Page 5 of Under an Oklahoma Sky

Adam’s attention returned to Sherman. “I’m much obliged. If that time comes, I’ll think about it.” Not likely. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some work to do.”

Sherman didn’t seem thrilled about being dismissed and spun back to face Ms. Hammond. “You better think real hard about my offer, Sage, before it’s too late.”

With a glance over his shoulder at Adam, the man climbed up into the truck as his driver did the same. The tires kicked up an angry cloud of dirt as the vehicle did a U-turn and headed out to the main road.

Now that the other men were gone, the bravado on Ms. Hammond’s face diminished somewhat. Not wanting her to feel obligated to go through with what had been a spur-of-the-moment statement about him being her new employee, Adam walked back to retrieve his duffel. Hoisting it on his shoulder one more time, he followed the fading trail of dust the truck had left in its wake.

“Hey! Wait a minute! Hold up!”

He stopped and turned to see her running toward him. The handgun was nowhere in sight—she must have holstered it again behind her back. In silence, he waited for her to catch up to him.

Halting a few feet away from him, she took a deep breath and let it out. “I-I’m sorry about that. You didn’t have to get involved in my mess, but thank you for doing so.”

His shoulders lifted in a shrug. “No worries. I hope everything works out for you.”

When he began to leave again, she reached out and touched his upper arm, stopping him in his tracks. “Wait. I mean… if you’re still interested in the job, I could really use the help. As Bart said, it doesn’t pay a lot, but my housekeeper is an excellent cook, and you’d have your own cabin here on the property.”

He tilted his head and studied her. While she was still wary of him, he saw something else in her eyes… hope.

Lowering his duffel again, he stood tall and met her gaze. “I was arrested for killing a man who was in the process of molesting a young boy. It was a man I'd worked beside for many years, and I guess you could say I just snapped. I’ve regretted it ever since and will continue to do so until my dying day. While I never would’ve let him get away with what he’d done, I wish I hadn’t taken his life. I pled guilty to manslaughter and served a little over five years of a ten-year sentence. Other than that, I’ve never intentionally broken the law before, and I hope I never have to again. I guess the only other thing I should mention is I go to church every Sunday. I’d appreciate it if I could have that time off from work. If you still want to hire me, that is.”

After his first sentence, her mouth had dropped open, but she let him continue. He gave her a moment to digest what he’d told her and decide whether it was something she could live with. He would understand if she changed her mind once again.

“Um… okay. Is there a way I can confirm what you told me? I mean, I have my family to think about.”

“Yes, ma’am. You can call the Middletown Police Department in New York and ask for Detective Shane Stewart—he should be on duty today. He’s not only my foster brother, but he’s also one of the detectives who arrested me. He’ll answer any questions you have. You can also contact Sing-Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. They’ll confirm I was a model prisoner during my stay there.”

She briefly bit her lower lip. “What about the internet or newspapers?”

“The boy’s father is the head editor of the local newspaper. He made sure the incident never appeared in print or online. He had friends in the courts and got the case files sealed. You won’t be able to access them without a court order.” He paused. “I know this makes you uneasy, so I’ll understand if you don’t want to hire me.”

“No! I mean, yes, I’m a little wary—you’re a stranger, after all—but if what you told me is the truth, then I’d be willing to hire you—on a trial basis, of course.”

The corners of his mouth curved upward. “Of course. I can wait here if you want to make those calls, Ms. Hammond.”

“Sage, please.” She stepped aside and gestured toward the house. “And why don’t you come up to the porch? I’ll bring you out some breakfast while I’m on the phone. It’s the least I can do for helping me deal with Bart.”

With a genuine smile forming on his face, he dipped his head. “Much obliged, ma’am… I mean, Sage. Thank you.”

Chapter Three

Hanging up the phone in her office, Sage contemplated her conversations with someone at the prison and then with Detective Stewart. Both men stated exactly what Adam had told her—he’d killed a man who’d been molesting a child, confessed to the crime, and pled guilty at a plea bargain hearing instead of making the child testify. He’d been a model prisoner, counseling other inmates while he was there. Good behavior and the low likelihood of committing another crime led the State to reduce his sentence.

While she was sure the men had kept some of the more brutal elements of the incident from her, it was obvious Adam had reacted as most people would if walking into the same situation. Detective Stewart mentioned that when Adam had pulled the sexual offender off the boy, he’d thrown him across the room. The pervert had gotten back up, and a struggle ensued between the two men. At some point, Adam punched the other man in the face, causing him to fall and strike his head on a piece of furniture—he never got up again. Adam had called 9-1-1 to report the incident and to get help for both the offender and his victim. He then waited in a nearby church for the police to arrest him.

Stewart had said if Adam’s case had gone to trial, he probably would have been found not guilty of murder due to the circumstances. However, he’d refused to go that route—opting to pay for his crime by pleading to the lesser charge of manslaughter. He also told her Adam was the kindest, most honorable man he knew.

With her decision made, she stood and returned the 9mm to the bedroom safe before heading out to the porch to talk to him. Seeing Evan Tanner chatting with the newcomer didn't surprise her. When she opened the screen door, both men stood. Evan gave her a nod and a wink before descending the steps and proceeding to the backyard. That was his way of giving his approval—Adam had clearly made an impression on the man who wasn’t easily swayed.

Smiling, Sage eyed Adam’s empty plate and an untouched bowl of grits. “Maddie is an excellent cook, isn’t she? I take it you’re not a fan of grits.” The older woman had heaped the plate with bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast with blueberry jam.

He chuckled. “Um… no, I’m not. I haven’t been able to develop a taste for them yet, but everything else was delicious. Please thank her for me.”

“You’ll be able to do that yourself at dinnertime… that is, if you still want the job.” She rattled off what his duties would entail, the meager pay, and a few other things. “Are you still interested?”

Taking off his cap, he nodded, then ran a hand through his dark-blond hair. It was thick and wavy, and for a split second, she wished it was her hand touching it before he covered it up again.

“Absolutely… and thank you. Where would you like me to start?”