Eager to start your next journey in Saddleback Ridge?

 

Here are a few chapters to get you excited for what comes next. Prologue

 

Chicago, Illinois – 1 week ago

 

 

The satin kimono skimmed against her artificially tanned legs as she came down the stairs. Opulence surrounded her, just like the diamonds that hung from her ears. Their weight was bothersome, but that was the price she paid for living the life she did.

Her hair fell over her shoulders, like spun gold, bouncing with every step she took. She could hear the voices coming from the living room and headed in that direction. It was after midnight and the staff had dimmed the lights in the house, giving it an eerie feeling.

Just like the hushed voices in the living room made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She knew that the only time Santino Vitale invited his right-hand man, Eduardo Rossi, into their home after midnight, was if there was urgent business to attend to.

As a naïve nineteen-year-old, Elizabeth Scott had been enchanted by the handsome Italian man. She had been lured into a life of luxury and romance and had allowed herself to fall in love without a single touch of doubt. Those first couple of years had been wonderful. Private jets, yachts, luxurious condos in every city, and then of course the estate on the outskirts of Chicago she now called home. In the beginning, Santino had hidden everything from her, and she had been too young and dumb to even question where is wealth came from.

Now, he no longer felt the need to hide anything from her. He didn’t hide his executions, his drug deals with the Mexican cartels, or even the prostitution rings he operated.

“What do you want to do, Don Vitale?” Eduardo Rossi asked with a heavy northern Italian accent. Elizabeth had met Eduardo only two weeks after she met Santino, little did she know he was the consigliere of Santino’s organization.

Santino, the Don.

Elizabeth held back, wanting to find out what was happening before she just walked in.

“What did he tell them?” Santino asked in a low voice, laced with fury.

“Enough for them to know our delivery schedules for the next two weeks.” Eduardo answered gruffly.

“That’s enough for me to know he’s of no use to me,” Santino said before a gunshot rang through the house.

Elizabeth took a step back, not wanting to see who they had executed. She’d witnessed enough executions as Santino’s girlfriend to know that reasoning with him didn’t help. Santino Vitale was his own man and lived by a code of honor, loyalty, and violence. Anything else was simply dealt with.

“Get rid of it, and wake up the staff to clean up this mess.” Santino ordered Eduardo.

Elizabeth knew that tomorrow morning there would be a new carpet in the living room. She had stopped asking why the carpet was so frequently replaced, but she did wonder if they had a warehouse of carpets for whenever Santino lost his temper or dealt with a ‘problem.’

Elizabeth heard Santino’s footsteps and knew where they were headed. She could heard glass clink as he poured himself a scotch.

A wave of nausea washed over her as she turned and headed back upstairs. She wouldn’t have been awake if it hadn’t been for nausea, she reasoned as she slipped into their bedroom and closed the door.

She headed straight to the bathroom and reached for the stick beside the sink. She closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath, fearing what the result would be.

When she opened her eyes, despair rested on her shoulders with the weight of all Santino’s crimes.

Two blue lines.

Elizabeth sank down on the cold tiles, clutching the pregnancy test in her hand, glancing at the two lines that had just changed her entire life.

Having been raised as an orphan, she had been used to looking out for herself. Even when she discovered Santino’s role as the Don of the Italian Mafia in Chicago, she had believed she could look out for herself.

But there was no longer just herself to think about, she realized drawing in a sharp breath.

She got up from the floor, knowing that she had to hide the test before Santino found it. She rushed to the drawer and pushed it into a box of Tampax, knowing that would be the last place he’d look if he were to search for something.

When she caught her reflection in the mirror she saw a strength there she had never seen before. A determination. Just knowing that she had a baby growing in her womb, had already turned her into a mother, and she would do everything in her power to protect her child from its father and the life he led.

There had been a time when she had loved Santino, but his crimes had numbed her heart over time. She had trusted him and had loved him enough to give him her innocence and her future, but instead, he had betrayed her by lying about his identity. She had been caught up in a web of lies and deceit, and that wasn’t what she wanted for her child.

The courage she had always needed to leave, but could never be found, was suddenly making her heart pound with determination.

With her head held high, she headed downstairs to tell Santino. The words he said she wasn’t allowed to ever speak, were about to tumble from her lips.

She found him in the living room drinking a glass of scotch while one of the guards helped Eduardo wrap the body in a black tarp. Another thing that had always bothered her. Do they keep a roll of tarp somewhere on the property simply to dispose of bodies? She quivered at the thought of where they disposed of the bodies.

“Mi amor, come join me for a drink.” Santino welcomed her presence with that charming smile that had won her over that very first night.

“No thank you. We have to talk.” Elizabeth said firmly.

Santino let out an irritated sigh. “If you’re going to lecture me about punishment instead of death, I’m not in the mood. He betrayed me, no one betrays me.”

“It’s not about him, or about the new carpet that will be here in the morning. ” Elizabeth glanced at the body wrapped in a black tarp. “It’s about us.”

“We are the king and queen of Chicago, mi amor.” Santino set down his scotch and walked towards her. He framed her face with his hands, hands that had murdered too many men to count. Once he had charmed her, now his touch revolted her. “I’m listening.”

“In private,” Elizabeth said firmly. She slipped out of his touch and walked down the hallway to the study. She opened the door and waited for Santino to follow her.

A few moments later she closed the door behind and met his gaze as an equal. Until tonight she had perfected the role of being submissive to his desires and needs. She could see the curiosity in his gaze in her body language. “Is something wrong?”

“You mean except for the dead man in the living room? Or that you’ve woken up the help to clean up your mess?” Elizabeth knew she shouldn’t taunt his actions, but she couldn’t stop herself.

He cocked a brow, his gaze a warning.

“It’s not about that,” Elizabeth shook her head. “It’s over for me Santino. I’ll always be grateful to you for the years we’ve had, but it’s time for me to leave.”

Santino laughed. “Leave? Where will you go? You have nothing, you have no one. My familia is your familia. You’re just upset, it will blow over. Go back to bed, in the morning you’ll feel different.”

“I won’t.” Elizabeth said firmly. “I’m done, Santino. You can find another nineteen-year-old to seduce and spoil with luxury. I can’t live this way anymore, Santino.”

Santino stepped forward so quickly, that Elizabeth didn’t have time to step back. His right hand wrapped around her slim neck with such force that her hands flew up to free his hand as she gasped for air.

“Don’t underestimate my affection for you, mi amor. You’re mine and you’re not going anywhere. Don’t become a problem I have to deal with. ” His voice was low, but the threat resounded throughout her mind. He dropped his hand and the dangerous gaze seamlessly slipped away before it was replaced with charm and affection. “I love you and the thought of losing you, it hurts.”

His charm didn’t fool her, Elizabeth understood him well enough to know, that leaving wasn’t an option, only death was.

She summoned a smile and played the part of the doting lover he expected her to be. “You’re right, I’m just tired. And knowing you love me, il mio amante, you are my familia.”

She distracted him with a passionate kiss as she slipped the keys to the Porcha out of his pocket . Escaping Don Santino Vitale wouldn’t be an easy feat, but Elizabeth had watched his security detail closely over the years. She knew exactly when there wouldn’t anyone be watching, and exactly when she needed to act.

It was just a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.

But she was done with him, his corrupt idea of familia, and this life.

It was time for her to focus on her future and the life of her unborn child.

 

 

Chapter 1

 

 

Saddleback Ridge – Current Day

 

 

Coming back had always been the plan, but it wasn’t until Liam Whitehead stepped inside Whiskey Woes, that he realized how glad he was to be back in his hometown.

It had been eighteen years since he waved his father goodbye and set off in a beat-up Corolla to join the NYPD. Ever since he could remember he had wanted to follow in his footsteps of becoming a cop, and Liam hadn’t ever regretted joining the boys in blue. He had often visited his father, Baxter Whitehead, the Sheriff of Saddleback Ridge, over the years, but this time he was back for good.

“Welcome back!” The crowd called out as familiar faces along with a few new ones, held up their glasses to him.

“Welcome back, son. ‘Bout time you came home to follow in your dad’s footsteps.” Baxter Whitehead walked up to his son with nothing but pride and joy in his eyes. “Another Sheriff Whitehead is exactly what this town needs when I retire.”

“Slow your roll Dad, it’s early days.” Liam chuckled as he accepted the beer his dad offered him. But his dad was right, Liam’s next career goal wasn’t climbing the NYPD ranks, but instead to take over as a small-town sheriff when his father retired.

“Welcome back buddy, I’d say you look the same, but I’d be lying.” Ford Caldwell slapped him on the back and shook his hand. “Never thought we’d see the day you left the big city for our humble Main Street.”

“Thanks, Ford, it’s good to be back.” Liam took a sip of his beer, savoring the bitter bubbles as they exploded in his mouth. Somewhere over the speakers a country song was playing, making Liam feel even more at home. “You must be Kelly, I heard you were conned into marrying this oaf.”

Kelly laughed, her eyes sparkling with humor. “And now I’m having this oaf’s kid. It’s nice to meet you Liam, I’ve heard a lot about you over the years, especially from your dad.”

“He embellishes.” Liam quickly apologized. “Dusty, man it’s good to see you. I heard you finally got that dude ranch going?”

Dusty nodded as she shook Liam’s hand. “And I married your girl.” Dusty pulled Gemma forward with a triumphant smile.

“Gemma,” Liam smiled warmly at his high school girlfriend. “Just as beautiful as I remember, but not as clever apparently. Why did you tie the knot with this fool?”

Gemma laughed. “He was around and you weren’t.” Gemma teased back.

“Come on, even Dad came out to welcome you back. It’s probably gonna snow this summer.” Dusty chuckled as he led Liam through the crowd towards where Clayton Caldwell sat surveying the crowd from beneath the brim of his hat. His moustache was still as big as life, but much whiter than Liam remembered.

“Mr. Caldwell, thanks for coming out.” Liam held out his hand and it was met with a calloused hand and a strong shake.

“Your dad wouldn’t have let me live it down if I didn’t. Liam, I’m sure you remember Betty Taylor, now Caldwell.” Clayton smiled at the lady beside him.

“I do. It’s nice to see you again, Mrs.…. uh Caldwell.” Liam summoned a smile trying to hide his bafflement. He never thought he’d see the day Clayton Caldwell remarried.

“It’s nice to see you to Liam. You used to mow my lawn back in the day, but I hear you’re doing much more important stuff now, catching the bad guys?” Betty smiled impressed.

“It seems all the Caldwells have been taken off my hands, so no more work for me here then.” Liam teased making even Clayton chuckle.

“Go on, git! Go have a beer with your friends.” Clayton nodded towards the bar where a few old friends were waiting for their turn to say hello.

Liam scanned the crowd and recognized almost everyone. There was Sawyer Pruitt had left for medical school before he returned to join his father’s practice. Logan, the youngest Caldwell brother stood there with a familiar woman, although Liam couldn’t place her for a moment. Only when he heard someone else say her name did he realize she was the famous actress, Norah Carter. He’d heard rumors about Logan dating an actress, but he didn’t believe them to be true. Bobby was there, along with Lucas and Jesse Carver.

Liam still couldn’t believe that the high school rebel had become the high school principal.

The next two hours flew by as Liam caught up with old friends, met newcomers to town, and enjoyed another beer or two. He’d made good friends in New York over the years, but there was something about old friends that made you feel comfortable and home. It was a welcome change from the constant pressures of living in New York.

Over the years Liam had worked his way up to detective and although it had been a career goal, the workload and the pressure sometimes got to him. But regardless of that, there was no sweeter joy for Liam than bringing justice to a criminal who thought he’d evaded it.

Many say that being a cop runs in your blood and Liam couldn’t help but agree. He couldn’t imagine himself doing anything else. But it had been time for him to take a step back and reassess his life. New York hadn’t given anything but career success. He was divorced, still single, and still living in the same apartment he had moved into twelve years ago.

Liam had finally decided that it was time for a change. Time to prioritize his dreams of having a family and raising his children in a small town, over the next rung on the ladder in the NYPD. Taking over from his father when he retired had always been the dream, but now with his father only had a couple of years left before retirement, Liam had decided now was a good time to take the leap and head back home.

“This ain’t O’Malley’s but at least it’s an Irish pub.”

Liam turned and his mouth curved with a smile of recognition. “Jack Archer, what the hell are you doin’ on this side of the country? Thought you had your own thing going in New York?”

“I did, but I was seduced with pastries.” Jack reached behind him and Bobby stepped forward.

“You and Bobby, that’s a story I’ve got to hear!” Liam laughed. “Bobby did you know Jack and I were beat cop partners back in the day? I was his rookie.”

Bobby’s eyes widened. “No, I didn’t. Small world, ain’t it?” Bobby shook her head. “It’s good to see you again Liam, welcome home.”

“Thanks.” Liam nodded before he turned to Jack again. “So what are you doing in Saddleback Ridge?”

“I live here now, came out for a case, fell in love, and I stayed. Still running a few investigations here and there, but I’m mostly focused on the ranch.” Jack shrugged.

Liam laughed. “You have a ranch?”

“He has more like a homestead thing going, still finding his feet. The only thing he didn’t manage to kill last summer was his tomatoes.” Bobby teased.

“You should stop by sometime; we can catch up on old times.” Jack insisted.

“I will,” Liam agreed.

As he glanced around Whiskey Woes he couldn’t help but envy how many of his old friends had found love. When Liam had gotten married, it had been his dream to have a family, but the walls of the marriage crumbled before they even decided to have children.

He held up his glass to Jack and made a silent toast to himself. It was time for him to focus on his future and to dream new dreams, New York would always be there, but it was in his past.

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

“Cap, I don’t think she’s lyin’.” Aubrey Broome walked into the captain’s office, his eyes wide with a serious look.

“Yeah, and how do you know that? She make a promise?” Captain Charles Salvador, head of the organized crime unit, asked with a cynical look.

“Nope, but she’s given me names, dates, locations. I think we’ve got enough here to build an iron-clad case against Santino Vitale. The only thing she doesn’t know is how the bodies of disposed of. She witnessed seven executions since she’s been his girl.” Aubrey shrugged. “The only problem is, as soon as Vitale notices she’s gone, he’s going to turn this city upside down looking for her.”

“If she’s real, like you say she is, then it’s we best we keep her under wraps for now. Vitale has been known for his far reach, especially when it comes to the law. No one goes into that room, except for you and me, understand? I don’t care if you have to sleep on the floor by the door, no one gets to her. Understand?” Captain Salvador said clenching his jaw. “I’ve got some calls to make, but before I do, I want to ask Miss Scott a couple of questions.”

Aubrey led the way to the interrogation room where they had put Elizabeth Scott eighteen hours ago when she had simply turned up at the police station in the middle of the night. He unlocked the door before letting Captain Salvador inside.

“Miss Scott, this is my superior, Captain Charles Salvador. He’d like to ask you a few questions.”

Salvador took a seat and for a moment just watched her. He could tell a lot by watching someone. Were they trying to hide something with their body language, were they anxious, were they angry, all those things you could tell simply from watching someone.

“Look, this isn’t pay-to-view.” Scott snapped at him. “And this isn’t food. I’ve been in here for the last eighteen hours. You’re treating me like a criminal although I want to help you bring one of the biggest criminals in Chicago down. I’m not saying another word until I get a chicken salad, a bottle of water, a box of prenatal vitamins.”

Salvador’s mouth curved in the corners. “Thank you for answering my question.”

“You didn’t ask anything.” She said with a sigh.

“Aubrey, get the salad, the water, and the vitamins.” Salvador handed Aubrey cash before he focused his attention on Elizabeth Scott again. He waited until Aubrey closed the door behind him before he spoke.

“You’re here because you found out you’ve been knocked up. Two blue lines finally gave you the wake-up call you needed to realize you’ve been dancing with the devil. Now you’re here not to help me, but because I’m the only one that can help you when he realizes you’re gone. So what’s the deal Elizabeth, you want protection in exchange for testifying when we go to trial?” Salvador asked with a cocked brow.

She didn’t even flinch. Salvador couldn’t help but recognize the signs of a woman who had spent the last eight years of her life around dangerous, callous men.

“Well done, you got me. But before I can testify, you have to bring him down.” Elizabeth reminded him.

Salvador shrugged. “From all the information Aubrey says you gave him, that won’t be too hard. But it might take some time. Before I make sure you and your baby are protected, I need to know if I’m your ticket out of Chicago or out of that life. I don’t mind it either way, it’ll just help the marshals decide where to put you.”

She held his gaze with determination. Regardless of how exhausted she was she jutted out her chin and straightened her shoulders. Salvador couldn’t help but admire that although she was slim, with a slight build, there was steel in her eyes when she answered him. “I’m done with Chicago, and I’m done with that life. As long as I’m safe, I’ll sing for every judge he comes before.”

Salvador allowed a rare smile to curve his mouth. “Then I’ll make sure they put you somewhere safe. Somewhere I don’t even know.”

Salvador made the phone call in front of her. “It’s Captain Charles Salvador here from Chicago PD organized crime division. I’ve got a witness I need you to take off my hands, long term.”

When Aubrey returned, Salvador headed back to his office to go over the information she gave Aubrey. He didn’t just have enough to set a trap for Santino, he had enough to put him away forever. It might take some time, but in the end, it would be worth every second.

 

***

 

“Welcome home, sleepy head.”

Elizabeth was startled in the passenger seat of the vehicle. She glanced out the window and saw a sign that read, ‘Welcome to Saddleback Ridge, Population 5436.’

“Where exactly is home?”

After spending a total of twenty hours at the police station she was escorted to a safe house for the night where she met US Marshall Matthew Tate. She had been kept in her room for the next thirty-six hours while arrangements were made for her to go into witness protection. After another takeout meal and hardly any sleep, Tate had taken her to the airport.

A jet had flown them into Kansas City from where they had taken a car and had been driving for the last nine hours. Tate had secured some clothes and toiletries for her, and in her own bag, Elizabeth had her camera, her prenatal vitamins, and the five grand of cash she had taken from Santino. She could’ve taken more, but she didn’t really want his money. She just needed enough to get on her feet, and then she planned on donating the rest anyway.

“Colorado, about sixty miles south of Colorado Springs. We’ll be meeting with the sheriff; he’ll be your liaison for the duration that you’re in the program. If anything happens, he’s the first to know.” Tate explained as he slowed the vehicle.

Elizabeth glanced out the window and admired the flowerboxes in front of quant little stores. It looked as if this town could be the poster for small-town America. “No more silk or diamonds for me.”

“What was that?” Tate asked as he pulled up in front of a diner.

“Nothing. Just still coming to terms with how my life has been changed in the last thirty-six hours.” Elizabeth yawned again. She wasn’t sure if it was emotional exertion or the pregnancy that had her feeling so exhausted.

“Just remember, you left Elizabeth Scott behind in Chicago. She’s gone, forever. From here on out you go by your new name, which is?” Tate turned to her with a cocked brow.

“Emily Smith.” She nodded. “Nice of you to keep the initials the same at least.”

“We didn’t, it was a coincidence. We usually have a few identities lined up in case of an emergency. It was simply a matter of sticking your photo onto your driver’s license and social security card.” Tate killed the engine and turned to her with a questioning look. “If you climb out of this car, there is no turning back. You understand that.”

Emily nodded. “Elizabeth and Don Vitale are in my past. This is my future.”

“Good, then let’s go meet Sheriff Baxter Whitehead.”

Emily followed him into the small-town diner. If she expected the scent of bacon grilling, or waitresses buzzing back and forth with meal orders, she’d been wrong. It was four am, and the only people who knew she was there were, was Tate and the man were sitting in the back of the diner with a curious look and a Stetson hat with a sheriff’s badge.

“Marshall Tate, it’s been a long time.” Sheriff Baxter stood up and shook Tate’s hand.

“Yes, it has. Thanks for being ready on such short notice. I’d like to introduce you to Emily Smith, from Portland. She’s been waitressing in my restaurant for the last four years, before that she studied photography. She’s here to take some time off and see if she can make a living by selling her photos online. Wanted to get away from the cold and heard about your town on a tourism site.” Tate made the introduction, including her backstory.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Smith. Welcome to Saddleback Ridge. Just like you booked online, you’ll be renting the guest cottage on my ranch for a few months, or until you’re ready to move on.” Sheriff Baxter said with a warm smile.

Emily understood the code, she’d be staying there until the trial brought her back to Chicago.

“Thank you.” Emily nodded.

“Got your things?” Sheriff Baxter asked glancing around her.

“They’re in the car. They fixed her up with a go bag, it ought to last a week before she’ll need a fresh change of clothes. Her camera has been approved for relocation. Here’s a new memory card.” Tate said to Baxter before handing her a new memory card. Her old one had been confiscated by Salvador.

The men exchanged a few pleasantries before they all headed outside. Emily was shown to the sheriff’s cruiser and her duffel bag was tossed in the back. The sheriff joined her a few moments later and smiled at her before he turned the engine over.

“Welcome to Saddleback Ridge, Emily. I’m sure you’re eager to see your new home?” Sheriff Baxter asked with a kind smile. She wondered how long it would take for her to become used to the name Emily.

For the first time in years, Emily felt completely safe. He had an authority about him, with a touch of calm that calmed her for the first time in days. “Thanks, and yeah, I am.”

“Haven’t had anyone in there for a while, but it’s clean and the sheets are fresh. If there’s anything else you need, you just holler.”

“I will.” Emily nodded. “I’m sure I’ve got everything I need.”

“I stocked the cottage up with some groceries, but same goes, just let me know if you need anything that isn’t there.”

For the rest of the ride, the Sheriff made small talk about the weather and the small-town folk. He told her about the best spots to take photos and assured her that she would be safe under his care. When he pulled up outside a small cottage, Emily couldn’t help but sigh with joy.

“It’s….” her voice broke, struggling to find the wrong words.

“I know, it’s not what you’re used to and it needs a little work. Come to think of it, especially yard work. But it’s safe.” Sheriff Baxter promised her again.

Emily shook her head. “I wanted to say it’s beautiful. It’s absolutely perfect.”

The cottage was nestled beneath an old oak tree, the porch already inviting her to put up her legs and just wind down. Although the lawn was a little overgrown and there were more weeds than flowers, that didn’t matter in the least.

For Emily, the cottage looked exactly like what it was meant to be.

A sanctuary of peace.

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

Liam waited for the coffee machine and looked out over his father’s ranch. Compared to the other ranches in the area, his father had little more than a homestead, but to Liam, it had always felt like a ranch.

The log house with a large wraparound porch had always brought him calm. The scent of lemon furniture oil would always remind him of his mother, although it had been almost twenty years since she’d been the one to apply it to the furniture.

She might have passed away long ago, but she was still present in every part of the house. Just like his father, Liam had always believed that Clayton Caldwell wouldn’t move on when his wife passed away. To see Clayton happy again, and embracing life and love made Liam realize t hat he wasn’t too late.  If someone could find love at Clayton’s age, there was hope for Liam yet. As for his father, he couldn’t help but wish that his father found someone again. Ever since his mother passed and Liam had left Baxter’s sole focus was being the Sheriff. Baxter Whitehead would never admit it, but the loneliness had to get to him. Especially, on Sunday mornings when he phoned Liam and talked for hours.

Liam didn’t see himself as lonely, just as a work in progress. For a moment he was taken back to his divorce and it left a bitter taste in his mouth. Luckily, his mind was quickly distracted when he saw his father’s cruiser drive into the yard. A young beautiful blonde woman sat in the passenger side of the cruiser.

Liam’s eyes narrowed. Perhaps his father had moved on, he just hadn’t been around to know it. A few moments ago he had hoped his father would find love again, but seeing his father now with who could only be his girlfriend, made Liam feel a little uneasy.

The women had to be younger than him!

But instead of stopping by the house, he drove past and headed around back. Curiosity had Liam moving to the dining room that would allow him to follow the cruiser with his gaze. He saw his father pull up next to the guest cottage they hadn’t used in years. Confusion had Liam’s brow furrow. Was his father trying to hide his girlfriend from him?

The women climbed out of the car, her lush honey blonde locks hanging down her back. She looked around, as if she was afraid of being spotted by Baxter’s son. Liam shook his head, as his father took a duffel out of the back and scanned the yard before he opened the door.

There was only one reason his father wouldn’t want him to know about her, he was embarrassed about her age. And there was only one reason why a girl that young would be with a man his father’s age; money.

Apparently, Liam couldn’t have returned to Saddleback Ridge soon enough. His father was so busy protecting the town that he didn’t realize he was the one that needed protection from gold-diggers like the blonde slipping into the cottage with his father.

Liam clenched his teeth before he headed to the kitchen. He poured himself a cup of coffee and drank it dark and bitter, hoping it would help the sour taste his father’s affair had left in his mouth.

A few moments later the backdoor opened and Baxter walked in. He took off his sheriff’s hat and hung it on the hook by the back door. “You’re up early?”

“Good morning to you to.” Liam greeted stiffly, wondering how he was going to broach the subject of the blonde in the guest cottage. “You were out early?”

“Yeah. Do your old man a favor? Grab a box of tissues, a couple of fresh towels and a carton of milk from the fridge and take it out to the guest cottage.” Baxter spoke whilst pouring himself a cup of coffee.

Liam had wondered how he would ask his father about his young girlfriend, but apparently he would have the opportunity to ask her that himself. “By all means.”

He gathered what he needed before he headed out back to the guest cottage. Once he had a talk with the blonde she wouldn’t be there long. He knew how to scare off a criminal and he recognized one when he saw one.

She was probably already planning on getting his father to change his will and then it was just a matter of waiting until he kicked the bucket before she could cash in. With every step his blood boiled a little more. His father might be old, but he didn’t deserve to be outwitted by a young and pretty gold digger.

He banged on the door, ready to interrogate and intimidate whoever it was that thought they could cash in on Baxter Whitehead’s old day.

No one took advantage of a Whitehead, especially when there was another whitehead around. The Cheyenne might run thin in his blood after three generations, but right now, he was ready to scalp the women who thought they could fool his father.

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