They reentered the jail. Roby and Hill sat up when they saw Sam as he unlocked Roby’s cell.
“I believe you said you could still kick my ass,” Rawley said as he folded his arms across his chest. He smirked when Roby stayed on the cot. “Come on.”
“No way. The sheriff will shoot me.”
Sam laughed. “No, I won’t. This is too good to miss.” He leaned against the wall next to Rawley.
“I don’t trust you, Bowman,” Roby snapped.
“You think I trust you? I don’t. Do you want to do this or not?” Roby never moved, making Rawley grin. “I didn’t think so.” He looked at Sam. “Could you have someone bring Hill upstairs?”
“Yes, I’ll have Jack bring him to you.”
“Thanks, Sam.” Rawley looked at Roby. “I’ll be in court for your sentencing,” he said then walked out and rode the elevator to his floor again.
****
Skylar sat on the sofa, watching TV. She hoped Rawley was having a good day since it was his first day back to work. He was coming by tonight and she couldn’t wait to see him. Calvin and Hobbs were still here with her. Rawley had stayed here until he recovered. She laughed as she thought about him bitching and complaining that he couldn’t return to duty. As it was, it was only part-time now, but he was happy to get back to it.
She decided to head to town to buy some Christmas gifts. Thanksgiving was next week and she couldn’t wait to have dinner with Rawley and his parents.
She wanted to buy his parents something too but had no idea what. She decided to call Rawley.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he said when he answered.
“So, how’s your first day back going?”
“Good. I’m going to be interviewing one of those men. He said he’d talk, but he’s also the one who set me up.”
“Do you think he’ll be honest?”
“He wants a deal, so I dangle one in front of him.”
She could hear the smile in his voice.
“What can I get your parents for Christmas?”
“Baby, you don’t have to do that. I know they’d tell you that themselves.”
“No, I want to. They’re so great.”
“Yeah, they are. Well, my mom loves antiques and my dad likes Callahan Whiskey.”
“Oh, that’s great. I love antiques too. I’ll go by Timeless Treasures and find something for her. Where’s a liquor store?”
“Do you know where Randi’s Scented Haven is?”
“Yes, I’ve been in there several times.”
“The liquor store is across the street, a few shops up.”
“Okay, that’s what I’ll get them.”
“They’ll appreciate that. Do you want me to bring something home for dinner?”
“Sure. Whatever you want.”
“I want you,” he said in a low voice.
