Chapter 10
Tawny
Sheriff Harker is soft spoken, his eyes weary but kind. His questions are direct but not intrusive. He records our conversation but also takes notes.
The female officer sits catty-corner to me and reaches out to pat my hand a couple times, offers me tissues and a bottle of water.
Most notable, unlike the police chief in Cogburn, he listens and has follow up questions. Not just a bunch of defenses and excuses for the Stumps.
“So that you know, I’ve pulled all the records on your mother’s death.
I’m already aware of complaints about your stepfather and stepbrothers from other officials in communities near you.
We are investigating them and their activities but don’t want to tip them off.
There have been dismissed rape, theft, harassment, and vandalism accusations we’re looking into.
“I’m going to ask to reopen the cases of your mother’s death.
That will get back to your stepfather, so I need you to be extremely diligent.
I’m going to give you my direct number. I want you to call me for any reason.
If they make any contact with you, threaten you, follow you... any reason. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I understand that Gray Thorne has applied for a marriage license with you as part of some kind of mail order arrangement. I need to ask, are you being forced into this marriage?”
“No, sir. I am willingly marrying him.”
“Do you trust him to abide by any boundaries you may set?”
“Yes, sir. I was introduced to him by my friend Gerdie, who has known him most of his life. In two days, he has already been kinder, shown me more respect and concern for my well-being than I’ve ever know before. He promises to protect me. He’s your friend, do you doubt him?”
“My job is to evaluate the situation for your safety. How you feel about him is important.” He smiles.
“That said, he served at the same time as some of my closest friends. They have always spoken highly of him. The times he and I have interacted, I’ve known him to be a man of his word. Yes, I trust him.”
He nods to the female officer. Standing, she gives my shoulder a squeeze before leaving and sending in Gray.
“You okay?” he asks immediately, taking my hand, and sitting next to me.
I nod.
“I’ve already told her I’m asking for her mother’s death to be reopened,” Sheriff Harker starts. “I’ve also asked for state investigations into other complaints involving the Stumps.
“My concern is her safety. And yours.”
“I can take care of us. My property is clearly posted for no trespassing. I’m licensed to carry and have a few warning systems in place.”
“Legal I assume.”
“Absolutely. I will be staying close to her. If I have to leave, she will be with one of my old team members. I will get you all their names, numbers and photos for your records.
“So we’re clear, if the Stumps or anyone they send trespass on my private property, armed and inciting violence, I will defend what’s mine.”
Clay nods. “Stay within the law and we won’t have an issue.”
“I—I don’t want anyone to get in trouble over me,” I interrupt.
Gray gently squeezes my hand. “You aren’t doing anything wrong. Clay and I are just confirming boundaries for your safety. It’s all good.”
The ride home is quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I trust Sheriff Harker a hundred percent more that the worthless police chief in Cogburn. I feel safe with Gray, but knowing Millard like I do, I’m starting to worry about Gray’s safety.
I have no doubt Millard would strike out when Gray’s back is turned. Or that he and the boys would all attack at the same time. Have I put an innocent man in danger? My god, if something happens to him it’s my fault.
“Gray, maybe we need to call off the wedding. Maybe I... maybe I could borrow some money and get out of town. I’d pay you back. I swear I would.”
“Let’s talk when we get home. It’s been a full day and a lot has happened. We should have time for a walk in the woods to work off some of the stress of the day. Nature always helps clear my thoughts. Is that okay?”
Since losing myself in the woods or working in the garden has always been my de-stressor it sounds perfect. I nod.
Back at the cabin I change into my old shoes and jeans while he checks something on his computer.
“There are some areas around my cabin that aren’t safe. Today I’ll show you a path where you won’t have any issues. I want you to feel free to explore. I just ask that you always let me know when you are going out, so I don’t worry. You have your phone on you?”
“Yes.”
The hike feels good after staying hidden for so long at Gerdie’s. I’m used to spending time outside everyday taking care of the chickens and working in the vegetable garden. When all the Stumps were at work, I had the house and the land to myself. I could let down my guard and breathe.
As we climb, I get glimpses of the lingering, showy milkweed and a larger patch of my favorite mountain bog gentian. The air is clean. The stress and fear dissipate in the cool breeze and nature.
“This area is a short walk and safe. Bears will be preparing for winter so extra feeding in the daytime. I haven’t seen any activity yet but be cautious. You probably had more activity near the Stump home. Damn, forgot to give you a bear spray. I have one at the cabin.”
“For a while, I’d rather you not wander on your own. I can give you distance and privacy, but I’d prefer to be close until this is settled.”
“Don’t you have a job?”
“I own this land and rent Pops’ house in town. I retired from the military with twenty years and receive retirement pay. I do on call work for the Park Services.
“When I first got out of the service, I needed time to unwind. I started repairs on the cabin and recently I applied to be a county sheriff’s reserve deputy. There are more improvements I want for the cabin. I’m not ready yet to be locked into a permanent job. That time will come, but not yet.”
“You need flowers in front of the deck and a vegetable garden.”
He smiles and winks. “Duly noted. Give me a plan for your gardens and I’ll map out the areas so their ready in the spring for your planting.
For my spring planting. Will I still be here?