Why thats right nice
Is everything all right, Miss Taylor? A giant shadow fell across her, temporarily blocking out the sun and breaking the inexplicable spell that had seized her. Sam ORourke pulled off his work gloves and stuffed them into his back pocket, circling around the sheriff and stopping at a respectful distance beside her. I saw the sheriffs car parked
Just paying a friendly visit. Sheriff Hancock angled his head to the side to mask how far he had to look up to see Sams face. Its my philosophy that the law needs to show up from time to time, even when there isnt any trouble. He shifted the cat to one arm and extended his free hand. Im Curtis Hancock, County Sheriff.
Sams pale eyes narrowed as they studied the proffered hand and the man it belonged to. He paused long enough for the silent duel of wills between the two men to overshadow her own discomfort. Then he wrapped one big paw around the sheriffs and shook hands. Sam ORourke. My car broke down outside of Lone Jack yesterday morning.
Sheriff Hancock pulled back, wise to Sams subtle effort at intimidation. But he was the one with the badge, and Jessica watched him reassert his authority. Thats what Ralph Edmonds told me, he said, informing Sam hed already been watching him. So youre from Boston, huh?
Born and raised there. My parents were immigrants from Belfast, Northern Ireland. That explained to Jessica the hint of non-New England accent in his voice.
Were they caught up in the conflict there? asked Hancock.
Yeah. He didnt elaborate.
Like a fool, Jessica hadnt even considered looking into Sams personal background. Shed checked one work reference and trusted her gut that he was a loner without much of a stake in anything beyond his grief. Maybe shed just invited some sort of Irish rebel to live in her garage apartment. Very foolish. Her hand automatically slid to Harrys collar.
I see. Thankfully, Curtiss attention had shifted from her to Sam. Though she wondered at the unexpected relief she felt at having her hired hand join the conversation. Where you headed?
San Diego, Sam answered. His voice was as clipped and unrevealing as his answer. Is there a problem with me working here, Sheriff?
The older man absorbed Sams dare with a good-ol-boy smile. Theres not a problem for me as long as theres not a problem for Jessie.
Jessica felt rather than saw the icy gray gaze sweep over her. But the deep voice was surprisingly warm. I dont want to cause her any trouble.
Struck by the soothing tone of Sams low-pitched promise, Jessica tilted her head and caught a glimpse of shadow darkening his pale eyes. A glimpse of what? Regret? The gray eyes shuttered and he looked away before she did. What a crazy notion. It was probably just the terminal sorrow he seemed steeped in that gave a false impression of caring.
As if she should trust her instincts about men, anyway.
Needing to end this torture of doubts and suspicions and constantly being on guard, she tapped on the crystal of her watch. Oh, Sheriff, look at the time. She forced herself to smile. You dont want to keep Trudy waiting.
He jumped in his shoes as if hed just gotten goosed. Oh, Lordy, no. Here. He thrust the gray tabby toward her. Jessica recoiled as if the furry creature had attacked. Jessie?
I Oh, God. A giant door slammed shut inside her head, triggering an instant headache. Nothing rational could escape, only a tidal wave of instant, all-consuming fear. Get away from me!
She backed off, instinctively grabbing Harry and putting the big dog between her and the invisible threat that advanced on her.
Jessie?
Miss Taylor?
No. She pummeled her way through the barriers inside her head. A flashback. Only she wasnt remembering any details about the attack or the attacker. She was only remembering the fear. Stop it.
Jess!
Sams sharp tone was punctuated by a bark from Harry. Like an electric shock stopping the defibrillation of a heart, hearing the personal abbreviation of her name snapped her out of that emotional hallucination. The darkness inside her mind vanished as if the combination of Sam and Harry calling out had switched on a light.
She was aware enough of her surroundings to see Sams hand reaching toward her and to feel the bunching of muscles in Harrys shoulders as he prepared to defend her. Down, boy. Harry, down. She waved aside Sams attempt to help and commanded the dog to lie at her feet. Im all right.
You dont look it. Sam dropped his hand to his side and retreated a step.
She felt faint and embarrassed and completely confused. But she flashed a fake smile and said, Im fine. I guess Harrys spoiled me. Ive become such a dog person that I dont like cats anymore.
It was such a pitiful excuse for her behavior that it seemed neither man had the heart to question her.
Jessica studied the ground while both men studied her. Curtis Hancock was the first to break the awkward silence. Well, Id best not be late to Trudys. He held out the cat, and she jerked away. Sensing the trigger of her discomfort this time, he set the cat down and shooed it back toward the barn. Ill bring a carrier out Sunday afternoon, if thats all right? Ill bring Millie with me so she can choose her own cat.
Thats fine. Sundays fine.
I hope to see you at the Kents tomorrow night. Jessie. He tipped his hat to her, then nodded to Sam. Mr. ORourke.
Jessica stared into the branches of the old elm tree that grew near the corner of her cabin. She concentrated on counting how many of its green leaves were turning gold instead of dealing with the post-traumatic stress flashback that had tried to take her back to that night shed subconsciously blocked from her memory.
Her therapist had told her that the memory would try to assert itself. It might come in bits and pieces or all at once. Something like the cat might trigger it, or it might come back when her mind was relaxed and focused on something else. Without any physical trauma to her brain, the only explanation for her selective amnesia was that her mind was trying to protect her from something.
Something she desperately needed to remember.
Something she was mortally afraid to.
She heard the sheriffs car door shut and the engine roar to life. Without really seeing the white car, she turned and waved as he drove off through her gate.
Jess
Miss Taylor. Jessica held up one pointed finger to halt Sam ORourkes polite concern and remind him that he was her employee, not a friend. She didnt think she could handle making nice and keeping her distance right now. Its not your job to worry about me.
He propped his hands on his hips, hesitating for a moment, standing far too close for her peace of mind. My apologies. Ill get back to work.
But when he relaxed his stance and headed toward his wheelbarrow, her shoulders sagged. She felt inexplicably abandoned. For a few horrible moments shed been plunged back into that horrible nightmare.
But a deep, Irish-laced voice had pulled her free.
She wouldnt explain what had happened. But he didnt deserve her censure. Jessica inhaled a cleansing breath and called after his wide, retreating back. Find a stopping place and wash up. It wont take me long to throw together some sandwiches for lunch.