

“Are you staying in the boarding house above the saloon?” I asked Sawyer.

“I am afraid so but it’s not that far to the local church so I’ll survive,” Sawyer said.

“If you’re not interested in staying up all night and having the constant odor of liquor wafting through the window, then you should stay here. Most towns have a place where booze and women are plenty. That’s Gaffney’s spot. There’s an extra room upstairs and you’re with Pinkerton so I know you’re safe. I will put fresh sheets on the bed and you can stay there”

“I’ll be back this afternoon with my bags; I left them with my horse back at the saloon. Thank you for your hospitality Beth. We can ride to church together on Sunday so I can meet all the wonderful people of Gaffney.” Sawyer tipped his hat and walked out. I had a feeling Clay was going to comment and he didn’t disappoint.

“What the hell just happened Beth? You don’t even know Saint Sawyer and you invited him to sleep in the room next to yours. If I’m not mistaken, that was where your Father slept. For God’s sake, the man gives you a compliment and already you’re accompanying him to church. Your father will be rolling over in his grave over this one.”

“He’s here to help us and my Father would be overjoyed about a reputable man coming to town that pays attention to me. You aren’t jealous are you Clay?”

“I can find the men who killed your Father on my own. I don’t need an outside agency’s help.”

“No Clay, are you jealous because he pays attention to me as a woman?” I asked.

“No Beth and I’m not planning to allow you to ride anywhere alone with that man. Your father left me in charge and I intend to keep an eye on you.”

“Are you planning to come to church with us?”

“I’m Sorry to ruin your date Beth but yes, I’ll be riding to church with you. I’ve been meaning to have a conversation with the big guy.” Clay smiled.

Sawyer met with everyone in town over the next couple of months and our relationship blossomed much to the chagrin of Clay. He and I went to one of my favorite places in South Dakota. It was an unseasonably warm Sunday after mass and I defied Sheriff Clay Bask by not going back to the office immediately after services, as was my custom. We sat by the river, which was an oasis in the plains where birds and other wildlife gathered. It was both beautiful and dangerous and I was to find out, very romantic.

“This stretch of river is like paradise on earth. Don’t you agree Sawyer?” I kicked off my shoes and arched my back turning my head towards the sun.

“With you Beth, anywhere seems like paradise.” Sawyer took his boots off and sat close to me. “You don’t find open spaces like this in Chicago.”

“When did you make it to Chicago Sawyer? I thought you hailed from St. Louis.”

“That’s correct. I must have let my mind wander which happens sometimes when I’m with you. Your beauty does something to me Beth.”

Sawyer lifted my chin and kissed my lips. His body pushed against me as his lips lingered on mine. He began fumbling with my dress and he fell heavy on top of me. I pushed him over and we ended up lying next to each other on the damp grass.

“Sorry I pushed you back Sawyer. You stunned me because I have never received advances from a man before.”

“No need to be sorry Beth. There will be other times and I can be patient.” Sawyer was out of breath and so was I.

“Could you tell that it was my first kiss?” I said shyly.

“No Beth because it was so natural and meant to be. I know now that I will be the first man you accept fully.”

“When the timing is right.” I winked at Sawyer with his wiry red hair that was looking more handsome each time I saw him. For the first time in my life, I was falling in love and not Clay or anyone else could control my feelings. Sawyer grasped my hand.

“This job in Gaffney is working out better than I thought,” Sawyer said.

****

Sawyer was seeing who had any vulnerability should the gang come back and try to take over Gaffney, South Dakota. He had luck with everyone except Clay and the Sioux tribe on the reservation nearby. Dizzy Moon bristled when Sawyer asked him how many horses they had and where they kept them. The tribe was known for their prize stallions. On my father’s advice, Dizzy Moon hid a couple of dozen horses where they couldn’t be found. I travelled out to visit Dizzy Moon with Clay and Sawyer. Sawyer was trying to convince Dizzy Moon that he could best help them if he knew where the horses were.

“Hello friend. Coming to visit the reservation has been a great experience for me. You’re a great example of how savages can work together with civilized communities as Gaffney. I am here to help the town be a safe place for everyone and I need your cooperation Mr. Dizzy Moon.”

Dizzy Moon glanced at Clay and they shook their heads. It took control for them not to burst out laughing. Dizzy Moon trusted Sheriff Grant and he had become friends with Clay Bask. He didn’t trust the stranger who called his people savages and referred to him as Mr.

“I am sorry that I cannot share the location of my horses. My tribe cherishes their spirits and I believe they are safe. No offense Mr. Sawyer, but they are worth a great deal of money and we don’t let just anyone know where they are kept. We keep our horses and our gold reserves where only Beth and Clay know.”

Clay winced when Dizzy Moon mentioned the tribe’s gold. He didn’t seem to trust Sawyer with the knowledge that they had gold. I thought he was being paranoid.

“I understand,” Sawyer backed off. “I’m not a friend like Beth and Clay. I’ll back off and you won’t have to deal with me much longer. I have to take what I have learned back to Pinkerton. The next time I’m here will be for the sole purpose of seeing Beth.”

It was the first I heard that Sawyer would be leaving but knowing he would come back for me made my heart soar. The three of us rode home and Sawyer, realizing that Clay was protective, asked him if he could take me for a carriage ride. It would be our final chance for us to be alone together until Sawyer came back.

“You’ve taken responsibility for Beth since Sheriff Grant’s death. I respect that Sheriff Bask so I’m asking you if I can spend an afternoon alone with Beth.”

Clay thought for a moment and I thought for sure he would say yes after Sawyer’s respectful request. “In light of what’s been going on in recent months prior to your arrival. I feel that I must act as the late Sheriff Grant would and say no.”

I turned in anger towards Clay. “How dare you. It doesn’t matter Clay because you are not my father and I’m a grown woman. I choose to spend time with Sawyer who is 10 times the gentleman you will ever be. I’m 20 years old and capable of making decisions for myself.” Turning to Sawyer, I said. “You can pick me up at mid-day tomorrow Sawyer.” I clicked my heels into Perk’s loins and took off. I rode to Father’s grave on the Butte where I could make sense of everything. Clay Bask was being a bully and I couldn’t take it anymore.

I made it to the wood cross the Sioux carved for my Father and collapsed on the ground. lying on the ground, I spoke to him as if he could hear me

“Hello Father; you left a mess behind and I’m not sure how to handle things. Being your daughter and taking order were one thing because you were my father. Who is Clay to tell me what to do and whom I spend time with? Sawyer is an accomplished man who is on the right side of the law. He’s no sheriff as you were but Pinkertons are the next best thing. Sawyer is coming back to Gaffney just to be with me. I am even thinking that he’ll ask me to marry him and I’d say yes. Being a wife and mother are roles I’m meant to fill. I learned how to care for another person from you – the best. I miss you terribly father.”

I slowly rode back to the office on Perk. I was more determined than ever to spend an afternoon with Sawyer before he left to report to Pinkerton. I walked into the office and noticed another drunk locked up in the jail.

“It’s a shame that you can’t do much with that badge besides lock up drunks,” I said to Clay who was sitting with his feet up glaring at the sun as it set over the rolling hills. “Are you napping again?”

“No, I’m meditating as Dizzy Moon taught me. He says that I will find answers in quiet reflection. The man in the cell by the way, is more than just a drunk, he’s a thief. I caught him running out of the mercantile with a fistful of dollars.”

“How long do you plan to hold the man?” I asked.

“Dewey is working on the creation of a chain gang and he may be our first member. There is work that needs to be done in this town and using prisoners is a good idea. Dewey has some good ideas.”

“I think it just gives you something else to have control over. It seems as if you’re creating an empire Clay. You can gather groups of people who have to answer to you but I will not be one of them. I’m more resolved than ever to do as I wish. I’m retiring to my room and I’ll make you breakfast before I leave to spend the day with Sawyer.” I bound up the stairs leaving a disappointed Clay. He was frustrated that he was losing control over me. He was losing me to the red head from Pinkerton and there was nothing that could stop me from having my happily ever after.

****

I jumped out of bed at sunrise, excited about the day ahead. I rummaged through my closet, which was mainly filled with paperwork and old letters from my Father. The blue dress with lace details hung in the back. My father bought it for me when I was 16 and I never had occasion to wear it. It was perfect for my outing with Sawyer. I brushed my black hair until the brush glided through my curls. Something I rarely took the time to do. Dabbing rosewater behind my ears made me feel special and I hoped Sawyer would notice.

I raced down the stairs to find Clay in his napping position. It seemed as if he had spent the night in the Sheriff’s office. The cage was empty.

“Surprised to see you here at this hour. Since I didn’t hear you, I assumed you weren’t here yet. What’s up with the empty jail cell?” I asked. Standing before Clay I felt silly being so dressed up.

“Dewey took him to the blacksmith to get him fitted for leg irons. Poor guy, he was good to talk to after he sobered up a bit.”

I pushed my hair behind my ears and wondered if Clay Bask noticed my change in attire. “I’ll fix breakfast and get the coffee ready.”

“Are you planning to make breakfast dressed like that and smelling like a garden?”

“I have a date with Sawyer later, remember?”

“Yup, I remember. Don’t get yourself soiled because it seems like you put effort into you’re appearance and you look nice.” Clay dropped his cowboy had back down over his eyes and went back to his nap. I thought I noticed his lips forming a smile. It was the first compliment I had ever received from Clay Bask.

I prepared eggs scrambled and some sausage that Mr. Menninger made. He was the drunk who my father picked up off the street. Apparently, he was a reformed Christian who was trying to repay his debts to society. He didn’t drink anymore and he was at church with his wife every Sunday. I was in such a good mood that I put a bit of sugar in Sheriff Bask’s coffee.

“Breakfast is served. Is there anything else you want done before I go out for the afternoon?” I asked.

“Now that you mention it. The mattress in the cage has to be turned over.”

“I can do that.”

“On second thought, I wouldn’t want you to get dirty or cause you to miss meeting you beau.”

Hm, I thought; what happened to Clay because he had a completely new attitude.

“No, I insist on helping out. See, I do as you say when you ask nicely.”

I left Clay at his desk eating breakfast as I walked into the jail cell. I heard the door smashing closed behind be with Clay smiling on the other side of the bars.

“What’s going on Clay Bask?” I screamed.

He chuckled. I sent Dewey out with the chain gang and I thought this was the only way I could keep you from stepping out with Sawyer. I have a feeling in the gut about the man. Pinkerton or not, he’s shady. Dizzy Moon agrees with me, unbelievably. The old Sheriff, your Father, listened to what the Indian chief had to say so I tried it. The man agrees with my way of thinking that your red haired friend is bad news. He advised me to meditate and the answers would come to me. My answer was to lock you up until I can fully investigate Sawyer. I’m going out for a bit to check on Dewey and tell him he can take the rest of the day off. I don’t think you’ll have visitors Beth so I’ll slip you in some breakfast. I’m not hungry after all and we wouldn’t want your delicious breakfast going to waste.” Clay smirked.

I threw the plate of food at the bars and watched as the eggs slowly dripped. “You can’t keep me in here forever Clay. Sawyer will come looking for me.”

Clay smiled as he walked out the door.