Chapter Five
Ruby shifted into second gear. The old truck accelerated slowly, groaning as it chugged down the hill. At the bottom, she turned onto the main road. A glance in her rearview mirror confirmed Cliff was behind her.
As promised, he’d arrived at the ranch to escort her home after work. She’d waited for him in the truck, not wanting to give him a chance to get close. The hug this morning had been awkward enough.
If she didn’t know better, she’d think Sheriff Dempsey had enjoyed holding her. She’d enjoyed holding him—which was why she’d decided to nix any close contact.
Forcing herself to relax, she checked the rearview mirror again. This Sarge, whoever he was, must be meeting them at the trailer. As far as she could tell, Cliff was riding solo in his SUV.
The trip through town went slower in the truck than it had in her zippy compact car. Ruby was able to really take in the sights, something she hadn’t done earlier.
Sweetheart was exactly as her sister had described it. Quaint, charming and picturesque. While not fully restored after the forest fire, easily half the homes and commercial buildings had been rebuilt or replaced. Everywhere she looked, redbrick chimneys climbed the sides of log houses, welcome signs decorated front doors and wildflowers bloomed in yards or along the road.
The town teamed with activity. She wasn’t surprised to see cowboys on horseback, along with hikers, amateur prospectors and dirt-bike enthusiasts.
There were also couples of varying ages, holding hands or linking arms as they strolled the sidewalks. Little by little, Sweetheart was reclaiming its title as a popular tourist spot for exchanging vows. Ruby understood why. If she were to ever elope, this would be her destination of choice.
About a quarter mile from the trailer, Cliff suddenly pulled into the adjoining lane and passed her. By the time she reached the trailer, he was already parked and on foot. He met her at the truck, and she noticed he was wearing his gun. A shiver ran through her as she rolled down the window.
“Give me the key,” he instructed in a no-nonsense tone. “Stay put until I give you the all clear.”
“Do you really think Crowley’s in there?” At Cliff’s pointed stare and outstretched hand, she promptly did as told.
It was becoming a habit, this relinquishing of keys. First Sam and now Cliff. Ruby was feeling increasingly uncomfortable about the loss of control in her life.
Cliff entered the trailer slowly, calling out, “Sheriff’s Department.”
Had he pulled his gun? Ruby suppressed another shiver. So much for assuming she’d be safe in Sweetheart. It was no different than Vegas.
After a few minutes, he emerged and signaled to her with a wave. As usual, his expression was inscrutable.
“No Crowley?” she asked, meeting him on the porch.
“If you’re thinking I’m going overboard—”
“I’m not. Just wondering if we’ll be going through this same routine every day.”
“Not with Sarge on duty.”
“Speaking of which—” she glanced around “—I guess he’s late.”
“He’s in my vehicle.”
“Really?” Apparently this Sarge was small in stature. And antisocial. Oh, well. So long as he was good at his job, she didn’t care.
“Come meet him.”
She walked with Cliff to his SUV, her curiosity on the rise. Once there, she peered inside the SUV’s open passenger side window and was met by two liquid-brown eyes and a lolling tongue.
“He’s a dog!”
Cliff opened the door, and the big shepherd piled out.
“Hey, fellow.” Without thinking, she went down on her knees and stroked his head. “Are you a good boy?”
He responded by licking her face. She laughed.
“You like dogs,” Cliff said, observing her with interest.
“I love them. If my schedule wasn’t so hectic, I’d have one. No, two.”
“Scarlett doesn’t like dogs.”
“She’s more of a cat person.” Ruby ruffled Sarge’s neck, burying her fingers in the thick fur. “We’re gonna be good friends, you and I.”
“I brought his food.” Cliff reached into the SUV and removed a bag of kibble and a leash from the floor board. Also a brown paper bag she assumed contained other necessities for Sarge’s care, like treats and a water dish.
“Great!” Ruby popped up and started toward the trailer, only to stop short when she noticed Sarge’s awkward gait. Shock reverberated through her. “Oh, my God! He’s missing a leg.”
“He gets along fine without it. Don’t worry. It won’t stop him if Crowley or anyone else uninvited shows their face.”
She recalled Cliff’s earlier remark. “Sarge is a police dog.”
“He served five years with the Reno P.D. K-9 Unit.” Cliff waited while Ruby and Sarge climbed the porch steps. “He was injured during a drug raid.”
“Poor fellow.” Her hand lingered on the dog’s head.
“The chief of police awarded him two medals at his retirement ceremony, one for his injury and the other for merit.”
“Well deserved!” Something else occurred to Ruby as she pushed through the trailer door. “That’s where you worked, too, isn’t it? The Reno P.D. Before you were elected sheriff.”
“Technically, I was appointed sheriff after my dad retired. The election’s this November.”
He’d avoided the topic of his police career. Ruby wanted to know more. “Were you one of those K-9 officers?”
“K-9 handlers. And, no, I wasn’t.”
“Then how did you wind up owning Sarge?”
“I worked Drug Investigations. Sarge and I were on a lot of busts together. During his last one, he saved my life.”
“Really! How?”
They wandered toward the tiny kitchen. Cliff deposited the paper bag, kibble and leash on the table.
“We stormed a meth lab. Three of the occupants were apprehended. A fourth was hiding. I didn’t see him until it was too late. The perp jumped out from behind a corner and pulled a gun on me. Sarge attacked him.”
“Is that how he lost his leg? Was he shot?”
“He fell. The perp fought Sarge off and threw him through a second-story window. He landed on concrete.”
Ruby’s gaze traveled from the dog to Cliff. Her opinion of both soared. “It’s a miracle you survived. Sarge, too.”
“His attack gave me the distraction I needed to take the perp down. There was never a question about who Sarge would go home with when the veterinarian released him.”
“I should say so.”
“He’ll protect you, Ruby.”
Cliff, she realized with a start, was a fake. The hard exterior he put forth shielded a tender heart. He was good with children, cared about the people he served, and he loved Sarge. Not just because the dog had saved his life.
It was easy to see why her sister had been attracted to him. Ruby wasn’t immune, either.
“Do I need to know any special commands?”
“Since his retirement, he’s learned to respond to the basics. ‘Sit.’ ‘Stay.’ ‘Come.’”
“Nothing like ‘kill’ or ‘attack’ or ‘take the scumbag down’?”
He smiled. “Those commands are in German. Though, ‘take the scumbag down’ isn’t one of them.”
“Really?” She was impressed. “German?”
“Police dogs are trained in another language.”
“I guess they wouldn’t be much good if the criminal could get away by telling them to stay.”
“Exactly.” Opening the paper bag, he began removing white foam boxes and placing them on the table. Obviously not dog items.
“You brought food?” Sidetracked, Ruby craned her neck for a better look. There was enough for six people.
“Dinner,” Cliff said. “From the I Do Café. I wasn’t sure how well stocked Scarlett left the refrigerator or if you had a chance to eat lunch.”
Something told Ruby he already knew the answers. Scarlett wasn’t one for stocking refrigerators, and Ruby’s lunch had consisted of a protein bar eaten—she glanced at her watch—six hours ago.
“I can’t accept,” she said.
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Let me pay you.”
Cliff pretended he hadn’t heard her.
Left with little choice, Ruby accepted his generosity with a gracious, “Thank you.”
“Let’s activate this phone then I’ll get out of your hair.”
“Wait, you can’t go!”
“If you’re afraid of being alone, rest assured Sarge will do his job.”
“It’s not that.” She motioned to the table. “You have to join me for dinner.”
This time Cliff didn’t mask his emotions. Indecision showed clearly in his eyes.
“Please,” she said. “You’ve done so much for me. And there’s no way I can eat all this food by myself.”
He didn’t move.
Just when she thought he’d say no, he removed his cowboy hat and hung it on the back of the nearest chair.
“Sure.”
A slight thrill Ruby had no business feeling coursed through her.
Sarge made a wuffling sound and rested his large head on his front paws, his way of saying that his human staying for dinner was as it should be.
* * *
WHILE RUBY FRESHENED UP, Cliff ransacked the cabinets and drawers for plates and silverware. He’d observed on more than one occasion that Scarlett did next to nothing to make the place her own. He now realized it was probably because she’d never intended to stay long. As they say, hindsight is twenty-twenty.
What about Ruby?
Was there any reason to ask? She would return to Vegas the moment Crowley ceased being a threat. Possibly sooner, for the arraignment and trial. No way would Crowley plead guilty. Not with his father’s attorneys at his disposal.
Back in Vegas, Detective James would oversee Ruby’s safety. Cliff’s involvement would be at an end.
Strange, he felt more disappointment at the prospect of not seeing her again than he did her sister. And, yet, he hardly knew Ruby.
“Smells good.”
She stood in the entrance to the kitchen. Cliff had been so lost in thought, he failed to notice her. Not like him. In his line of work, a lapse in concentration could cost him his life.
“What did you bring?” She came up beside him.
Her scent, the same floral one he’d detected that morning when he pulled her into his arms, enveloped him, giving him all kinds of ideas. The wrong kind.
“I wasn’t sure what you liked. If you were a vegan or anything.”
“I’m not.” The corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly. “Though I have the greatest respect for people who are.”
Those had to be her clothes she wore, not her sister’s. Gone were the jeans and work shirt. In its place, Ruby had donned stretch leggings and a tiny T-shirt that hugged her exquisite curves. He had never appreciated the differences between the two sisters more than at this moment.
“There’s pot roast.” He opened the first food container. “Salmon and rice, chicken and dumplings and vegetable stew. Also Caesar and fruit salads.”
“Let’s see if Scarlett left anything to drink.” She went over to the refrigerator and surveyed the contents.
“Water’s fine.”
“Good.” Ruby closed the door with her hip, a quart-size milk carton in her hand. “Because this is all I found.” She shook the carton to demonstrate it contained only a few drops.
After filling their glasses with water and ice, she sat at the table with Cliff. It occurred to him that on the six dates he and Scarlett went on, they’d always eaten out. Never here or at his house. And while they’d spent one evening together on her couch, they’d done no more than kiss a few times.
She’d been keeping him at arm’s length. He knew that now and why.
“Can I have some of each?” Ruby asked, her fork poised midair, her expression hopeful.
“Help yourself.”
She dug in, serving herself both pot roast and chicken. Not a vegan in the least, Cliff thought and started with the salmon.
“Tell me about you and Scarlett.”
He almost choked on his food. “There isn’t much to tell,” he said, sipping his water. “We didn’t date long. And, obviously, not seriously.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“Hardly your fault.”
“She and Demitri have been together off and on for three years. Every time I think she’s over him, they reconcile.”
“You don’t like him?”
“He’s married to his work. And he’s a hothead.” Ruby sighed. “But he’s also smart and good-looking and can be very charming.” She paused, her smile remorseful. “I shouldn’t talk about him.”
“If you’re afraid of rubbing salt in old wounds, don’t be. I liked your sister. That’s as far as it went.”
“You brought her flowers.”
Sarge had moved from the rug in front of the sink to the table. He didn’t beg, he was too dignified for that. But he did wait patiently for any scraps that might happen his way.
“She was avoiding my calls,” Cliff said, slipping the dog a piece of salmon. “I didn’t want to show up at the square dance alone. I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Sweetheart’s most eligible bachelor?” A hint of humor lit her eyes. “Or is it Sweetheart’s most notorious bachelor?”
“Neither.” He chuckled.
“Can’t be most confirmed bachelor. Or else you wouldn’t have been dating my sister.”
“It was strictly for show.”
“Ah, yes. That reputation.”
“Exactly.”
Had his and Scarlett’s conversations ever been this light and easy? Not that he could recall.
“What about before Scarlett? How many women have gone down in the annals of history as Sheriff Dempsey’s girlfriend?”
This wasn’t a discussion he cared to have. He could admit to falling for the wrong woman. Even that he’d been duped by her. What he hated admitting was how close he’d come to ruining his career.
“Dating a police officer isn’t for everyone. The woman has to put up with a lot. Cancelled dates. Late nights. Stress and tension spilling over from the job.”
“Difficult or not, I think any woman would be lucky to have you.”
His reply was noncommittal.
“Why did you leave the Reno P.D.?”
He was beginning to suspect that Detective James had researched him and mentioned his screwup to Ruby.
“My father retired early.” This was a topic he could handle. “My mother’s arthritis deteriorated to the extent she needed a walker. There were days she couldn’t get out of bed.”
“How terrible for her.”
“Now they live in Phoenix near a clinic that specializes in cutting-edge treatments.”
“You must miss them.”
“They come home regularly, and I visited them last Christmas.”
“Are the treatments helping her?” Ruby had finished the pot roast and was starting on the chicken.
“She’s improved. The dry climate’s much kinder to her joints.”
“So, you took over for your father.”
“Family tradition. Seventh-generation sheriff.”
Cliff could have remained with the Reno P.D. In a few months or a year, the incident with Talia would have blown over. Mostly. Instead, he left. Everyone in the department was aware of his history, where he was from, and that his plan was to return one day. No questions were asked.
“The day after my dad announced his retirement, the town council approached me.”
“The town council your uncle heads?”
He nodded. “They asked me to accept the appointment for sheriff. Insisted I accept it. If I win the election this coming fall, the position will become permanent.”
For the next four years, anyway. Barring any screwups.
He didn’t inquire about Ruby’s love life. Not that he wasn’t interested. It didn’t seem appropriate when she was hiding out from a stalker.
Instead, he said, “I’m babysitting my nieces and nephew tomorrow evening while my cousin helps decorate the community center for the dance. Can I talk you into coming along with me?”
“What about the risk? I know you told Sam it was minimal, but I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to your family.”
“I spoke to Detective James earlier. He’s been keeping tabs on Crowley. The man’s sticking close to home.”
“Still...”
“The best way to throw Crowley off and to protect my family is for you to convince everyone you’re your sister.”
Her smile faltered. “I suppose helping you babysit is something Scarlett would have done.”
“She does like the little rug rats.”
“And they no doubt like her.” Ruby pushed away the last remaining bites of her dinner. “Scarlett’s always been great with kids.”
Was that a touch of resentment in her voice? Cliff had pondered the differences between the two sisters all day. How Scarlett was a natural with children and Ruby was anything but.
“Come with me tomorrow. I’ll run interference.”
“I’m not sure.”
“We’ll go out for ice cream.”
One shoulder lifted slightly. She was weakening.
“I’ll bring Sarge,” he added. “The kids adore him. You’ll hardly notice they’re there.”
“I’ll think about it. Let you know tomorrow.”
They finished their meals. While Cliff helped Ruby wrap up the remaining food, he told her about Iva Lynn and her position as part-time deputy. Ruby agreed to go by the station the following morning and introduce herself to Iva Lynn.
When the dishes had been washed, she and Cliff sat back down at the table and he showed her the new disposable phone. Together they programed the speed dial numbers she’d need: Cliff’s, Sam’s, Iva Lynn’s, Detective James’s and her sister’s.
“No personalized voice-mail recording,” he said, selecting the generic one.
She nodded in understanding.
When they were done with the phone, he installed small locks on every window in the trailer. The same kind of locks he’d installed in Maeve’s house to deter her children.
“These aren’t great,” he said, “but they’re better than nothing. Tomorrow I’ll bring a dead bolt for the front door.”
“You’re pretty handy for a sheriff.”
He noticed she tested each lock after he was done.
“Keep the phone with you at all times,” he told her at the door as he was leaving. “Don’t so much as go to the bathroom without it.”
“I promise.”
“It could be your lifeline, Ruby.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice.”
Because she seemed nervous, he added, “Same with Sarge. Don’t let him stray more than ten feet from you, except when you let him outside. And don’t go out with him.”
“What about when I’m at work? He might get in the way.”
“Drop him off at the station on your way to the Gold Nugget. Then you can pick him up on your way home. He’s used to staying at the station all day with my deputy.”
“All right.”
He bent down to give the dog a farewell petting. Sarge was taking his assignment seriously and sitting by Ruby’s side, ears and eyes alert. “I’m counting on you, boy.”
The dog nudged his hand.
Cliff checked his watch. “It’s seven-thirty now—”
“I’ll call you at eight-thirty,” she finished for him. “Maybe sooner. I’m really tired. It’s been a long day, and I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Good night, Ruby.”
“Night.” She gripped the phone in one hand. The other one rested on Sarge’s head.
“You sure you’re going to be okay? I could call Iva Lynn. Ask her to stay with you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
He drove away wishing there had been more conviction in her voice and more he could do for her. Ruby was resourceful and courageous in a crisis. That didn’t mean she wasn’t terrified.
With luck, her impersonation of her sister, his precautions and everything they were doing to keep her safe would be for nothing.
Cliff knew better than to count on it.