A Sheriff's Star, page 6
She wanted to believe he was a man who was true to his word. Such men existed, but her focus couldn’t be sidelined in the pursuit of a romance, especially since they’d only be here for a short time. Pesky tears stung the backs of her eyes. “I just don’t want her to get too attached and be hurt when we leave.”
Am I talking about attachment to the animal or the man?
His hand rose in what looked like a Boy Scout salute. “I’ll make sure she knows he’s mine, and I’ll take good care of him.”
“I don’t know if you saw, but the puppy you put in her arms has one deformed back leg. And trust me, she’ll know if you choose a different dog.”
“I noticed the pup’s leg. He needs love just like the others do. From my experience, he’ll adapt and be fine.” The breeze ruffled Anson’s hair as he turned and walked back to Hannah.
Words momentarily escaped her. He was so different from Brent or any of the guys she’d dated. He appeared to have qualities a real man should have, but she’d been burned by first impressions before.
Can he really be such a good guy?
Hannah’s giggle refocused Tess’s attention. She joined them to see the baby sucking on her little finger.
“It tickle. Momma. My chief puppy. I visit.”
“That’s great.” She caught Anson’s gaze and smiled. “I don’t know what you said to her, but good job.”
“Maybe you’ll end up liking this town enough that you’ll want to come back and visit now and then.”
There was truth in his statement. Tess liked this town and its citizens a little more every day.
* * *
A crisp, fall wind blew through the town square playground and fluttered the wisps of hair falling from Tess’s ponytail. She sipped coffee from a paper cup and waved at Hannah as she slid down the slide, then ran around to climb the playscape again. With Nan and Jenny watching Hannah most of the day, she’d gotten a ton of work done at the museum. Now it was playtime before they headed home to make dinner.
“What’s up, neighbor?”
Tess jumped at the sound of Anson’s deep voice coming over her shoulder. “Jeez, you startled me. You must be good at sneaking up on criminals.”
“I’ve been known to catch a few.” His arm brushed hers and she flinched. “What’s got you so jumpy? Have you broken the law?”
“None that I know of.” Other than the off-limits, getting-you-naked fantasies I can’t seem to stop myself from having.
“My friend’s dog accepted the puppies you found on my porch. Once they’re big enough, I’ll bring my little guy home and find families for the others.”
“That’s good news.” Hannah was out of view, and she shifted her stance to try and see her. “I hate that closed-in section at the top of the slide. I try not to be an overprotective mother, but I can’t see her when she’s in there.”
The second the words left her mouth, Hannah’s high-pitched scream filled the air. Tess dropped her coffee and ran. Anson’s long strides pulled ahead of her, and he vaulted up and over the side of the structure just as Tess scrambled up the slide. She barely noticed smacking her forehead on the lip of the plastic tunnel. They converged from two directions just in time to witness one of her biggest nightmares come true.
“You’re a monster,” said a little boy, and sank his teeth into Hannah’s back.
Her baby’s fearful cries pierced her heart. She pulled her away from the hateful attack and into her arms.
“Tommy Seaton,” Anson roared. “Get over here! Now!”
The mean little boy froze and turned startled eyes on the chief of police. “I... I didn’t do anything.”
Tess cradled her crying daughter, rocking and murmuring soothing words. “It’s okay, my sweet girl. Momma’s here.”
“I saw everything.” Anson’s words were delivered with barely restrained fury, and his stern expression didn’t leave room for argument.
The boy’s face blanched as he glanced nervously between the crying little girl and the police officer’s formidable stare. “Are you going to put me in jail?”
“I’m thinking about it. Where’s your father?”
The kid tugged at the collar of his dirty shirt and shrugged. “Don’t know.”
Anson scooted backward, rose from his crouched position and pointed back the way he’d come. “Follow me. Now.”
The boy glanced once more at Tess and Hannah, cast his eyes down, then did as Anson ordered.
They both disappeared from view, but she could hear him doling out guilt inducing words to the mean-spirited child.
Good luck reforming that little hooligan.
Another man’s voice joined the conversation. “What’d I tell you about runnin’ off? Get in the truck before I tan your hide a good one.”
Hannah tipped her sweet, cherub face up to her mother. “W-w-why, Momma?”
Her trembling lower lip and pleading eyes almost gutted Tess. What do I say? How can I take away her pain and confusion? She wiped Hannah’s tears and ignored the ones trickling down her own cheeks. “My sweet girl, he’s just a mean little boy. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Hannah’s breath shuddered. “I not monster.”
Tess’s throat burned as she choked on a restrained sob, and a sharp lash of anguish branded her heart. “Beautiful girl, you are definitely not a monster. That little boy is probably just excited about Halloween tomorrow. Maybe he’s dressing up in a monster costume.”
“He bad. Hurt me.”
“I’m so sorry, sweetie. Let me see your back.” She raised her purple shirt and sucked in a breath. Three sets of teeth marks marred the beautiful, soft skin of her tiny back. Even through clothing he’d almost drawn blood. Unable to bear the sight any longer, she lowered the shirt and shame gushed in. How could I have let this happen to my baby? She tucked her daughter’s head in the crook of her neck and held her close.
“Tess?” Anson’s voice was low and soothing. “Is she okay?” He crawled into the small space on hands and knees.
She covered her mouth, fearful she’d burst into hysterical tears if she spoke. With trembling fingers, she raised the back of Hannah’s shirt.
His eyes sparked and a muscle twitched in his jaw. “Let’s get her home.”
Hannah turned to Anson and leaned forward to touch his badge. “Star and circle. Safe?”
He took her hand gently in his, swallowed hard and cleared his throat. “I do want to keep you safe. I’m sorry I didn’t get here before he hurt you.”
“He gone?”
“Yes. He’s gone,” Anson said. “Ready to go home?”
She sniffled and nodded.
Tess maneuvered around and, with her child in her lap, they went down the slide. He met them at the bottom and helped pull her to her feet. Hannah wrapped her arms and legs around her mother and clung like a little monkey.
Anson touched a finger to the tender place on her forehead and his eyes asked the question he probably didn’t want Hannah to hear.
Even the slight brush of his finger was uncomfortable. She repressed a hiss and retreated a step. “I’m fine. Just a little bump.”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but only put a hand on the small of her back and guided them toward her SUV. Pulling away from his touch was the smart thing to do, but the warmth of his broad hand felt good. She could comfort Hannah all on her own, but had no one to soothe her own hurts.
She cut her gaze to him, surprised to see some of her pain reflected in his eyes. It would be so easy to fall into his embrace, let him share her anguish, support her through this nightmare. But she couldn’t risk letting her guard down. Couldn’t let herself start depending on him.
I don’t need a hero.
Her pulse raced and her steps quickened as she put space between them.
Once Hannah was buckled into her booster seat, Tess tried to open the driver’s door, but Anson covered her knuckles with the palm of his hand.
“Let me drive you.”
“I can drive my daughter home. It’s only a few blocks.”
“Tess, you’re shaking.”
Again, she jerked her hand away. “I don’t need you to keep rescuing me. I’ve been doing this all on my own for over four years. I need to get her home.” She got in and started the car. The overly helpful officer stepped back but continued to stand staring at her with his muscled arms crossed over his chest. Arms that could comfort her if...
Stop it, Tess Harper. Get your head in the game.
She pulled out of the parking spot and drove down Main Street. “Are you hungry, sweetie? What should we have for dinner?”
“Taco, pease.”
“Good idea. I’m glad we bought crunchy taco shells.” She glanced in the mirror and wasn’t surprised to see a lump right in the middle of her forehead. No wonder Anson was concerned.
Probably should’ve thanked him, rather than spitting venom his way.
* * *
Anson watched Tess drive away and kicked a stray rock. It rebounded off the curb and almost hit his shin.
“That’s one damn stubborn woman.”
He turned and headed back to the station, feeling more than a little upset about what had happened to Hannah. And wondering why he continued trying to help a woman who didn’t want it. He was doing a terrible job of sticking to his plan to keep his distance. Apparently, self-preservation wasn’t his strongest quality.
Why do I repeatedly set myself up for this?
A passing woman shot him a startled look, and he realized he’d growled low in his throat. Anson forced a smile and tipped his cowboy hat. “Evening, Mrs. Suarez.”
Walker met him at the station door. “Glad I caught you before you head home.”
“What’s up?”
“I switched night desk duty with Carter. Hope that’s okay?”
“Sure. Hot date tonight?”
“Actually, yes.” Walker flashed a toothy grin that looked shockingly white against his olive skin.
“Good for you.” At least someone knows a cooperative female. “Did you put those papers about the Blue Santa program on my desk?”
“Yep. All they need is your signature.” Walker turned for the door but stopped. “I saw you talking to the oldest Seaton brother, then heard him yelling at his kid when he got in his truck. What’s that about?”
His teeth ached from clenching, and he wanted to hit something good and hard. “Tommy hurt Hannah on the playground.”
Walker let go of the door and his eyes widened. “That sweet little girl that moved into your house.”
“Afraid so.”
“My sister would have a fit if someone did that to my nephew, Cody. She’s become super protective of him ever since he was diagnosed with autism.”
“That’s understandable.” Anson rubbed his eyes in a vain attempt to erase the visual of Tess and Hannah clinging to one another with tears on their cheeks. But he was also bothered by the deep sadness on the little boy’s face. “Think I scared the crap out of Tommy.”
“Good. Maybe if you keep it up, he won’t turn out like his dad and uncles.”
“Let’s hope, but the men in his life will make that tough.”
“If anyone can do it, it’s you. Night, Chief.”
Once Anson got everything squared away for the evening, he headed home and checked on Nan but couldn’t bring himself to tell her what had happened to Hannah. He was still too disturbed and knew his grandmother would be equally upset. After changing out of his uniform, he went next door, hoping he wasn’t setting himself up for more verbal abuse, but he had to check on Hannah. And if he was honest, he wanted to check on Tess, too.
He climbed his—their—front steps, testing the sturdiness of the railing as he went. A few seconds after he knocked, Hannah’s face appeared in the window, followed by a delighted squeal.
“My chief, Momma. My chief here.”
“My hands are full,” Tess called out. “Let him in, please.”
The door flew open and she bounced on bare feet in a pair of pink pajamas.
“Hey there, little one. Mind if I come in?”
“I took bath. Momma cook tacos.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him into the kitchen, where Tess was draining hamburger meat. After circling him three times, Hannah ran down the hall to her room.
Tess still hadn’t looked at him so he cleared his throat. “Sorry to interrupt your dinner. I just wanted to check on her. Glad to see she’s back to her happy self.”
The cast-iron skillet clanged as she returned it to the burner and added water. “Have you eaten?”
“No. Are you asking me to stay?”
“Hannah will want you to.” She tore open a seasoning packet with too much force and only half of the orange powder made it onto the meat. “Shoot fire and save matches.”
He didn’t dare laugh or even smile at her mishap or quirky exclamation. This intriguing woman was dangerous to his self-control, but she sure did entertain him. The bump on her head was starting to show the first signs of bruising and he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss it better, but he retained a safe distance and leaned a hip on the soapstone counter. “What about you? Can you bear my company?”
“Stay.” She finally met his eyes, but her face was tight with tension and a mother’s pain. “It’s the least I can do to thank you for your help when...” Her voice trailed off like she couldn’t bear to speak about what had happened at the park.
“No need for thanks.”
Hannah ran in and put coloring books and a box of crayons on the kitchen table, then pointed at Anson. “Sit.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He did as ordered, happy to see the biting incident hadn’t affected her as much as it had the adults. “What are we doing?”
She looked at him like it was outrageous that he didn’t know. “Art.”
“Oh, of course.” Before he knew it, he was directed to color a picture of an elephant under a palm tree, but his choice of crayon color was questioned.
“Not purple.”
“How about red?” He couldn’t help but chuckle as curls danced around her rosy cheeks and her finger wagged in his face.
“Not wed.”
“Blue?”
“Fine.” She dragged out the word, shook her head, then went back to coloring flowers with a pink crayon.
He had one elephant ear colored when Hannah sighed. “What’s wrong? Is pink not the right color for your flowers?”
“Not lines.” Her finger poked at the spots she’d colored outside the black borders.
Anson returned to his page and colored rapidly, with only minor regard for the shape of the elephant. “That’s boring. There’s nothing wrong with coloring outside the lines now and then. Keeps life interesting.”
Hannah giggled and returned to her artwork. “You silly.”
Dishes clattered and he glanced at Tess. Her beautiful smile had returned, but it frayed around the edges and her eyes shone misty.
* * *
They ate at the small kitchen table and kept the conversation light and happy. After dinner, Hannah announced he would be reading Barnyard Dance and her mother would read Goodnight Moon. He glanced at Tess to make sure he was allowed to say yes to the request. With her somewhat reluctant nod of approval, he followed Tess and Hannah into the yellow bedroom.
“This your side.” The pint-size cutie patted her bed. “Momma that side.”
Déjà vu, or something more like a daydream, hit as he took his assigned book and place on the bed. He’d thought he’d be doing this very thing in this exact room...with his own child. He pulled himself together while Tess read the classic story he remembered from his childhood. When it was his turn, he put on a happy face. This evening was all about making Hannah forget what had happened in the park. Making her feel happy, and safe.
“Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton.” He opened the board book, and while he read the words, Hannah made the animal sounds.
When he’d finished and closed the book, Hannah splayed her palm on his chest. “Where star?”
“It’s at home. I only wear it on my uniform.”
“You wear. You trick-treat. Keep me safe.”
Tess inhaled sharply and bit her lip.
Is she asking me to trick-or-treat with her? The protective mother’s shocked, agitated expression combined with the child’s beaming smile had him tongue-tied.
“Hannah, he probably has things to do tomorrow night. I doubt he has time for trick-or-treating.”
She climbed onto her knees and bounced on the bed. “Pease, pease, pease.”
Her mother might flay him, but he couldn’t resist this little girl. “Yes, I’ll go trick-or-treating with you.”
“Tank you!”
“Do I have to wear a costume?”
Hannah tapped a finger on her lips. “Yes. Sheriff.”
“That’s easy enough. You better get under those covers so your momma can tuck you in.” The momma that’s glaring at me. He kissed the top of Hannah’s head and moved to the doorway, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave. With the doorframe at his back, he watched the rest of their bedtime routine.
Tess pulled a dropper bottle out of the bedside table drawer and measured out a dose. “Open up.” Hannah popped her mouth open like a baby bird and swallowed the liquid. She kissed her child’s forehead, cheeks and nose. “Good night, sweet girl. Momma loves you.”
“Wuv you, Momma.”
Anson stepped into the hallway as Tess rose from the bed.
She pulled the door almost closed and motioned for him to follow her into the living room. “You’re the first one she’s ever asked to join our nightly bedtime routine. Or to go trick-or-treating.” She crossed to the front living room windows and stared out into the night.
“I’m honored. What’s that medication you gave her?”
