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Chapter 165
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2022-06-15 14:05:15Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The 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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The 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
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 169
Muffled voices interrupted her thought process, and she sat up straighter to hear better. Then she heard a loud woman's voice cussing and she knew exactly who had come into the office. Damn it, what now? Damien's alleged wife, Dottie, the waitress from Rosie's.Ronnie hurried to the door and listened a few seconds before she opened it. Tom, Mitch, and Dottie stood in a half circle, having a stare down."What's going on out here? We all" - she held up her hand when Dottie interrupted her - "know we don't accomplish anything by arguing. Dottie, why don't you come with me and I can take your statement and we'll go from there?"No one said anything, but when Ronnie motioned Dottie to her office she went."Have a seat," Ronnie said as she ushered Dottie into her office and closed the door behind her. "What can I do for you?" Ronnie sat down and pulled her chair under the desk."I came to find out where my husband is, if he's even still alive?" Dot answered then looked down at her
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 170
Ronnie quickly dressed and hurried to the kitchen. Marie placed a plate full of aromatic meat and veggies at her place at the table; she couldn't remember when she'd last eaten. "Thank you, I'm famished." She placed the notebook next to her plate. "Where's Mitch?" She opened her napkin and placed it on her lap."Right here." Mitch walked up behind her. He pulled out his usual chair while Marie hurried over with a full plate for him.His chair scraped the floor, the sound like chalk on a blackboard, and Ronnie shuddered. "Thank you. This smells so good." Mitch grabbed a soft, warm roll out of a basket and slathered it with butter.Ronnie played with her food, her body hungry but her mind confused and tired. How could Mitch be so calm? Ronnie massaged her forehead with her fingers. She felt the pressure and the necessity of locating Parker on a wanted poster, but what if he didn't have a record? They'd have to search for the body or convince Damien, somehow, to talk.Mitch's cell
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 171
"Do you have the murder suspect in custody?" Joe asked."Yes, he's in a cell on the other side of this wall. He's been talking." Mitch held up his yellow pad. "I've taken notes, and I did get a statement out of him. But something still doesn't add up.""What's that?" Joe asked."Damien may have pulled the trigger, but there's someone else pulling the strings on the operation. Parker showed up here in my county out of the blue, married to this Dottie woman who was also a waitress at the diner. No one in town ever saw him. Ronnie here found his address and surveilled his home one night, which happened to be the night Damien shot and killed him. She's the only person in this town to have seen his face, so some of what you've told us explains why. But" - he held his hand up to Joe when Joe attempted to interrupt - "let me finish please. The diner, once Parker took over, lost almost all local customers, but there continued to be daily deposits of eight or nine thousand dollars. Someon
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 172
"Here you go." Joe handed a bottle of water to her then realized she was cuffed. "Sorry, I'll open it for you." He held it to her lips while she drank.Mitch continued, "You're doing great, Dot. Tell me about your husband. You led Deputy Travis to believe Deputy Sykes was your husband. Now, why would you do that? Are you embarrassed by your husband?" Mitch pushed back from his desk, raised his arms over his head, and stretched."No, no, I'm not embarrassed by him. He wanted to stay out of the spotlight, so I made the deal with the Denver people, but he always handled the money when it was delivered.""And his name?" Mitch asked."I call him Parker because that was his name when we met but-" Her gaze searched the room, as if wondering if she'd already said too much. "Oh, what the hell. His real name is Albert Morrow. He's a former FBI agent on the lam, but you probably already know that, too, don't you?" Her eyes shot daggers at Joe sitting adjacent to her."I wanted to help h
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 173
While Mitch finished the paperwork, he listened to Albert and Joe talk about old times. Albert had his work cut out for him, and Mitch didn't see him as ever being an agent again. Albert's career was toast. Joe had called for a transport vehicle for all three of them until they could figure out exactly what charges would be levied against them.He felt bad for Damien who claimed Parker schemed the whole thing. He needed a diversion, and Damien drew the short straw. Not knowing exactly what to do, he'd done his best. But kidnapping? His parents?Joe stepped inside his office and asked, "How's it going?""Just a few more minutes. When's the ride arrive?"Joe checked the time. "Probably another fifteen minutes. Not long.""I'm beat. The last few days have been brutal." Mitch rubbed his hands over his tired, bloodshot eyes."I bet. I was hoping we'd have an hour or so to catch up, but I can see it won't be today." Joe sat on the corner of Mitch's desk."You're right, but hey,
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
