Under different circumstances, her shocked exclamation would have been funny, but not today.
Coop looked past her to the cars streaming down the one-lane road, led by Billy Ray Thomas, one of his jailers, who brought his car to stop behind Coop’s, jumped out, and walked toward him.
“Keep those people behind my truck, Billy Ray.” He glared at the growing crowd. “If anyone gives you any shit, I’ll throw ‘em in jail.”
Coop bowed his head slightly toward Sam. “Sheriff Cooper Delaney, Dr. Fowler.”
At her surprised look, he offered, “Miss Eva told me.” He removed his aviator glasses. “I hope I didn’t disturb you this morning. I wouldn’t have barged in so disheveled had I known she had guests. Frankly, can’t recall the last time one of them got up before ten.”
A couple of blinks preceded her reply. “Oh, okay, um, okay.”
He replaced his shades and started Cop 101. “What do you know about this?”
She jerked her gaze to him, brow creasing. “She’s dead.”
“How did you find the body?”
“Beginners luck.”
He jerked his head around and pinned her with his best don’t-jack-with-me-I’m-a-cop look.
She stared right back.
“Nature called,” she said at last, “This looked like a good place to answer. Went over there, found her, called you, end of story.”
Coop barely managed to hide his surprise as he took her right arm, leading her toward the Bronco.
“Where are you taking me?”
He stopped when he reached the vehicle and opened the door. “Get in. Don’t talk to anyone until I get back.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so. Dammit, Billy Ray,” shouted Coop, “Keep these people behind my truck.”
“Come on, folks, you heard the sheriff, move back.”
“Aw, come on, Coop,” came a voice in the crowd, “we just wanna see what’s happening.”
“Yeah,” whined another, “I ain’t never seen a dead body. Not like this.”
“Shorty, if your fat ass isn’t behind my truck in ten seconds,” roared Coop, “you’ll spend the rest of the weekend in jail. That goes for the rest of you, too. Now move it!” Turning back to Sam, he lowered his voice. “Get in. Please.”
She pulled her arm free and stepped toward the door, tripping over a root in the process. Her head just missed the corner as Coop caught her against him, causing her to mutter a startled squeal.
Immediately, Jack jumped from the car and raced for the sheriff, teeth bared, his growl deep and menacing. “No, Jack! Stay,” shouted Sam, still encased in his arms as she turned toward the dog.
Jack slowed, but inched toward them, his size alone enough to intimidate, but coupled with that low rumble, it was terrifying.
Her voice calm and soft, she told Coop, “No sudden moves. Let me go.”
He slowly released her and waited.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, “he’s very protective.”
Turning to the dog now a mere two feet away from his leg, she reached down. “Good boy, Jack, good boy.” She rubbed his ears and stroked his head. “I appreciate your concern, sweetie, but, really it isn’t necessary.”
Jack didn’t appear to agree, and crept forward.
She rose and stood beside Coop, slipping her arm through his.
“What the hell are you doing?”
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. “Say something to him and be nice. He’s not as dumb as some dogs…and most men.”
“Better do as she says, Coop,” came a voice from the crowd, “I think ‘at sucker means business.”
Snickers could be heard above the roar in his ears as he waited while her bad-ass guardian angel debated his next move.
Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor, thought Coop as he endured being laughed at by half the town.
“What the devil am I supposed to say to him?”
“What would you want to hear from the person who hurt someone you loved?”
