Jake

Honey’s bed was a lot smaller than my king. I woke up with a stiff neck and gently unwound myself from my sleeping beauty. She didn’t stir as I got to my feet. I tilted my head left and right to stretch my muscles out. Then I left the room, knowing my day would start soon.

On bare feet, I padded my way to my bedroom but didn’t make it to the hallway. A knock came at the front door. I opened it.

“Sheriff,” I said.

He tipped his head to me. “Morning, Jake. Sorry for the early morning visit, but can we talk?”

I nodded and stepped out onto the porch, closing the door behind me. The sun had barely crested the horizon, so there wasn’t much activity. I hoped to have the sheriff gone before the ranch got hopping with activity.

“You have news?” I asked.

He sighed. “They found traces of the drug Rohypnol in your system.”

I scrubbed a hand over my mouth. Though I’d been sure she’d drugged me, a part of me hoped I was wrong.

The sheriff continued. “They were able to get traces of fluid which can be used to find DNA, but no sperm was found. Likely, she didn’t do research to know that when the drug is used to victimize, it is most effective to subdue victims and leave them unclear or not able to remember what happened. It causes drowsiness and low blood pressure. It’s likely you weren’t able to perform.”

Though that was a relief, it didn’t mean I was out of the woods. What he said next was an even greater weight lifted from my mind.

“Most of the tests for STDs are back and negative. Just a few remain that will take another day or two.”

“So what now?” I asked.

“Now I need to know what you want to do.”

I stared at him confused. “What are you asking?”

His question was too cryptic considering I’d called and filed a complaint. What I wanted to do was obvious.

He blew out a breath. “After I got back the results, I had a deputy go to Tara’s momma’s house. She was there and we brought her in. The drug was in her purse. Tomorrow, when the court house opens charges will be filed. But, Jake, considering your history, do you really want to go through with this?”

“It’s precisely because of my history I’d called the cops in the first place. I have to protect my daughter.”

He nodded. “I get that, but Tara put up a fight when they hauled her in. She claimed she’d been hurt in the process by my officers. By law, I had to have her taken down to the hospital to be checked out. There she claimed she was pregnant.”

I balled my fist even though I’d known what was coming.

“She claimed it’s yours.”

“It’s not,” I gritted out.

He held up a hand. “They ran a test and she is pregnant. Because of her complaints of officer harassment and assault, they did an ultrasound on her. She’s six weeks along. So I’m going to ask again. Is it possible it’s yours?”

It all clicked into place as to why Tara had shown up on my door. She’d needed a father for her kid.

“I haven’t seen Tara since before Jamie was born until a few days ago.”

His mouth flattened before he spoke again.

“Even still, Jake, this is a small town. Folks will know what’s going on. Jamie will be starting school soon and we all know how kids can be. Maybe you can use this to your advantage.”

He hadn’t outright said it, but the sheriff was smart. He had to have guessed my reasons for going to the cops.

“Can I talk to her?”

He sighed. “We have procedures.”

“Can you ask her to see me? I won’t come alone. I’ll bring my lawyer.”

“I can ask. But whatever deal you want to make has to be today as it’s a holiday. Once charges are filled, it’s out of my hands.”

I had planned to call our family lawyer. But with everything that had happened, there hadn’t been time.

“Understood,” I said.

“There’s just one other thing.”

I waited for him to say what it was and scrubbed a hand over my hair, unsure I wanted any more news.

“I ran into Jacque in town yesterday. I’d promised her husband I would keep an eye out for her. She’s alone at the ranch surrounded by a bunch of men.”

I arched a brow, wondering where he was going with this. I hoped he wouldn’t suggest that she and I would make a good match.

“She mentioned that Ford showed up ornery and ranting and couldn’t be persuaded to leave.”

I met the man squarely in the eye. “I handled it.”

His head lifted up and down in agreement. “You know how much I respect your father, but maybe it’s time to put him into a retirement community.” That was a nice way of saying a home for the old and infirmed. “Jake, I see it in your eyes that you don’t agree. But you also know we are a gun toting county. I’d hate for your dad to get hurt if he loses his way and shows up on the wrong doorstep.”

“I have help. She was off yesterday and with everything that happened, I didn’t have arrangements for him to be properly watched.”

“I hear you. It’s not an easy thing.”

I shoved my hands in my back pockets, not wanting to ball them in fists for what the sheriff was suggesting. Putting Dad in one of those places would be the final option, after I’d exhausted all other means.

“Is that all?” I asked.

“Yes.” The sheriff tipped his hat. “Take care, Jake. Call me before you come down. I’ll check to see if Tara is willing to see you before you make the trip.”

I agreed and then he left.

When I walked back inside, Jamie was sitting at the counter in a bar stool, peeling potatoes with Honey behind it working up breakfast that was sure to be tasty.

“Morning,” I said.

Jamie turned around and gave me a winning smile. I went over and kissed the top of her head. Then I winked at Honey.

“If I didn’t have a call to make, I’d help make breakfast.”

Honey waved me off. “Go, it’s girl’s time anyway.”

Jamie giggled and seeing my little girl so damn happy shook some of my blues away. So far, Jamie hadn’t asked about her mother. But that conversation would happen soon. I hoped to talk to Tara and settle things before then.

I closed the double doors to the office and sat at my desk and placed the call to my lawyer. I explained the events of the past few days and he agreed to meet me down at the sheriff’s station after lunch. He’d call me when he was on his way. That meant I had to get my day started without breakfast.

I’d just made it to the door when it opened and Dad stepped in. He didn’t waste time making his point.

“Jake, I know I’m not right. I get confused and forget things.”

I reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll get through this.”

“I heard what the sheriff said and maybe he’s right. Maybe you should put me somewhere.”

My proud father stood there looking old and defeated. The fact he’d come to offer himself up to be condemned to a home hurt deep in my chest.

Though I wasn’t surprised he’d overheard. His bedroom shared a wall to the left of the front door that jutted out some on the porch.

“That’s not an option. This is your home. We’ll figure it out.”