The judge was already standing when Tanner stepped in. He stood tall, though his hair was a mite thinner than the last time they’d met. He looked every bit the respected man of the law, but Tanner had heard enough stories to know there had once been a rascal hiding behind those sharp eyes, maybe still was.
“Tanner Daniels,” Judge Langford said, crossing the room to offer a firmhandshake and a wide grin. “Good to see you, son. How are Trace and Kip doing these days? I still remember officiating their wedding—fine couple, those two.”
“They’re doing really well, Judge. Kip’s keeping Trace on his toes, as usual.”
“Judge is what I do, Tanner. Call me Rhett.” The judge chuckled, a deep rolling sound that filled the office. They traded a few more pleasantries about the ranch and the weather before Judge Langford settled back behind his big oak desk, motioning for Tanner to take a seat. “Let me take a look at that order.” Tanner handed him the envelope.
“So this restraining order is for the protection of that pretty little baker of yours, eh?” Rhett had taken out his glasses and was looking over the papers.
“Yep,” Tanner said.
“Fair enough,” Rhett said, his booming voice turning all business. “Now, about this filing. You say Preston Lassiter has been stalking her… can you tell me exactly what’s been going on?”
Tanner reviewed the gifts and unwanted phone calls. When he got to the chastity belt, the judge raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Did you say chastity belt?”
Tanner nodded. “I did.”
Judge Langford started shaking his head. “I’ve heard talk about that guy before, but this? This is something else.”
Tanner felt some of the tension ease from his shoulders. Rhett was clearly unhappy.
The judge picked up his pen and began scribbling on the papers. “Consider it done. I’ll have the sheriff serve this before lunch. This is in effect for a month. There will be a hearing in the interim to decide it to extend it or not. Until then, if Lassiter doesn’t honor it, you just report it to the sheriff. And, Tanner…” Rhett looked up, his expression serious but not unkind. “You keep your head on straight. Off the record, that boy’s father has bought him out of several situations that he should have already been in jail for, so I’ll be surprised if he pays any attention to this.” He waved the papers in the air. “Don’t let him lure you into doing anything that might get you into my court.”
Tanner gave a short shrug. “Since we’re talking off the record. This restraining order was the right thing to do. But when it comes to protecting Junie, I don’t take anything off the table.”
Rhett gave Tanner an understanding nod. “Protect what’s yours, son. That’s what good men do.”
Tanner stood and shook the judge’s hand again. “Thank you, Rhett, and do you mind if I take it to Sam?”
Langford put the signed order back in the envelope and handed it to Tanner with a smile. “Be my guest.”
As he left the office, the weight of the signed restraining order felt solid in his hand. Two moreerrands, and he could get back to his Junie.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Tanner parked down the street from the sheriff’s office. It was time to tackle step two in making Junie safe.
Sam Nelson was already at his desk, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. His hair was still slightly rumpled, and he nursed a large black coffee. Everybody on the force knew Sam wasn’t a morning person, but the man still showed up on time every single day. That was Sam.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Sam said, leaning back in his chair with a half-smile. “You here to confess to something? I’ve got a jail cell all ready for you.”
Tanner grinned and dropped into the chair across from him. “I may have to take you up on that later. You look about as happy as a wet cat. Rough night?”
“Let’s just say I’m seriously considering arresting Ruby for making her peach cobbler criminally irresistible.” Sam patted his flat stomach with mock regret. “Boone dropped some by the other day, and I warmed it up and had it for dessert last night, just a little bit too late for it to feel good this morning.”
“Well, if you like, I can tell her not to make you any more.”
That snapped Sam up straight in his chair. “Now that kind of talk really will get you arrested.”
Tanner laughed before he got down to business. “Speaking of Boone, he says to come by for supper next Thursday. If you can, Ruby’s got that brisket you like so much on the menu.”
Sam’s eyes lit up. “Now you’re speaking my language. Tell him I’ll take him up on that.” He took another swig of coffee, then set the mug down and studied Tanner more closely. The easy friendliness shifted into something sharper. “Alright, what brings you in this morning? I’m betting you didn’t come here to talk about cobbler and brisket.”
Tanner tossed the envelope on the desk in front of Sam. “Wanna take a ride with me over to Wilder Wealth Management? Preston Lassiter’s been fucking with Junie. She’s too sweet to raise hell about it herself, so I’m doing it for her.”
Sam took the papers from the envelope and looked them over. He let out a low whistle. “Temporary restraining order. Shit. He’s going to lose his mind. You think this’ll stop him?”
Only if Preston’s gotten smarter in the last twenty-four hours.
