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Chapter 148
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2022-06-15 14:05:15Related chapters
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 149
Ronnie woke at daybreak after a restless night. She yawned. Only a couple of days before actually starting work; she'd have to put the time to good use. The books would get a thorough review. The need to understand how the place operated weighed heavily on her.Dressed in jeans and a layered tee and sweatshirt, she headed to the kitchen. Fresh coffee smelled wonderful. When she rounded the corner, a man sat at the breakfast table chatting with Marie. A few more steps, and Mitch came into sight. Their conversation halted. Marie quickly stood and pushed her chair under the table."What would you like for breakfast, Ronnie? I can make just about anything." Marie ran her hands along the front of her apron, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles."Good morning, Ronnie." Mitch slurped his coffee."Morning to you both. Hope I'm not interrupting anything." She moved to the coffee bar and helped herself to a huge mug then chose a fresh muffin and returned to the table."We were talking abou
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 150
After a few chuckles, Elliott said, "I think we all know where Miami is located on a map, but what we don't understand is why anyone would live there. It's hotter than hell in the summer, hurricanes and monsoons, and full of tourists in the winter. This is God's country. The way it's supposed to be with four seasons, beautiful scenery and wildlife, and, fun for everyone, right, Dillon? You agree with me, don't you?"Directing her gaze to Dillon, she saw a glimpse of pain in his eyes before he lifted them to her face. "I sure do, Ell. This is God's country. It's beautiful here, especially when viewed from a motorcycle." His eyes stared at Chase, one on one.Chase waved his hand in front of Dillon. "Now, you know I'll disagree with you there. I think it's a much better view from the backside of a horse, but I'm sure Mitch would disagree with me since he avoids horses like the plague. Ever since his big bronc wreck, right, Mitch?""Geesh, why don't you just tell her everything about
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 151
Ronnie entered the office. Clutter, clutter, everywhere. It didn't appear anything had changed in this room since her aunt's passing two months ago. And she wondered why. Was Marie not allowed in the office? Were there important documents lying around Marie couldn't or shouldn't see? What about the other guests? It would be easy enough for any one of them to access this room during the night and search for anything at their leisure. The door was wide open. But what would they be searching for? Her mind was running away with her. Stop. Slow down. One thing at a time.First, she really wanted to see the bank balance and pay any bills right away. She didn't want any utilities turned off for the few guests they did have. The large black leather chair behind the huge mahogany desk was comfortable enough but only for so long. Ronnie spent the better part of the afternoon sitting on the floor, inspecting files in the drawer. And still no bank records.Since there wasn't a paper bank regis
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 152
After reading it three or four times, she still had no idea what the hell Aunt Sally was talking about, let alone what she'd done illegally. Ronnie put the letter in the waistband of her pants for her eyes only to read at another time. She could at least given me the user ID and password to the bank account. That would have been a bigger help right now than the stupid letter I found by accident. What clandestine activity or crimes could she have committed? And where is the cell she mentioned?A remaining stack of unopened mail sat to her right on the desk. May as well get started on that while I try and figure out what the letter really said, she thought. She turned the stack of envelopes over and ran a letter opener across each one then turned the pile back over. The first few she opened were bills; she put them aside to pay; some advertising media, a thank you from a recent visitor, and a letter from the attorney in Miami. What? She checked the return address twice. Yes, the same a
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 153
On the very top of the first page the word Income was printed in caps on the left side. On the next row, three columns were labeled across the top: Date, Amount, and From. Under each Date column were dates beginning from over a year ago, the Amount list was of large dollar amounts, and the From column simply had one name filling the page, "Parker." The right page was labeled Expenses written in all caps and had four columns identified: Vendors, Work Done, Date, and Amount. Ronnie skimmed the page of fixtures and renovations. The last one of kitchen and master bath granite was about six months ago. The last income was dated three days before Aunt Sally died.How did Aunt Sally die exactly? The medical examiner who performed the autopsy had listed the cause of death as heart failure. When Aunt Sally called or visited, she always looked healthy and happy. And she was the baby of the family, younger than her father and her uncle Richard who had died when he was only fifty-three years old
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 154
Marie soon joined her. "Saying goodbye is always the hardest," Marie said. Janelle seems very nice and Carter is enamored with her. I want what's best for them both.""Yes, they seem like a very nice couple."Marie chuckled. "I'm going to see what's on TV. There're a couple of shows I like that I think are on tonight. Want to join me? It's only for an hour or so. Might take your mind off whatever is troubling you."Ronnie, not ready to be alone in her room to ponder her aunt's possibly illegal actions, nodded. "Sure. I'll take you up on that. Actually, I don't have much time for TV, so this will be a treat.""Oh, and by the way, when's your day off?" Ronnie asked."I don't need a specific day off. I live here and take care of this place. This is my life, and I love it. I take naps when I want to or need to, I get groceries, I shop. I have everything I need.""Do you have a special man? Do you date?" Ronnie asked.Marie's eyes about popped out of her head. "No, no, no. I d
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"I'll serve you a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon, I made enough for three anyway." Marie ambled around the kitchen, pouring orange juice and making toast."Marie, please don't go to any fuss. I'm not a big breakfast eater so a muffin will be fine." Ronnie absentmindedly caressed Mugsy behind his ears. "I understood from Mitch he doesn't eat here much. How often does he have breakfast with us?""Only a few days a week. It's very hard to fix a good meal for only two people, so I end up with leftovers at every meal. He's always been welcome at our table, according to Aunt Sally.""I can hear her saying that, too. She was such a warm and kind loving woman." Ronnie smiled."Yes, exactly. And she and the sheriff were very close. They visited for many hours, late into the night." Marie set a plate in front of her."So I've heard. What'd they talk about, do you know?" Ronnie placed a napkin on her lap and picked up her fork."Oh, I think they spoke about everything under the sun
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 156
Mitch drove to the jail while the driver in th5 back seat pleaded for leniency the entire ride. Mitch parked, pulled the babbling prisoner out of the car, and dragged him inside. Ronnie followed close behind.A few hours later, they headed out for a bite to eat and then made a couple of welfare checks. They stopped to give a push to a car stuck on the ice.Back at the office, Mitch listened to non-emergency phone messages and checked his emails. The roads were treacherous and fender benders abundant.On the drive home, Mitch evaluated the first day on the job with his new deputy and first female. He liked how she took control and handled herself, unafraid to get in the suspect's face, if necessary. The day had been cold and gloomy, with light snow on and off. But somehow, Mitch hadn't felt the chill in the air, or the usual aggravation."It was a great first day, wasn't it, Sheriff?" Ronnie asked, looking him directly in the eye."Yes, the first of many yet to come, I'm sure.
Last Updated : 2022-06-15
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The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 273
This would be Mitch's first time of attending the entire celebration with his three best friends and their growing families. He'd get to hear all the news first-hand and share his own. Last year he and Ronnie barely had time to stop in and say Merry Christmas but this year, he had news to announce. He was married to the love of his life, and already had a six-year-old son. He smiled as he buttoned his Christmas vest. This was about as Christmas as he got, and it would have to do.Wyatt blasted through their closed bedroom door, "Slow down there, son. Where's the fire?" Mitch asked."I'm ready to go." "I see that. Where'd you get that beautiful Christmas sweater? I love it." Mitch asked."Ron'er, Mom laid clothes on the bed and put on everything.""That was nice," Mitch said, as the bathroom door opened, and Ronnie stepped out.Mitch smiled; his wife was so beautiful, her eyes wide and her face glowed. She twirled around in her red sweater with a green print Christmas scarf
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 272
December 24thRonnie woke, still tired. She moved closer to Mitch and he automatically pulled her closer. "I'm still tired. Is it really time to get up?"Mitch rubbed her arm, "Me too," he mumbled. "What's all the noise out in the kitchen?""I don't know, it's probably Mom, Marie and maybe Tory making breakfast. Wyatt, hopefully, is still asleep," Ronnie said, her voice hoarse."So many things to do today. I need to wrap presents," Ronnie yawned stretched her arms over her head. "Maybe you can take Wyatt to the office.""Don't need to, I hired two new deputies who are working the next few days. I actually have a few days of vacation now. Maybe your mom and Tory could keep him occupied out there.""Maybe," Ronnie said, then Mitch kissed her neck. "Oh, a little frisky this morning.""Every morning, but we never have time, remember?""Oh, I remember, then I can't take my eyes off you while I'm at work.""Do I distract you?" Mitch said in a sing songy voice."Yes, you d
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 271
December 23rdRonnie helped clear the table and put leftovers away. "Wyatt, will you please go and get your shower and ready for bed now?"Wyatt did a double take and screwed up his nose. Ronnie wasn't giving him a chance to ask why or to say, "it's too early." She explained it, "I know it's early, but we have to share the water with everyone else who wants a shower.""Okay," Wyatt said before he scurried up the stairs.Mitch came up behind Ronnie, wrapping his arms around her waist. She tilted her head back and kissed his lips. "Still nine?" She asked."Yup, I'll be getting a shower next while you tuck him in and then it'll be nine, I'm hoping anyway.""Sounds good. I'll play with the baby until Wyatt is done and then after a story, I'll meet you in bed." Ronnie smiled when Mitch kissed her neck. The anticipation was unnerving. Marie and Janet were having after dinner coffee at the breakfast table back and suggested playing cards. Tory handed Angelina to Ronnie while Ma
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 270
Marie wiped her hands on her apron and then pretended to cry; her knuckles rounded in her eyes. "Don't I get a hug? I missed you the entire time you were gone." "Sure," Wyatt said as he left Ronnie's side to hug her."Oh, that felt so good. Thank you." Marie said."Something smells good. Are you baking cookies?" Wyatt asked."No, I did that earlier and don't worry, I left some for you to decorate. And do you know what we're going to do with all the cookies then?" Marie asked."Eat them till they're all gone," Wyatt guessed."No, silly, we, you and I, and maybe Janet here if she wants to help, are going to put them in these pretty containers and deliver them." Marie explained, her hands on her hips."Why would we deliver them? To who? I thought they were for all of us." Wyatt's eyes welled with tears."Oh, dear boy, don't worry. There will be plenty for us, we aren't giving them all away. The people we deliver them to aren't able to celebrate Christmas, they elderly and
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 269
After a quick hug for Ronnie's parents when she met them at baggage claim, she said, "Hi Mom, and Dad, how was your flight?""It was a long, I can tell you that much." Her father, John Travis exclaimed. "I'm ready for a nap.""You're in luck. I happen to know a great B&B that has a room with your name on the door." Ronnie chuckled as she helped load their suitcases into the trunk. "How's Tory and the baby?""The baby really getting cute, and you can talk to Tory yourself and find out how she's doing." Ronnie's mother Janet said, her voice tailing off at the end.Once settled in the back seat, Ronnie asked, "Do you need to pick up anything before we head home?""Nope, I'm anxious to get to that bed you talked about." He father mumbled.During the quiet drive home, Ronnie explained Wyatt's appearance to them and that he may become their adopted son, hence their grandson. When there was no response from the back seat, Ronnie asked, "Is that okay with you?""Oh honey, of cour
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 268
Ronnie stepped out of the bathroom, saw Wyatt standing right where she'd left him, "Oh Wyatt, why didn't you go the kitchen and find Marie?" She asked him.He was immobile, his head hung, staring at the ground. She reached out her hand and said, "Come on, there's nothing to be afraid of. I'm not going to run off or disappear, I promise."He grasped her hand and squeezed, then they walked to the kitchen together. Marie was putting something in the oven to slow cook for dinner. "Good morning, you two. How are you doing today, Wyatt?""I'm not in trouble yet, am I?" He looked at Ronnie."Of course not. I can't even think of anything you've done since you've been here to be in trouble about. And just so you know, if or when you are in trouble, I'll make sure you know why and what the punishment of any is. Now let's eat." Ronnie smiled at him."How about French toast, Wyatt? Do you like that?"He shrugged. "Let's give it a try if you've already made it, otherwise we can have
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 267
The following morning, Ronnie woke up late, or so she thought, because there was more light poking in her squinted eyes. She tried to move but something heavy was laying halfway across her chest. "Mugsy, come on, time to get up." But there wasn't any change. She opened her eyes and looked in the childish face of Wyatt. He was laying on her left shoulder, rolled into a fetal position and hanging onto his teddy bear's one arm. Awe! She smiled.There was no way she could get out of bed without waking him. She reached for her phone and checked the time. It was after eight, Mitch had already gone to work, and Mugsy probably got up with him for breakfast. She caressed Wyatt's baby-soft cheek and brushed his light brown hair off his forward. He needed a haircut, she thought. Then his hand released the bear from his grasp and wrapped his arm around her neck. I love you too, Wyatt, my sweet innocent boy. She rubbed his arm that lay across her neck and studied his face. He smiled in his sle
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 266
Ronnie ran into a number a shops, and bought underwear and socks for Wyatt as well as deodorant. She also found a toy store and, with the help of the clerk, was able to provide her with an assortment of games and toys for her to select from. Her choices filled two bags. "Can I leave these here until my husband can bring the car around? We're parked a couple blocks over." Ronnie asked the store clerk while on the lookout for Mitch or Wyatt. They had to be done by now and waiting on her."Sure, I'll put your name on them and keep them behind the counter. What's your name?" She asked."Rogers," Ronnie answered and smiled."Like the Sheriff?" She asked."Yes, exactly, I'm his wife." Ronnie said."I heard about him getting married, but I didn't realize he had any children," the clerk stapled the paper onto their bags."Thank you and Merry Christmas!" Ronnie said as she turned and headed out the door. She stopped in front of a store that cut off the bitter cold wind and called
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 265
Ronnie took everything out of Wyatt's small suitcase and placed it on the bed to take inventory. He only had a few shirts and some 'hi-water' short pants. No sweaters, or long pants. He'd have to wear the pants and every shirt he had. Two pair of clean underwear included but looked way too small. "Okay, sweetie, this is what we're going to do. You can wear all these shirts today, so which one is your favorite?" Ronnie asked.Wyatt looked them over like he'd never seen them before, then chose a blue Batman one. Ronnie helped him remove his pajama top and get the T-shirts on one after the other. The outer one he chose was long sleeve and fit perfectly over the others. Then she handed him a pair of pants, the longest ones she could find. "You put clean underwear on last night after your bath, right?" Ronnie asked. Wyatt nodded."You look nice and warm," Mitch proclaimed from the doorway. "Maybe we ell be able to sled ride later after all.""After a few stores, he'll be fine
