Page 67 of Broken: Taylor

Chapter 28

Taylor hopedto get to Billings early that Monday morning. The getaway was exactly what he’d needed to help get his head on straight. His plans for the day were made. After one last visit to Felicia’s grave to say goodbye, he had two additional stops. One was to see Captain Morrison.

Instead he was at the local café sitting across from his cousin. Eric had called telling him to meet him and then had shocked him silent.

“What do you think?” Eric said.

Jack Garcia, the current Laurel Creek sheriff sat across from Taylor and studied his expression. “I think you’d make the perfect replacement for me.”

After discussing a possible move to Billings with Allison, he’d thought the matter of what he’d do with his life was settled for the time being.

He’d been unaware Sheriff Garcia had received an offer in another city, which was too good to pass up. An interim sheriff was needed until the election was held. Being there was no one interested enough to run, it was a pretty good bet, whoever worked for the six months left in the term would get the job.

Sheriff. Taylor allowed it to sink into his brain. “I’ll do it.”

“You can think about it,” Eric said with a grin. “I mean dude, you’ve got to talk to Tobias. He’ll need to find more help out at the ranch.”

“He’s already hired another guy. I haven’t been much help since my surgery and all.”

That he’d planned to go back into law enforcement and this offer came up seemed too convenient. It could be fate was finally giving him a break.

“Sounds like we have a new sheriff in town,” Garcia quipped with a chuckle. “Let’s get together in my office the day after tomorrow. We’ll get everything ironed out. With your credentials, the powers that be will be giddy. Your career runs circles around mine.”

The man was good-natured and the local police force of about fifteen respected him. Taylor was honored the sheriff preferred to approach him over the more seasoned officers who worked for him.

“Will there be resentment over this?” He had to ask.

“Maybe,” the sheriff was honest. “Only from two. But one is a hot head and the other wouldn’t have lasted a month. He likes being out in the streets too much. Being sheriff is sixty percent political and only forty investigative work.”

With his injury, Taylor did not aspire to street work. But having his hand back into investigations and police work, that was the perfect alternative. He didn’t have to think about it twice. Besides, it worked best with his plans, not having to commute back and forth from Billings.

Allison readover Taylor’s text again. He’d gone to Billings and wouldn’t be back until late.

He’d been staying at her place since they’d returned from the resort. In many ways they’d become closer there, and although she didn’t dare hope, she was already considering what it would be like to be his wife.

Leah strolled in. As usual, the glow of being in a happy relationship emanated from her best friend.

When Luke entered behind her, Allison gave them a questioning look. “What are you two up to?”

“Came to town to get lunch and came to ask you to join us.”

Luke went to the display of truffles and glowered. “Are these soaps or food?”

It was strange how differently men saw things. A woman would automatically recognize chocolate in her opinion. “They are chocolate truffles. Wanna try one?”

He shook his head slowly. “I don’t think so.”

They walked across the street and down another block to a new place, The City Diner. The proprietors, a couple from Oregon, had moved there recently to settle near their married children.

The ambience was comfortable, like that of a diner in a larger town. The name for it was perfect. After ordering salads and a burger for Luke, Leah began talking about joining the local business chapter. “You should do it with me. They need new blood. We need to bring more businesses to Laurel Creek.”

“If Taylor moves to Billings, it’s going to be hard to make the time. He’ll be commuting back and forth and so will I on those days I’m closed.”

Her friend smiled widely. “It may all change.” She gave the silent Luke a pointed look. “Should I tell her?”

“It’s Taylor’s job to inform her.” Luke seemed relieved when a huge burger was slid in front of him.

“If something is happening to Taylor? Please tell me.”