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Chapter 160

Author: Lorelei Confer
last update Last Updated: 2022-06-15 14:05:15
Sirens wailed in the distance, and Ronnie sighed in relief. Dot needed care right away.

EMS arrived and hurried to Dot's side. They checked her vitals, cleaned the cut on her cheek, and bandaged her head. Dot groaned as they lifted her onto the gurney but then lapsed back into unconsciousness. They pushed her out and into the ambulance and headed for the hospital.

Ronnie retrieved her spool of yellow crime scene tape and began threading it around the diner, using poles and trees in between until the building was completely off-limits.

"I sure hope we'll be able to talk to Dottie soon. Otherwise, we have nothing to go on, here," Ronnie said once they were back inside in the office. She inspected the bookshelf. "We're going to need a warrant to do any further investigation of the records."

Mitch pulled out his cell and called someone. "We can pick it up in an hour. I'll have Adam get it from Judge Matthews and bring it here."

"We need to put a closed sign out. Also, we need to
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  • The Saddle Creek Series   Chapter 161

    "Sheriff Rogers here." He held his hand over the microphone and whispered to Ronnie, "It's Adam. Dot's awake.""Good." She returned to her inspection of the bookshelves.Mitch stuffed his cell in his pants pocket."Here's another space where something was removed." She pointed to the next shelf above."I think we need a search warrant for his residential property, but we're going to need more than 'we think' he hit Dot. We need hard evidence he abandoned his business. No crime there though. It happens all the time. Here one day operating and closed the next day when the employees show up for work. But if he assaulted an employee and was running a money-laundering operation out of here based on what Sally recorded, we need everything we can get to make it stick.""Then let's go talk to Dot." Ronnie headed for the door."Wait. We don't know if this Parker character has another key or if he'll decide to come back for something he forgot. Also, we don't know his location or any

    Last Updated : 2022-06-15

  • The Saddle Creek Series   Chapter 162

    "I'll see if I can get a locksmith out here pronto while you have a talk with Dot. Maybe a sympathetic woman will yield more helpful answers, help her remember." Mitch pulled his cell from his pocket."I'll try my best, but I don't think she's going to remember much." Ronnie unclipped her keys from her belt. "I'll call as soon as I learn something. Where do you find a locksmith around here?""I'm going to call one in Jackson. He's pretty fast to respond, but I'm also going to call my good friend Chase just in case. He owns a horse ranch and always has some hands looking for extra work.""Okay, I'm on my way to the hospital."Ronnie drove the short distance to the rural hospital and entered Dot's room. Dot's cheek was bandaged, and discoloration marred the skin around the wound. Her eyes were closed when Ronnie approached, but when she touched her shoulder, Dot's eyes fluttered open. "Hi there, Dot. Do you remember me?"Dot squinted, opened and closed her eyes, probably trying

    Last Updated : 2022-06-15

  • The Saddle Creek Series   Chapter 163

    "Well, that does it. He's done here." Mitch fisted his hands on his waist. "I've had suspicions but didn't want to admit them. I have you now, so it'll be easier to let him go, except for the arrest." He glanced at Ronnie, who stood staring out the window, as if mesmerized by the serenity of the scenic Grand Teton mountain range."Yeah, you're right," Ronnie said then turned to him. "How do you want to play this? It could be dangerous. Do we need to call in the feds?""Not right now. We can't just take a somewhat credible witness's word for it. We need substantial and tangible proof." Mitch's eyes were drawn to the mountains as he searched his memory banks for everything he knew about Damien. Just how ruthless could he be?"It's your lead. What's next?""What Dot told us about him isn't going to be enough, especially since she's his wife, right? We need to catch him with the money or drugs. Whatever he has his hands into, I'm sure it's dirty." Mitch turned to his computer."I

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  • The Saddle Creek Series   Chapter 164

    Sheriff Rogers followed by Deputy Adam turned their vehicle lights off before approaching Ronnie's vehicle. Once parked out of sight, they flashed a light through the windows and seeing nothing, they opened the driver's door, clicked the trunk button, and it opened. Nothing inside. Their flashlights shone brightly, streaking the dark night. Leaves rustled and limbs scraped together in a gust of wind.Mitch was beside himself when Ronnie wasn't at the house, hadn't been there yet, and didn't answer her cell. In fact, her phone was right there on the front seat. He never should have stayed behind and done all that paperwork. He should have followed her home, made sure she arrived safely. He could do the paperwork at the house. His heart sank when they found her personal vehicle parked in the weeds and behind a tree without her in it. He didn't want to think about her being abducted or maybe even killed for knowing too much. But what did she know? Had she told him everything? He was qui

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  • The Saddle Creek Series   Chapter 165

    The moonlight lit the way to Mitch's car and dappled through the trees on the side of the road, his face in shadows. Ronnie ran to him and touched his arm. He spun around, and the full moon cast his features in a supernatural glow.He was so handsome; he took her breath away. She stepped closer and wrapped her hands around his upper arms."Oh, Ronnie, I'm so glad you're safe. I don't know what I'd do without you." He pulled her up hard against him. Wrapping his arms around her waist; he held her tight."I was so afraid he would shoot you." Ronnie closed her eyes and savored the protection and warmth of his closeness. She liked it a lot, maybe too much.When Mitch stepped back, she quivered under his intense gaze. She licked her lips and rose on tiptoe. Her arms snaked around his neck, pulling him closer. She kissed his neck and worked her way toward his ear then savagely plundered his mouth. His lips were warm on hers, her tongue in his mouth, tasting him. She reached up and ra

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  • The Saddle Creek Series   Chapter 166

    Ronnie's eyes flashed open, her senses on full alert. The hair on the back of her neck stood straight out. Mugsy sat up, his ears up in listening mode. Her hand automatically found her weapon from under her pillow. She held it in her hand, listening to every sound inside and outside the house. Something woke her. Then she heard the creak. Someone had walked up the back stairs. She didn't think it was Mitch, and most guests never knew about them.She jumped out of bed in her flannel pj's, not bothering to grab her robe, thinking it would be too cumbersome and just get in the way. She opened her bedroom door and peeked out. With her weapon down at her side, she slid against the wall to the breakfast room. Mugsy whined, probably because she didn't take him with her, but she could only handle so much.Ronnie worked her way through the family room and to the back stairs. There was no one at the top or in the hallway, so she trod lightly up. She was almost to the top when she saw a man c

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  • The Saddle Creek Series   Chapter 167

    Mitch jogged to his four-wheel drive SUV, jumped in, and peeled out onto the highway. He had to get to Chase's ranch before Damien hurt his parents and before Ronnie arrived. He'd hold her hostage as well. What the hell does he want from me?He widened the curves like a race car driver, using the inside lanes as a shortcut to reach the cutoff ahead of them. When he saw Ronnie's police cruiser parked beside the road, he exhaled, his fist slammed the steering wheel. No, no!How far ahead of him were they? He scrambled out of the car, grabbed his long gun from the trunk, and headed up the hill toward his childhood fort. Clouds covered the moon, making it a dark night, but it didn't impede his hike. He'd done this many times as a teenager. He and his friends Chase, Dillon, and Elliott usually rode horses to the site, but Mitch only needed one wreck on a bronc ride at a rodeo to discourage him from ever riding the beasts again. Jogging in the dark wasn't unfamiliar to him, either. He kn

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  • The Saddle Creek Series   Chapter 168

    In one fluid movement, Chase jumped onto his beautiful horse and was off like the wind, almost as if he and the horse were one entity. Since Mitch had known him, he'd had a special knack with horses. He related to them: the caring, training, riding, breeding, everything. There wasn't a horse that didn't like him.Mitch relaxed and leaned into the tree behind him. He was surprised Damien hadn't said a word. He'd tangled with Chase before and must've learned something. Mitch was thankful for that alone."Might as well sit a spell and get comfortable. Mom, Dad, do you need anything?""Nope, we're good," his dad said."I'm tired and just want to go home and get in my own bed," his mom answered as she folded her legs under her. She rubbed her arms, shivering."Here you go, Mrs. Rogers. Let me wrap this around your shoulders. It'll keep some of your natural heat inside." Ronnie placed her jacket on his mother's back then stood beside Mitch."Thank you, Ronnie, for all your help t

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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

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