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Griff held out his hand. “John Griffin,” he said. “You can call me Griff.”
“And you are…?” Frowning, the sheriff gripped the SEAL’s hand.
“I was first on the scene. I saw what happened and pulled over as soon as Rachel’s SUV left the road and rolled into the ditch.”
“Thank you for saving one of my best deputies.” The sheriff gave Griff’s hand a firm shake and released it.
“I’ve only been a deputy for a few months,” Rachel reminded him.
“Yeah, but your experience as a highway patrolman is far more valuable than the guys who come to me straight out of high school.” The sheriff glanced from Rachel to Griff and back to Rachel. “I get the feeling you two know each other.”
Rachel grinned. “We met in San Diego. Griff is a Navy SEAL.”
The sheriff’s brows rose. “Is that so?” He faced Griff.
“Former Navy SEAL,” Griff corrected. “I separated from the Navy a month ago.”
The sheriff’s eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t happen to want a job as a sheriff’s deputy, would you?”
Rachel chuckled.
“Thank you, sir. I actually came to Fool’s Gold to interview for a position with the Brotherhood Protectors,” Griff said.
The sheriff shook his head. “Well, damn. We can’t compete with them. Not that we even try. They help us out when we’re in a pinch, so I can’t begrudge them some of the best recruits.”
“Hey,” Rachel said, “and I’m chopped liver?”
“I happen to love chopped liver,” Sheriff Faulkner said with a grin. “And you’re every bit as essential to our law enforcement team as anyone can imagine.”
Rachel nodded. “That’s more like it. I don’t work for peanuts without a few pats on the back.”
The sheriff grinned. “We’re lucky to have you.”
“So, you’re telling me I have to lay off work for a few days?” Rachel asked, getting back to the subject.
Sheriff Faulkner nodded. “Based on the doc’s recommendation, you need to give your head a rest.”
“That’s bullshit,” Rachel grumbled. “I’m fine. Just a little banged up from the tumble.”
“And how do you plan on getting to work?” the sheriff asked. “Seems your SUV is upside down in a ditch.”
Rachel sighed. “Okay. I get it. I need to take care of business before I report back to work.”
The sheriff nodded. “That’s right. But when you do come back, don’t expect any special treatment.”
Rachel snorted. “Like you would give it.”
The sheriff held out his hand to Griff. “Thanks again for taking care of my deputy. I’ll call a wrecker to get your vehicle out of the ditch. You’re lucky you landed in a ditch and not at the bottom of a cliff.”
“I know,” Rachel said. “I’d still like to get my hands on the guy who ran me off the road.”
“You and me both,” the sheriff said. “I’ll ask around.”
She shook her head. “With so many ATVs in the area, good luck narrowing it down.”
The sheriff pushed through the swinging door as the orderly arrived. “We’re taking you for a ride to your four-star suite on the second floor.”
“Oh good,” Rachel said. “If they have room service, I want a pepperoni pizza and a beer.”
