The Cowboy’s Justice (Naked Cowboys of Smoky Hill #4)

Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

Turning off the country road and driving up to the wrought iron gates fronting Portia Peyton’s impressive home, Sheriff Cooper slowed to a stop and pressed the red button on the keypad. He’d called ahead, and the gates immediately swung open. Driving up to the motor court, he parked next to a gleaming black Corvette. It was so low to the ground he wondered how anyone could slide into the seat. As he walked up the steps, the front door was opened by a tall, thin, blond man with bright blue eyes dressed in a perfectly fitting grey suit. The sheriff guessed it to be tailor-made.

“Sheriff Cooper, I assume. I’m William Butler, Miss Peyton’s lawyer,” the man said, handing the sheriff his card. “Please come in.”

“Thank you,” the sheriff replied, not surprised the heiress had already summoned her attorney.

“I’ve spoken with her about the incident with Mr. Hatfield,” the man continued as they entered a small lounge. “She’s agreed to let the matter drop if he pays for the damage he caused to her vehicle.”

“Is that right?” the sheriff replied. “Well, Mr. Butler, I have evidence that shows the accident was caused by your client.”

“Evidence? What evidence is that?”

“I’d like to know that too!”

Turning around, the sheriff watched the young woman glide into the room. Dressed in rhinestone studded blue jeans, a pale aqua shirt, and her dark, wavy hair falling around her shoulders, she looked every bit the wealthy heiress, but her entrance felt contrived.

“Hello, Miss Peyton. I’m Sheriff Cooper.”

“I didn’t think you were Bugs Bunny,” she quipped with a laugh.

“Portia…” her lawyer muttered.

“Oh, relax, it was just a joke. Everyone’s so serious all the time. Anyway, as you just heard I’m happy to forget the whole thing. Mr. Hatfield just needs to takes care of my car. But as far as evidence, I can’t imagine what you’re talking about.”

“Ah, well, we have videos. The first shows exactly what happened, and Mr. Butler, before you ask, you will soon have copies. I’m sorry, Miss Peyton, but it’s clear you’re responsible for the damage to Mr. Hatfield’s truck, endangerin’ the lives of him, his horses, and other motorists. There’s also the matter of leavin’ the scene. I’ll be placing you under arrest for—”

“Hold on, Sheriff!” the lawyer exclaimed, stepping forward and holding up his hand. “You won’t be arresting anyone until I see those videos.”

“I have them right here. If you give me your number I’ll forward them right now.”

“It’s on my card.”

“Ah, yes, I see.”

“Wait! Where did these videos come from?” Portia asked, suddenly angry and scowling at him. “Who took them and how did you get them?”

“You should have the videos now, Mr. Butler, and it’s not a mystery. Mr. Hatfield has back-up cameras on his trailer, and the video clearly shows you stopping your SUV to apply make up. As soon as Mr. Hatfield began moving into the lane, you sped forward, and a second later you can hear the sound of the impact when you hit him. I just don’t know if your foot slipped onto the accelerator, or you were purposely trying to cut him off. But the why doesn’t matter. The fact is, you—”

“No! That didn’t happen!” she protested. “As for stopping to put make up on, that must be someone else!”

“I’m afraid not. You can be clearly seen. The second video shows you recklessly driving through the heavy traffic, honking your horn trying to pressure other drivers to let you in after hitting Mr. Hatfield.”

“Portia, don’t say another word.” her lawyer ordered brusquely, staring at his phone.

“I’ll leave you two alone to talk for a moment, but Mr. Buckley, when I return I’ll be placin’ Miss Peyton under arrest and takin’ her down to the station.”

* * *

William waited until he heard the front door open and close before sitting down with Portia and playing back the incriminating footage.

“What the fuck? No, no, no!” she shouted, jerking the phone from his hand. “This can’t be happening.”

“Dammit, Portia, what were you thinking?”

“I was thinking I didn’t want to get stuck behind a fucking truck and horse trailer! What’s going to happen?”

“The evidence is irrefutable. You’ll be arrested. There’s nothing I can do to stop it.”

“You’re not serious!”

“He’ll probably handcuff you and—”

“Handcuff me? Like a common criminal?”

“I’m afraid so. Take a breath and try to stay calm.”

“Take a breath? Stay calm? How the fuck can I stay calm? Oh, no, will he put me in a cell?”

“Ah, probably not.”

“Probably?” she wailed. “William, do something!”

“I should be able to convince him not to hold you, but if the cowboy wants to make things difficult—”

“I’ll pay him. Contact him and tell him I’ll pay for the damages. In fact, tell him I’ll buy him a brand new truck. I’ll buy him two! I don’t care. Whatever he wants.”

“I’ll do what I can, but regardless, you’ve broken the law. Actually, many laws. At the very least you’ll get a bunch of citations.”

“I don’t care about any damn citations.”

“Portia, why don’t you go into the kitchen and make a fresh pot of coffee for the sheriff?”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Yes! Being hysterical in front of him is the last thing I need. Get out of here before he gets back.”

“Fine, but, William—”

“You pay me a lot of money because I know what I’m doing. Now go.”

* * *

Marching from the room and walking down a short hallway into the chef’s kitchen, Portia made three cups of coffee with the built-in coffee maker. But smelling the enticing aroma gave her an idea. After hurriedly plating several gourmet muffins, she placed the three mugs on a tray, added a bowl of sugar cubes and a small jug of cream, then carried it back to the lounge, But as she approached she heard William’s voice.

“Thank you, Sheriff, I appreciate your cooperation.”

Letting out a relieved breath, she walked in.

“We’ve come to an understanding,” William declared as she set the tray on the coffee table. “You’ll have to make a court appearance in Fairview, listen to a lecture from the judge and pay some fines.”

“Thank you, Sheriff Cooper,” she said gratefully, hoping she sounded sincere. “Please, help yourself to coffee and a bite to eat.”

“Ah…well…it’s not quite that simple,” the sheriff said, shooting the lawyer a look. “I have to clear this with the D.A. and there’s also the matter of Devlin Hatfield’s truck.”

“I’ll be happy to take care of the damage.”

“That may not be enough.”

“I don’t understand.”

“As I was tellin’ your lawyer, a cowboy’s horses…well…it’s hard to explain, but you put them at risk and that’s a bad thing. Real bad. He may want to sue, he may even pressure the D.A. to press more serious charges. Those videos are—”

“Can’t you talk to him?”

“Yep, but like I said, puttin’ his horses in danger like you did, that’s unforgivable. I’ll do my best, but there are no guarantees.”

“When will you talk to him?”

“I’ll stop into his place now. You’re not aware he’s a neighbor?”

“I had no idea.”

“He owns Rainbow Ranch. You can see the sign and the gravel driveway, but the facility is hidden behind a small thicket. I’ll let you know what he says.”