All Chapters of The Saddle Creek Series: Chapter 171 - Chapter 180

"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

One week laterMarie, Ronnie, and Mitch were huddled around the kitchen table for a bite of lunch when the doorbell rang."It's probably Carter. I'll get it." Marie hurried to the front door. A minute later she returned to the kitchen with a certified receipt envelope. "It's for you, Ronnie. I signed for it.""Thanks, Marie." Ronnie took it and checked out the return address. "What now?""Who's it from?" Mitch asked."Sally's attorney in Miami." She slid her finger under the flap and pulled out a check payable to Veronica Travis in the amount of two and a half million dollars. "What the hell?" she yelled, tossing it on the table as if it was covered in anthrax."What is it?""Here, look for yourself. What does that mean?" Ronnie pointed at the check. "It says in the corner it's life insurance proceeds. It's from Sally's life insurance policy. Well, I'll be damned.""Wow," Mitch said."Oh my gosh, I can't believe it. She did come through after all. Now, all I have to d

Mitch woke before dawn. He remembered having the best sex in his life with the woman wrapped in his arms. Her pretty face was perfect, her mouth relaxed in a slight grin, her short hair sticking out everywhere. Beautiful didn't begin to describe her. Have I fallen in love with her? His best friends had told him he'd know when it happened; he'd feel it in his gut. He felt something in his gut, but he thought it might just be hunger.Still tired, he knew he had to get up and get to the office. Not wanting to disturb her, he took his time and carefully unwrapped his arms and legs from hers before rolling to the edge of the bed. Memories flittered to life when he'd woke from a dream. Ronnie was in trouble, there was a shooting, a murder, and somehow his parents were there. And then everything that happened in the last couple of days flooded back. He had to make sure Ronnie was okay, so he went to her room wearing only his boxers, not planning to stay.She looked so content he didn't wa

Mitch reached the B&B in record time."Sheriff, I'm so glad to see you. How're you doing?" Marie asked when she opened the door."I'm okay. I'd like to talk to Ronnie, if I may," Mitch said, making no attempt to come in the house unless invited."Please, step inside out of the cold. Ronnie's been in her room most of the day, but I'll let her know you're here. I'll be right back."Marie scurried off and returned quickly. "I'm sorry but she must be asleep. She's not answering the door and it's locked. I'll be sure to tell her you stopped by.""Thanks, Marie." Mitch sat on the swing. He'd wait.He thought what he'd be doing if he were home, or rather at the B&B. He should have offered to pay rent. Money was tight, and Ronnie used her paycheck to pay bills. He was paid well through the county and had excellent benefits. Even a car was provided to him. He usually socked away most of his paycheck into a savings account toward a house he wanted to build when he was ready to settle

She held open the front door until Carter entered then closed it. The warm air from inside hit her face, and she realized it was freezing outside.Lauren stepped from behind the kitchen island and gave them both a smile."Lauren, which room do these go in?" Carter asked "You can put her things in the guest room, the bigger one. Thanks." Lauren hugged Janelle again as Carter headed upstairs. "I want to make sure I'm not dreaming." She laughed."Me, too," Janelle hugged her. "The house smells so good, cinnamon, beef roasting, and baby powder." She glanced around the modern house, very warm and cozy. "Thank you, Jan." "But I need a hug from him, too." She moved toward him sitting in the high chair, "What's for lunch, kiddo?" Cameron giggled, food running down his chin."Actually, we're trying some homemade veggies and fruits today.""Oh, my goodness. I didn't know he was eating real food yet. Is he old enough?" Janelle asked.Lauren laughed. "Of course, he's old enoug