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Chapter 97
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2022-06-15 14:05:15Related chapters
The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 98
Avri's hectic morning didn't end when she arrived at her office. When she didn't see Amy's car in the parking lot, the hair on the back of her neck stood straight up. She glanced at her watch; a little before eight, she was early for once. She exited her car and ambled to the back door, taking a deep breath on a beautiful fall morning.She juggled her briefcase, purse, and a bag holding an extra pair of shoes, while she dug in her purse to retrieve the key ring. Losing her balance, she placed her hand on the door for support and fell forward onto her face into the back hall. When the door swung open, it struck the wall behind and bounced back hitting Avri on the head. "Damn it."Dropping her bags, she reached for her head, just in time to catch the door as it swung toward her head one more time. She lifted her eyes to the room around her, pulled herself onto her hands and knees, and then stood on weak legs. She dusted herself off and gasped in disbelief at what she saw in front of he
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 99
"Does Mitch have a suspect list?" Dillon asked as he strode into Avri's office."Hi Dillon, thanks for coming over. Mitch didn't say anything about a suspect list. I have to tell you, I did tell Mitch what happened at the house last night. I also found Josh's cell number in my phone and gave it to him too. He's going to check him out. Maybe he can find something out about him," Avri said stacking files on her desk."I'd like his cell number, too, if you don't mind. Maybe one of the databases I have access to will have some Intel on him," Dillon said as he bent over and picked up a small chair."Sure, I should have given it to you way before now, right?" Avri smiled, remembering his jealous streak. She scribbled on a sticky note on her desk and handed it to him."Yes, you should have." Dillon eyed her sideways, grabbing the note out of her grasp. "When's the locksmith expected?""I told him to come as soon as possible, that it had to be today, and he said he'd be here. I'm hoping t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 100
Dillon parked behind a large trash dumpster where he had a good view of the front of Josh's humble abode. By the looks of the outside, the normal person would assume the small shack had been abandoned. There were tall weeds in the front yard, and a gravel driveway. It seemed extremely small, one little window on each side of the front porch.He checked the street address twice to make sure he was at the right place. This was where he'd followed Josh before and the billing address for his cell phone, so he would wait. He pushed his seat back, giving his legs room to stretch out, leaned his head back and closed his eyes.Since he was a light sleeper, he heard every vehicle go by, every door open or close, people talking in their yard or walking by, and even those who had their windows open and the TV on. He gave up and sat up tall. He checked out the backseat floor of his truck looking for a bottle to relieve himself. Seeing none, he reached for the door handle, and then a car engine s
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 101
Dillon drove along the winding road leading to his place and parked his truck under the large birch tree. He took the keys out of the ignition and headed toward the back door. When he stepped onto the stoop and reached for the doorknob, it wasn't there. The door was partially open; he paused and listened for any sound coming from inside.He heard birds fly from a tree nearby but nothing else. With caution, he pushed the door open with his boot. He peeked inside, and again nothing; no sounds, no one around. Moving further into the room, everything appeared normal, nothing disturbed, so he continued to his bedroom on the bottom floor beside the only bath in the aging house.Grabbing his duffle from the closet, he placed it on the bed, and then went back to the closet for his hanging clothes. He folded them in half and put them inside. After a trip or two from the dresser for underwear and shorts he was packed. He'd always packed light, not wanting to be caught having to carry a heavy b
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 102
With a big breath, Avri straightened her shoulders and pulled her suit jacket down. It had been a hell of a day! When she turned to face Dillon, she was a new stronger version of the woman who had walked into the room a few minutes ago."Okay, where's Mitch? I need to start cleaning this mess up. I will not be forced out of my own home." She left the room and headed down the stairs in search of the Sherriff. She found him in her first-floor office. He looked grim with a scowl on his face."What's wrong Mitch? What did you find?" Avri asked as she looked around his shoulder."I knew you kept important papers here, but I didn't know just how important. This is a copy of a prison record of a gang boss, and it might be something like this the intruder was trying to find."But why didn't he take it if it's what he wanted, the reason he did all this?" She swept her arms throughout the small room. The file cabinet's lock had been drilled out and papers and folders were tossed everywhere.
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 103
Avri jumped, startled when her cell phone rang. Not many people knew her number; her clients usually called her office. She glanced at her son sound asleep on the other bed in her hotel room, then at the phone screen. Not recognizing the number her only thought was that it had to be Mitch. Maybe he'd found some evidence indicating who'd wrecked her office and house.She pressed the answer button. "Hello.""Avri, it's Mitch. Did you get settled in okay?" the Sherriff asked."Yes, I feel pretty secure right now and Drew is sound asleep. He thinks we're on vacation." Avri chuckled."Good. Unfortunately, your vacation may be a little short lived. I have some bad news." Mitch's voice lowered, as if whispering the last few words.Avri's hand clutched her chest, as her stomach dropped and her heart pounded in her chest. "What is it, Mitch? Tell me.""We located Josh Hawkins. Unfortunately, he was already dead when we got there.""Oh no. What happened?""We arrested Dillon for the murd
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 104
A few long hours later, Dillon stirred cream into his steaming cup of coffee while waiting at Rosie's for Avri. His arraignment had gone smoothly. Avri had done a great job, and he'd been released but only into her custody. There was no bail since he presented no threat of fleeing, all according to Avri, who presented his case of having no income and no passport.Little did she know, Dillon had saved all his money, made some great investments with substantial returns, and had his passport and new identity ready to go if necessary. He'd learned in the past to always have an escape plan. His only difficulty was leaving Avri again. He wasn't ready; he wasn't done with her; didn't know if he ever would be.He glanced out the window at Rosie's where he waited for Avri, his eyes zeroing in on the wide-open spaces beyond the parking lot. Having enough money to live anywhere didn't make his choices any easier. He'd lived on his own on the run before, and he could do it again. Part of him wan
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The Saddle Creek Series Chapter 105
Avri's words struck a nerve in Dillon's gut. He needed her, of all people, to believe him. Pondering this as he drove his truck to his house, he dreamed of all the nights of passion with Avri: at his house, at her house, in the mountains, on a horse, riding his bike. She was always with him. He didn't see himself as a solitary man anymore.After loading and securing his bike to the bed of the truck, he drove the short distance to Avri's house. A kid and a younger woman were leaving the house when he pulled in the drive and parked. He grabbed his bag from the bed of the truck and moved toward the porch.Avri stood at the top of the stairs, tears welling in her eyes. When she saw him, she went inside? He followed her and closed the door behind. After dropping his duffle bag on the floor he hurried to Avri and, placing his hands on her shoulders, gently turned her around to face him."What's wrong, Avri? Did something happen? Were you threatened?" Dillon asked each question, one right
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
