Chapter Twenty-Three
Dancing the Two Step
Willow
Two days later, Chief Deputy Cosby called. He asked Willow to come to the sheriff’s department to speak with him.
“Don’t worry, you won’t be going alone,” Dale promised.
“Why isn’t the statement enough?” she asked.
“After what Lucia told us, this doesn’t surprise me. Cosby isn’t a bad guy, but he has no choice but to toe the line for the sheriff. I’m sure he’s been given the task of talking you out of the complaint.”
Willow covered her eyes and leaned back against the couch.
“This is the last thing I wanted,” she muttered.
“Hey,” Dale said. “Look at me.”
She peeked from behind her hands, and he grinned. “I’ll be with you, and there will be no intimidation going on. We will also record the conversation like you did with Wallard.”
“Can we get in trouble for that?”
“No, it’s a one-party consent state, and you don’t need his permission. Besides, every police officer should act like they are being recorded. Makes them better cops and cuts down on lawsuits.”
They arrived at their appointment at two in the afternoon.
Lucia smiled at them both and waved them back after unlocking the glass doors.
“Follow me,” she said.
There were two deputies in the front area, but they didn’t stop talking or look at them. Lucia was professional, but not as friendly as their prior meeting. Before walking into the chief deputy’s office, Lucia quickly squeezed Willow’s hand then knocked. She stuck her head in the door.
“Deputy Berger and Ms. Morgan are here to see you.” She opened the door wider and ushered them inside.
Chief Deputy Cosby stood and shook Willow’s hand.
His hair was silver and neatly trimmed. A few wrinkles fanned out from the corners of his eyes, and a deeper line etched between his brows.
He was medium height with a large gut that pulled at the front buttons of his uniform shirt and showed a white undershirt.
He turned to Dale after greeting her.
“It’s good to see you,” he said. “Sorry it’s over something like this. Please sit down so we can discuss it.” He waved them to the chairs in front of his desk.
“What we have is harassment,” Dale said after taking his seat. “Willow and I understand that Deputy Wallard has friends in high places. Ms. Morgan has been very upset over the exchange she had with Wallard. Simply put, we want the harassment to stop.”
Cosby leaned back in his seat and stared at Dale for a moment. “I listened to the recording. This is one of those tricky moments, but believe me, I understand your concern.”
Dale spoke again. “I contacted a friend who knows people in Gila County. The only thing tricky,” he emphasized the word, “about this situation is the fact that Wallard still wears a badge. Predators like him don’t stop unless they’re forced out.”
The chief deputy inhaled deeply then sighed.
His gaze turned to Willow. “I am truly sorry for this Ms. Morgan. The deputy had no business pulling you over or asking you out to ice cream. We want to handle this quickly and decisively. Deputy Wallard will immediately be placed on leave for two weeks without pay.”
“He should be fired,” Dale huffed.
Cosby met Dale’s eyes. “This is the first complaint we’ve received about him. He’s had a good record until now. He will also be sent to a sexual harassment in the workplace training next month.”
“He will leave Willow alone,” Dale said.
“Yes, if he wants to keep his job, he will.” His gaze turned to Willow. “Would you like to offer input?”
She shook her head.
“If you have any further problems with the deputy, get in touch with my office immediately. My hands won’t be tied as tightly if he steps out of line again.” He smiled at her. “You have a good champion and you did the right thing by making the complaint.”
“She shouldn’t need a good champion.” Dale then held up a hand. “I understand Jim. I know how these things work. Make sure the deputy knows the consequences for harassing her again.” He stood and shook Cosby’s hand before leading Willow from the office.
“That didn’t take long,” Willow whispered as they walked down the wide hallway that reminded her of the prison.
“I didn’t think it would. If you had come alone, he would have tried to get you to recant your complaint with the guarantee Wallard wouldn’t bother you again.
as it is, he tried to minimize what happened by mentioning ice cream like it was just something fun.
” Dale said a few choice words under his breath.
“Thank you for coming.”
Dale’s jaw was set. “I shouldn’t need to, like I said before. You aren’t the only woman he’s harassing. Giving that man a badge is criminal.”
Willow touched his shoulder. “Thank you for forcing me to make the complaint. I feel better that he is at least getting some punishment.”
They passed Lucia, and she gave them a small wave and silently mouthed, “See you Saturday.”
“Are we going to the wedding party?” Dale asked once they were inside his truck.
“I don’t know,” Willow said.
“Parties like this happen all the time here especially among the Hispanic community. We’ve been invited, and it would be rude not to go.” He put the truck in gear and they pulled onto the road.
“I think you’re sweet on Lucia,” Willow said.
Dale’s cheeks turned red. “Mind your manners young lady. I can’t believe you’re already trying to get rid of me.”
She placed her hand on his. “I’m not, but I want you happy. Lucia is sweet on you, and you never know where that will lead.”
“I’m changing the subject,” Dale said gruffly which made Willow laugh. “It’s my turn to cook dinner, and I’m thinking spaghetti.”
“That I won’t eat,” she said.
“It’s vegan stroganoff. I found the recipe online, and it will most likely taste like shit, but I’m tired of you nagging me.”
That made Willow laugh again[DN1].
Dale continued, “I need a couple of weird items from the grocery store so I’m stopping.”
Willow didn’t question the weird items, and if they were too weird, the high-priced local store wouldn’t carry them.
She’d discovered that the hard way. Dale had to ask a clerk for one of the ingredients, but otherwise he found what he needed.
They had grapes on sale so Willow picked out a bag that looked halfway decent.
She was relieved to have the trouble with Wallard behind her. Visiting the library was one of the few things she enjoyed that took her off the ranch. After the deputy pulled her over she didn’t think she would return. Hopefully she could sleep tonight and put this behind her.
Though she was nervous, they went to the wedding party. She wore jeans and a tight sparkle studded T-shirt with cap sleeves and one of her grandmother’s necklaces. She felt pretty and laughed delightedly at Dale’s whistle.
The party was held across the street from the Catholic Church.
It was set up with large, permanently fixed grills, plastic tables, and hay bales to sit on.
A band played Mexican music, and the crowd was lively.
People greeted Dale to varying degrees. Some gave handshakes, some hugs, and some a simple nod. He introduced her to a few people.
“I agree with Lucia,” he said. “I’m the DD, and you need to drink a beer or three.”
“I’m not a huge fan of beer,” she reminded him.
“After three, you won’t care.”
“You’re not a very good guardian,” she said.
“Yes I am. You’re young and need to let loose a bit. This is the perfect opportunity.”
They headed to a short beer line and saw Lucia. A huge grin split her face when she noticed them.
“I doubted you would come, but I’m so happy you did.” She hugged them both then turned to a young woman standing beside her. “Sofia, this is Willow, Joan Morgan’s granddaughter. She doesn’t know anyone in town. Willow, one of my many nieces, Sofia.”
It surprised Willow when Sofia kissed her cheek and took her hand. “I’ll get us to the front of the beer line and refuse to introduce you to my brothers. Two are unmarried, and I’ll warn you ahead of time. They’re rascals and not worth your time until they settle down.”
Sofia appeared to be Willow’s age, had a slight accent, a lovely round face, and expertly applied makeup.
She wore a tight green sequined dress with a high slit up one side that showed her leg up to the top of her calf.
Willow would have felt underdressed but too many people wore clothes similar to hers.
Sofia placed her arm through Willow’s and walked to the front of the line.
She held up two fingers, and immediately, two large plastic cups were placed in her hands. She handed one to Willow.
“Do you dance?” she asked.
“No,” Willow said and glanced at the dancers.
“They’re doing the two step which is easy. We’ll finish the beers and I’ll teach you.”
Sofia kept talking, and Willow didn’t need to say much as she drank the beer.
“Introduce me to your friend,” a man said a moment later.
Sofia rolled her eyes. “This is one of my brother’s I warned you against. He’s a smooth talker and plays the women.” She cast him a hard stare. “Find her again when you’re ready to find a wife.”
He only laughed and placed his hand over his heart. “You wound me sister mine. If you’re not nice, I’ll hide your bras again.”
“See, what did I tell you, Willow. A complete rascal and a pain in my ass.” She turned back to her brother.
“Here, take these. I’m teaching Willow the two step.
” She didn’t introduce them, and Willow was chuckling as she was pulled into the dance area.
No one cared that a young woman was teaching another young woman to dance.
Willow relaxed and laughed as she learned the two step.
The brother, cups gone, cut in and took over. “I’m Antony. Don’t listen to my sister. I promise to be on my best behavior.”
It was obvious the two were siblings. Antony’s face wasn’t as round, but the family resemblance was there. He had a great smile and was exceedingly polite. His studded red cowboy shirt was accented with tight jeans and cowboy boots.
“I’m stealing her back,” Sofia said, a few minutes later. “I saw Consuela over there.” She pointed behind them.
“Thank you for the dance, Willow. I’ll see you around.”
He left quickly, and Sofia laughed. “He’s had a crush on that girl for years. He won’t trouble you more tonight. Let’s grab another beer.”
Willow had a wonderful time. She was introduced to so many people; there was no way she would remember names. Four beers in, Sofia asked for her cell number.
“We’ll get together sometime and take a trip to Show Low. There’s a great place there with a live band every Saturday night. I usually rent a hotel room so I can drink. You would have fun, and now that you can two step, it will be even more fun.”
“I’m not very good,” Willow said.
“Practice with Deputy Berger. He’s a great dancer. He and my aunt are out there now.”
Willow turned and saw Dale. She had no idea he could dance. When the song ended, he walked over. By now Willow was a little unbalanced.
“Are you ready to call it a night?” he asked.
“I’ve had four beers, and it sounds like a good idea,” she said and turned to Sofia. “Thank you for everything. I’d love to go to Show Low with you when you go again.”
Sofia gave her a hug and then hugged Dale.
Overall, it was a perfect night, and she was so glad she’d agreed to go.
“It feels strange to be so happy,” she told Dale.
“Beer does that to you,” he said. “I’m glad you had fun.”
So was Willow.