This is your fault, she snapped, when they were alone. Dont think youre not in trouble.
Police Chief Barns might only come up to his shoulder, but there was something about her stance that warned him she wasnt going to take any lip.
What are you talking about?
That man. She pointed back at the door leading to the jail cells.
If hes a problem, he began, only to have her glare at him. It was a good glarebetter than his assistants.
Oh, theres a problem, but its not coming from him. Its those women. Do you know how many have visited here?
Six? he asked, remembering there had been seven according to Officer Rodriguez, and he assumed his mother was in that count.
Six, the police chief confirmed. Theyre showing up here with their food and blankets. One brought that damn television. Another dragged in a foam mattress cover. We wouldnt want our detainees to feel uncomfortable while they sleep, would we?
Im not sure how this is my fault.
You made me arrest him. She poked him in the chest. Make it go away, or I swear Ill make your life a living hell.
Were going to court in the morning.
Good. The last thing I want is a bunch of civilians treating my jail like a church social. When the judge asks if you mind if Glen is released on his own recognizance, you better say no. You hear me?
Rafe thought about pointing out that she was breaking more than a few laws with this conversation. That he had the right to request Glen be held until trial. But where was the win? Until the situation was resolved, he was stuck in town. His mother wanted to make her home here, on that damned ranch. Having the police chief as an enemy wouldnt help either of their causes.
Ill have a word with my attorney, he told her.
Thats all I ask. She drew in a breath, then released it slowly. I swear, if someone else shows up with a Crock-Pot, theres going to be blood.
CHAPTER THREE
HEIDI SAT UNEASILY in the courtroom, Glens friend Harvey next to her. Shed never been to court beforehad never even received a parking ticket. She found herself wanting to fidget or run. The judge, a tall, thin woman draped in black robes, intimidated her more than she wanted to admit. The bailiff was equally authoritarian in her uniform. There was an air of hushed expectation, with excited murmurs from those watching.
Her gaze slid from where Glen and Trisha Wynn were having a quiet conversation to the other table. Rafe Stryker sat next to an equally powerful-looking man. They were both dressed in navy suits, with white shirts and red ties, but the similarities ended there. Rafe was all darkdark hair, dark eyes and a dark scowl. He surveyed the room unhappily, as if annoyed he had to be bothered with something as insignificant as this. Although, according to Glens lawyer, May Stryker had bought the ranch with her son, which meant Rafe was an equal party in the complaint.
The other man had blond hair and killer blue eyes. He was pretty enough to make even Heidi notice, despite her distraction over the proceedings. When she looked at Rafe, she felt a clenching in the pit of her stomachsomething that didnt happen when she glanced at his lawyer.
Trisha turned and motioned for Heidi to lean forward.
Dante Jefferson, she whispered, pointing to Rafes friend. I know him by reputation, although I wouldnt mind getting to know him in other ways.
Heidi blinked in surprise. Dante was young enough to be Trishas son. Not that she was going to judge, she told herself. Trisha was working the case for free.
Is he good?
Trishas amused expression tightened. The best. Hes not just Rafes lawyer. Theyre also business partners. Successful business partners. Between them, theyve made enough money to rival the GDP of a midsize country.
Heidi pressed her hand to her churning stomach. Is Glen going to prison?
Not if I can help it. It will depend on the judge. She turned her attention to Harvey. You ready?
The old man nodded. Im here for Glen, just like he was there for me. He gave a wink.
Good. The judge will want to speak to you, Trisha told him. Be honest. Just say what happened.
I will.
Heidi could only hope it was enough.
She glanced around the court as Trisha returned her attention to Glen. May Stryker caught Heidis eye. Rafes mother gave her a little wave and a smile. Heidi wasnt sure what to make of that. May was the reason Glen was in trouble.
No, Heidi reminded herself. Glen was the reason he was in trouble. Hed knowingly swindled May out of a lot of money. Only hed done it to help Harvey, which complicated everything.
She wanted to be furious with her grandfather, but she couldnt get past the fear pressing down on her. In the next few minutes, they could lose everything. The home shed been so desperate to have, her precious goats and every cent they had. Then what? Where would they go? Shed only ever wanted to belong somewhere, and now that might be taken from her.
Judge Loomis took off her reading glasses. Ive reviewed the material. Ms. Wynn, youre representing Mr. Simpson pro bono?
Glens lawyer rose. Yes, Your Honor. I was so moved by his case, I had to help.