“Illegal, but a smart preventative measure for a man engaging in an affair with a married woman.”
Jackson digested that idea, his mouth thin.“He might have done it.”
“If he did, the gun is off the streets, and not in the hands of a jealous husband.”
“So, I should just look the other way?”
“Sometimes it’s the best option.”
“I don’t understand Charlie,” Jackson said.“Why would he encourage his wife to sleep around, and then fly into a rage when she does it?”
“He wants her to do it in front of him, not behind his back.”
Jackson’s lip curled with distaste.
“The longer you’re a cop, the more you learn about the human condition,” Wade said.“You’ll be a jaded old man before you hit thirty.”
Jackson fell silent, his expression grave.Wade didn’t tell him not to worry about his father’s involvement in a sticky situation.Wade knew how difficult it could be to work through family issues as a law officer with a moral code.He’d done things he wasn’t proud of in the line of duty.The field was a landmine of dark deeds, regardless of who you took orders from.Cops saw the worst of humanity on a daily basis.
“I appreciate you calling about my mother last night,” Wade said.
Jackson brightened.“Of course.”
“She got home safe.”
“Who’s her friend?”
Wade bristled at the question, though he should have expected it.Mary was the kind of woman who attracted male attention.She’d been a siren in that curve-hugging red dress.“She works for us on the ranch.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“She doesn’t look like a ranch hand.”
Wade said nothing.Her beauty wasn’t up for debate.It wasn’t even up for discussion, as far as he was concerned.“You haven’t seen her around?”
“No.I’d remember her.”
“Do me a favor.”
“Sure.”
“Keep an eye out for her and call me if there’s trouble.”
Jackson nodded eagerly, and they shook hands to seal the deal.“Thanks again for your help with Charlie.”
Wade wondered if Jackson would talk to his father about Elvira.He decided it was none of his business.Wade hadn’t even begun to sort through his feelings about his own father.He was still processing the fallout from his brother’s death, and the shameful cover-up.Family issues could wear a man down to the bone.Darkness fell as he returned to the station.He worked in his office for another hour before calling it quits.
Wade drove toward Nolan Ranch with the music cranked up and the windows rolled down, enjoying the evening air.He was looking forward to a quiet night.Mary’s barn remodel made it possible for him to retreat to a private, comfortable space.He planned to put it to good use.Mary wouldn’t be falling on his lap or working him into a lather again.He didn’t have to answer her impertinent questions or fend off her ill-mannered dogs.He could avoid her luscious body and irrepressible laughter.He could be at peace.
As he pulled into the driveway, those plans went up in smoke.The Subaru was parked haphazardly with the hatchback open.Mary staggered toward it, carrying a blanket-wrapped bundle about the size of his mother.
Chapter Fourteen
When Meredith arrivedat the ranch, the house was empty.
She skipped dinner and retreated into the quiet of her bedroom.Instead of packing her bags to leave, she lay on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.She thought about her future.She thought about Wade Hendricks, and how much she’d like to be with him, at least once, before she moved on.
