The Mentor Sheriff

By Michael O'Gara

The President of the United States has awarded Sheriff Millie the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. Now she will need the bravery she displayed in winning the nation’s highest police valor medal. She has to meet her fiancée’s family and that will just be one of the challenges she will face. She returns home to find a new criminal enterprise has come to Mountain County.

The Sheriff in neighboring River County is either inept or corrupt and Millie thinks it is the latter. She suspects he is sheltering the person behind the criminal enterprise that is moving into her county. Every law-abiding citizen in River County fears their Sheriff and there has been no one brave enough to challenge him in an election. Millie finds an unlikely candidate whom she must mentor if she is to help unseat the Sheriff of River County and uncover the mystery of who was pulling his strings and running the criminal enterprise. All the while Millie must continue to direct her successful business interests and balance her unusual personal life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael O'Gara
• Release date: Apr 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476281438

Michael O'Gara

-story-telling multi-genre author selling internationally -MFA, MBA -author of 40+ novels -husband, father, grandfather, disciple -Content and joyful (mostly). Giving life my best shot. -Very happily married for decades.

Book preview

The Mentor Sheriff

By Michael O’Gara

Copyright 2011 by Michael O’Gara

Smashwords Edition

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This is a fictional work coming from the author’s imagination including the persons, events, places, organizations and companies. Any similarity to actual persons, events, places, organizations and companies, is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – The Returning Hero

Chapter 2 – Weddings and Wakes

Chapter 3 – Good Intentions

Chapter 4 – The House of Cards

Chapter 5 – Family Planning

Chapter 6 – Painful Progress

Chapter 7 - Complications

Chapter 1 – The Returning Hero

Sherriff Millie Brennan, her fiancée Congressman O’Keefe and Deputy Harry Riley were taken by limousine from their hotel to the White House where the events to take place would mold the public perception of Millie and add to her folk hero status. On arriving Millie and Harry were relieved of their weapons and taken to the Rose Garden where members of the press and four other lawmen in uniform were waiting. Millie was asked to display her Sheriff’s badge from the jacket pocket of her suit and she complied.

To Millie’s surprise the President almost immediately came out and to the podium. The President made a short speech and after reading citations presented Millie and four others with the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. He shook their hands. There was a photo op with the President as well as with Senator O’Keefe; Millie’s fiancée’s uncle.

As the President was leaving he hugged Millie and said, Thank you for your service and your personal support Millie.

After the award ceremony Millie was given the presentation box and took the medal off and it was put in the box. She and Harry received the return of their weapons as they left the grounds. Millie and party were taken to another building where she was given a Department Citation for the work of her team in responding to the recent terrorist threat. The trio left there and went to another location where there was then a quiet presentation of a special grant check and more photo ops with the Senator. The trio was then taken to the airport. It had been a whirlwind of sorts.

When they arrived at their next destination, they deplaned and they waited while their bags were brought from the plane. A car was brought and Mitch held the door open while Millie got in. It was a thirty five minute drive from the airport to the O’Keefe estate and mansion. It was indeed a mansion on fifteen acres of very expensive real estate. The car pulled up to the front door. Mitch got out and opened Millie’s door and she exited. Mitch offered his arm and Millie took it and they walked toward the front door. Mitch’s aunt Rebecca came out to meet them.

Joyce was watching them from the living room window but she couldn’t hear what was happening. She opened the window slightly so she could.

Rebecca said, Hello Millie. I haven’t seen you since the campaign. She hugged Millie and continued, I was so happy yet surprised to hear that Mitch and you were engaged.

Rebecca offered her hand to Harry, It’s nice to see you again Harry.

Harry said, Ma’am.

Rebecca took Millie from Mitch’s arm and wrapped her arm through Millie’s and led her inside. She continued, You have been a political supporter of my husband and nephew but we never really got to know each other well. We’ll have to remedy that. We have a lot to pack into a short time. Perhaps I can come and visit Safe Haven.

Millie said with a big smile, Rebecca you are a force of nature.

Rebecca said, Thank you. That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in months.

Millie said, I would welcome a visit from you Rebecca.

Rebecca led them into a large informal room. Millie saw a young woman was standing waiting. It was Joyce.

Joyce had researched the woman Mitch was marrying. The Sheriff was something of a folk hero and the national recognition was not a surprise. Mitch’s fiancée was also very wealthy. Joyce couldn’t figure an exact amount but she was probably wealthier than her cousin and that was saying a lot. Joyce waited for her mother to speak.

Rebecca said, Millie this is Joyce. She is our youngest daughter.

Millie said, I am pleased to meet you Joyce, and held out her hand.

Joyce did not take it. Millie said, Joyce I know you did not learn your rudeness from your mother.

Millie again offered her hand again but Joyce purposely did not take it. Millie withdrew her hand and said, One of the Ten Commandments requires that you honor your parents. How is it honoring to them if you disrespect a guest in their home?

Joyce looked at her mother then Millie.

Millie said firmly, The proper response is to take my hand and shake it saying something polite.

Joyce again looked from her mother to Millie. Joyce knew she’d been cornered. If she refused now she would hurt her mother’s feelings and that would be going too far. She was also she realized offending God. She’d also been called and now her actions just seemed childish. Joyce shook Millie’s hand, I’m pleased to meet you Millie. Please forgive my behavior.

Millie added, Of course. Joyce I offer you my friendship and I stand by my friends.

Joyce tilted her head. Joyce thought Millie could certainly handle herself and she was a cool cookie. She had maneuvered Joyce quite easily. Joyce replied to Millie’s offer, OK, I’d like to be your friend.

Rebecca said, I’m glad that’s resolved. Joyce did you know that Millie received the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor from the President today; it’s like the Medal of Honor for cops. Let’s go into the kitchen and have a beverage. They did just that and sat around the kitchen table. Rebecca poured sweet tea for everyone.

Joyce asked, Why did they give Millie the medal? Joyce knew the official reason. The White House press people already had photos and the President’s speech posted on the web. She wanted Mitch’s explanation. She knew him well enough that she expected him to respond.

Mitch said, She saved my life twice, thwarted a terrorist attempt to kill your father, and made a six figure donation to the President’s election fund. The former she did at great risk to her own life and the latter without risk to her pocket book.

Rebecca said, Joyce the election donation is true but it had nothing to do with the award.

Millie winked at Joyce, But it didn’t hurt.

Joyce grinned.

A woman that Millie would say was in her mid to late thirties came into the room. Joyce called out, Madison this is Mitch’s fiancée Millie. She was given a big deal award by the President today.

Madison came over, I’m pleased to meet you. Madison shook Millie’s hand but was very reserved. Joyce knew Madison was a pain but she loved Mitch like a brother and she saw it as her mission to protect him from gold diggers. Madison got a glass and poured herself some sweet tea.

Madison asked, Have you set a date yet?

Mitch said, No, I’m on probation. I think Millie wants to make sure I’m not just after her money.

Madison asked, She’s rich?

Millie said, Hey I’m in the room.

Joyce watched as Rebecca’s body said laugh while fluid was going down. Madison grabbed a napkin.

Mitch said, I think I might be almost as rich as she is.

Millie looked at Rebecca, I’m glad these two were around to keep Mitch from making a mistake.

Rebecca smiled and said, Girls I think you’ve met your match.

Madison said, I thought you were a cop.

Millie said, I am. She didn’t offer any more. Madison turned to Harry, What’s the story Harry?

Harry smiled, She’s my boss.

Joyce and Madison knew Harry very well. The fact he said it that way meant he respected her. Joyce knew Harry gave this kind of respect grudgingly.

Connie said, And?

Harry continued, Millie’s the best cop I ever met and is the elected Sheriff of Mountain County. She’s also a very successful real estate developer and builder. If I were you I’d want her on my side. Believe me she’d make a very formidable friend or enemy. You should Google her.

Madison looked at Millie, Thank you Harry.

Millie quipped, Mitch you are a lucky man to have a family that is so protective of you. You must have had a wrong kind of woman habit.

It was Madison who experienced the Millie effect this time as the swallow and laugh worked in opposite directions. She grabbed for a napkin. Joyce thought Madison would be mortified by the liquid that had come out of her nose.

Mitch said, Hey I’m in the room.

Rebecca giggled, Oh how I’m enjoying this.

Joyce had not seen her mother enjoying a social interaction in this way.

Another woman, Joyce’s other sister came into the room and kissed Rebecca on the cheek and said, Hello Mother.

Rebecca said, Hi Connie. Look who’s here.

Connie said, Hello Harry. You are looking good.

Joyce could see Millie calculating. She had not known about Harry’s connection to the family.

Millie was thinking there was a story there. Harry was the first one Connie had greeted and therefore in her mind the most important. Millie had also seen Connie flush ever so slightly.

Harry smiled, You look as beautiful as ever Connie.

Rebecca said, Connie this is Millie, Mitch’s fiancée.

Connie looked to her sisters for a cue and saw Joyce sitting next to Millie and her sister Madison sitting relaxed. Connie offered her hand, I’m pleased to meet you Millie.

Millie said, It’s my pleasure Connie. I’ve met your parents and was looking forward to meeting you.

Mitch said, Hey Connie I’m here.

Connie said, Sorry Mitch. A smile came over her face and she went and gave Mitch a big enthusiastic hug. Connie sat down next to him.

Millie said with a smile, This seems more like a job interview than a meet and greet. Millie looked around the table. Mitch is worth the effort so here’s my story. I’m a small town working girl from a working class family. I’ve been married twice and I loved both men dearly. I had a daughter. My first husband was killed in action in Afghanistan. Mitch and I met a couple of years after he died. We have known each other about ten years. He had a thing for me way back when and I really liked him but I thought correctly he was very poor husband material then. I ended up meeting and marrying Sean and we had a daughter. He and my daughter were killed in the big tornado that went through Safe Haven. My brother Shamus, my mother and father in law, as well as several of my very close friends died in the tornado. My mother and father had already passed. I’m a Christian though sometimes you wouldn’t know it by my actions. I started investing in Safe Haven real estate before Mitch’s big development was in full bloom. I have done very well and my companies develop land and build homes. If you want to know anything else now is the time to ask.

Madison sat looking at Millie, You are not the kind of woman we are used to seeing Mitch with. Come to think about it he hasn’t brought anyone home in years.

Joyce thought Madison was realizing Mitch had carried a torch for Millie for a long time. Madison was snooty but she wasn’t stupid.

Madison’s last remark was not lost on Millie. She said, I think he has finally matured Madison. He’s always been good at business and been a charmer but serious relationships used to be beyond him.

Connie said, You have that right. We still love him though.

Joyce asked, Do you have a big house on the lake?

Millie said, Yes but I’m selling it. Mitch and I are going to build a home together at another spot on the lake. When we do you will have a place to come and visit in the summer and you’ll always be welcome.

Rebecca said, You’ve had to face some very hard times Millie. More than a lot of women twice your age have ever endured.

Millie said, That’s true but it’s also in the past.

Rebecca asked, Were you happy in your marriages?

Millie said wistfully, Very. Tom and I didn’t have a lot but we were so happy. I’d always choose true love over money.

Joyce in spite of her youth had a talent for reading people. She thought Millie was sincere and the statement said a lot about her.

Millie paused then continued, We bought some land on the lake and built a cottage home with our own hands and the help of some friends. Mitch’s hotel stands on the lot now. Sean was a doctor and a very loving husband and we were so happy. We had a great life and many friends. I have known a lot of happiness and joy as well as tragedy. They are both part of life. The second loss though was easier to deal with because I had God to lean on then. I sometimes think about a simpler life but I have a responsibility to keep a lot of people employed.

Connie asked, How do you manage to be Sheriff and run businesses?

Millie looked at Harry, smiled and said, I am blessed with good people to work with. Many of them are like family.

Harry smiled at Millie and the smile was noted by Rebecca and Connie.

Rebecca said, Let’s go out on the patio so Thelma our housekeeper can have the kitchen back.

Joyce noticed her sister and Millie hang back. She went to a spot where she could eavesdrop on their conversation. Millie said to Connie when she thought everyone was out of earshot, What’s the story between you and Harry?

Connie said, He proposed to me once.

Millie said, And you turned him down even though you loved, change that, love him, because he isn’t wealthy or have social status.

Connie started to cry and Millie embraced her. Joyce sneaked a peek at them. Her mother was coming so Joyce hid. Millie saw Rebecca coming but Rebecca did an about face. When Connie finished crying Millie said in a gentle voice, Don’t make the mistake of thinking money equates to happiness.

Connie said, How do I make it right? How do I know he still feels the same way?

Millie said, You are both single right. Swallow your pride and tell him you made a mistake you regret. If he’s half the man I think he is the rest will unfold as it should.

Connie nodded, First I’m going upstairs and freshen up.

Millie said, Do you think that’s wise? You might want to use your present vulnerability.

Joyce knew it was time and slipped out onto the patio. One thing about being the youngest was no one paid a lot of attention to her. She did catch Millie watching her though.

Connie came out onto the patio with Millie. Connie went and whispered to Harry. He got up and followed Connie. The group could see them walking side by side talking. Rebecca looked at Millie then back to the couple. The conversation at the table continued as the women asked Mitch about his plans. Madison asked him about her friend Mildred who Mitch had hired to manage the Harbor View Resort Hotel. Millie and Rebecca were keeping one eye on the distant couple. Joyce did the same but not as obviously because of the seat she had chosen. Connie and Harry were now facing each other talking. Suddenly they were embracing and kissing. Rebecca looked at Millie and smiled. The couple was now walking holding hands.

A forty some year old man came onto the patio. He was a pleasant looking and slim built man with a more than slightly receding hairline. He looked quite distinguished. He said, Hello everyone. He came over to Millie and said, You must be Millie. I’m pleased to meet you. I’m Theodore Carlin, Madison’s husband. Everyone calls me Teddy.

Millie said, I’m pleased to meet you Teddy, and shook his hand.

Teddy said, You know we are mortal enemies.

Millie looked at Teddy and cocked her head, How so?

Teddy smiled, You are on the Board of our competitor bank. I’m just a lowly Vice-President but I know of you. Your financial ambush of Mr. Bright with your deceased husband’s family stock and options is still talked about in local banking circles.

Millie said, Teddy I do not want to be your mortal enemy seeing as we are going to be family. Should I sell my shares?

Teddy smiled, Oh dear no. I couldn’t advise you to make such a rash and foolish decision. I understand your bank is doing very well. Teddy turned serious and said, I heard you took advantage of the recent bear market and bought a large block of shares at bargain basement prices. Is there any truth in that?

Millie said, Yes as a matter of fact. Can we just not talk banking and be friends.

Teddy said, I can promise to be your friend but I can’t promise to stop talking about banking. Banking is to me what being a Sheriff is to you; a passion. We’ll just keep any such conversations between us.

Millie said, Sounds good; deal. Millie put her hand up and Teddy gave her a high five.

Millie noted Madison and Joyce had watched the exchange with interest. Millie was quite certain Joyce was not aware Millie knew she was assessing. Millie thought Joyce was a natural investigator.

Connie came back to the table holding hands with Harry. She stood there waiting for everyone’s attention.

Connie said, Seeing as Harry was good enough to wait seven years for me, I have decided to accept his proposal of marriage a little belatedly. Seeing as he was ambushed he didn’t have a ring ready so we are going shopping tomorrow.

Rebecca said, Praise the Lord! It’s about time. Rebecca looked at Harry, rose and went to embrace him saying, I suppose you’ll be taking her away to Safe Haven to live in a lakeside cottage or some such as the wife of a Sheriff’s Deputy.

Harry smiled, Yes ma’am.

Rebecca returned to the table and sat down saying, OK I hereby declare the inquisition at an end. All those in favor of Millie marrying Mitch raise their hands and that had better include everyone if they know what’s good for them.

The girls all smiled including Joyce and raised their hands as did Rebecca. Rebecca declared, Millie you are declared acceptable as a member of this family.

Millie had cleared another hurdle in the seemingly endless challenges which life continually presented. Millie’s first thought was, Here I go again, then, Please God, let me keep this one for a while.

The family dinner was very pleasant. The family talked about what was happening in their lives. Joyce had made a point to sit next to Millie. She asked Millie how she got into law enforcement and indicated it was something she was very interested in knowing about. Millie explained the realities of policing and what Deputies in the Department did on a day to day basis. Joyce was indeed very interested.

Millie was quite comfortable with the family. Millie was also a realist and knew her acceptance by the cousins would have been much more difficult if she were not already wealthy. After dinner Millie had a chance for alone time with Rebecca while they sat on the patio with a cup of coffee. She suspected Joyce would be somewhere nearby listening.

Millie asked, What are your thoughts and feelings about Connie and Harry?

Rebecca surprised Millie with her response, Harry is probably too good for her. He loves her though and I suppose that is why he’s still unmarried. He is strong and he will be a good influence on her. She has struggled since she turned down his proposal but I think she will rebound now. She does love him though her pride got in the way. Once the friends who influenced her decision to turn down Harry were off and married the reality of what she’d done hit Connie. She was devastated. I thought she might become an old maid.

Millie nodded acknowledgement and said, Thank you for sharing.

Rebecca asked, If you had thought I was against them being a couple would you have still done what you did?

Millie simply said, Yes.

Rebecca asked, What would have happened if my daughters hadn’t accepted you.

Millie shrugged, That would have been their problem. I wanted their acceptance but I didn’t need it.

Rebecca said, Good. I didn’t think you were an emotional coward.

Millie said, You know Harry and Connie can be happy living with modest means.

Rebecca said, Yes Connie can. Madison would be another matter. She has high expectations and Teddy is just right for her. He’s successful but not obsessively ambitious so he has time to cater to her and still keep her in a lifestyle to which she has become accustomed. Joyce is the one with the most potential but she is still searching. She is not motivated in the least by wealth. Did you know she is so bright she graduated early from high school before she was seventeen and already has earned a B.A. degree in three years at age twenty?

Millie said, No but it doesn’t surprise me. How is it that Joyce is so much younger than her older sisters?

Rebecca laughed and smiled broadly, A happy accident. I was amazed at how quickly you two bonded.

Millie said, I think we are kindred spirits.

It was then it occurred to Joyce that Millie might know what she was up to.

Rebecca nodded. After awhile the two women went inside. The rest of the evening was spent in pleasant conversation with the family. It was decided Connie was going to come to Safe Haven with them and stay with Millie for a few days and get to know Safe Haven where she would be living after she and Harry were married.

Joyce was forward and asked, Millie may I please come too? I’d like to see Safe Haven and get to know you better.

Millie looked at Rebecca who smiled and Millie said, Certainly. It will be fun. Millie suspected Joyce had an ulterior motive as well as the stated one.

In the morning Joyce had her bag and laptop case at the door early. Connie on the other hand was a flurry of activity as she rushed around getting ready. As Millie, Joyce and Rebecca sat drinking coffee on the patio Joyce offered her wisdom.

Connie is taking this way too seriously. Of course I mostly have only jeans and shirts so it was easy for me. I think Connie wants to make an impression.

Millie and Rebecca laughed because Joyce’s insights were evidence of wisdom beyond her years.

Millie asked, Why did you confront me with so childish an approach when we first met?

Joyce replied, To test you to see how you’d react. You did things I didn’t expect. I think you cured me of the pride thing. Humiliation can be a good teacher.

Millie and Rebecca both choked on their coffee which was half way down when Joyce made the comment.

Joyce looked at Millie, smiled and said, Gotcha.

Millie thought that it was scary the way Joyce had used one of Millie’s often used expressions. Millie couldn’t help but smile.

Sheriff Millie Brennan was the first off the charter flight when it arrived in Safe Haven. Millie was followed by her small entourage consisting of her fiancé Mitch, Deputy Harry Riley and his fiancée Connie, and Millie’s new young friend Joyce. Joyce was keeping her eyes and ears open.

Joyce knew Millie being awarded the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor by the President had been all over the news Millie’s exploits in combating crime had already made her a regional folk hero. Joyce wondered if Millie considered the affect of the award on her professional life. Receiving the national civilian recognition equivalent to the military’s highest award for valor was going to make her a super star in the broader law enforcement circles though she was already one within her state.

Millie’s small party was met in the terminal by County Presiding Commissioner Anna Bird one of Millie’s close friends as well as the four other County Commissioners and various County officials. A photographer was taking lots of photos. Anna came and hugged Millie and said, Congratulations Millie. We are all so proud of you.

Mitch, Joyce, Connie and Harry were relegated to bit players in the scene on this day although they received greetings from the assembled local dignitaries. Mitch introduced Joyce and Connie. After Millie received a lot of hugs she motioned Mitch forward and took his arm. The party exited the small regional airport building where Millie was met by a crowd of about fifty well wishers. Millie shook hands or hugged all of them as she and Mitch went through the crowd.

The van from Mitch’s hotel was there to pick them up. As they were preparing to leave Anna said, We are having a get together at Harbor View this evening. We expect your attendance. Dress is not, repeat not casual. Please be there at seven.

Millie said, OK, and hugged Anna.

They all piled into the Van and headed to Safe Haven. The ladies sat together and Millie told them about the area. Millie, Joyce and Connie were dropped at Millie’s and the men left in the van for their homes.

Millie pointed and said, The guest rooms are down that hall. They all have their own baths so there’s no need to fight.

Joyce laughed and Connie smiled. Joyce felt that she really liked Millie. The house was beautiful and the room Joyce went into was well furnished. Joyce unpacked and put her things away. She finished and went into the great room.

Millie came out to find Joyce looking out onto the patio.

Joyce said, This is a beautiful spot. I love your home. Why are you selling it?

Millie said, Mitch and I will build our own when we are married. He has a beautiful spot on the lake.

Joyce asked, Nicer than this?

Millie said, Yes.

Connie came into the great room and asked, Would you take us on a tour of Safe Haven?

Millie said, Certainly. Follow me and we’ll do the land version first. I’m hungry so how about we have brunch downtown.

The cousins were in favor so Millie led them into the garage. Her Hummer was back and Joyce saw it.

Joyce said, Wow that’s some vehicle. May I drive it?

Millie said, Sure Joyce.

Joyce had expected Millie to say no. The fact that she hadn’t meant to Joyce that Millie considered a relationship with her more important than this expensive vehicle. Millie got in the front passenger seat and Connie got in the back. Millie handed Joyce the keys and hit the remote to raise the garage door then off they went as the door closed behind them. They went downtown with Millie giving Connie directions. They stopped at the eatery and went in. As usual everyone greeted Millie and she stopped to say hello and introduce Connie and Joyce. They went to Millie’s reserved spot.

Joyce