Chase the Wolf

By Marie Warner

Kitchens Field is plagued with vandalism, destruction of private property and worse. Suzy Kitchens, the towns newest part-time sheriff is a pretty good cop, but she finds herself in over her head with this situation, and head over heels in love with a good looking cowboy with a flat tire who rocks her world.

Chase de Wolfe is an investigator on medical leave, looking for answers to his own problems. It isnt long before hes drawn into the towns problems by a gorgeous sheriff with a pair of long, long legs. He volunteers to help when shes drawn into situations shes never before encountered.

They collaborate with an assortment of law agencies to solve the mystery of the vandalism, and a business that reaches far beyond their small community of Kitchens Field. And in the process investigate their growing attraction for each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499077520

Marie Warner

Marie grew up in Central Oklahoma’s Oklahoma City Metropolitan area, and currently resides in Edmond Oklahoma with her husband of almost fifty years. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelors and master’s degrees. She attributes her love of writing to her teacher parents who taught her the wonders of a written page. She loves to read about places she’s never seen and cultures she will probably never experience. Her stories stems from dreams God provided to show her she can step out of her comfort zone and perhaps brighten someone’s day. She hopes her stories make you laugh a little, cry a little and when you’ve finished the last page you think it was worth reading.

Book preview

Prologue

I don’t care how good you feel, you ain’t going anywhere! Mack yelled at Chase. For God’s sake, you’re not released yet! You were down and out with serious injuries for almost four months! And going by yourself? No way! She raked her fingers through her short black hair lightly sprinkled with salt.

As the head of Midwest Branch of the Network, she knew her men, and he was determined to leave. He towered over her five foot tall figure, but she could put him in his place as well as Paul had. She resembled a pixie or a little girl playing dress up, but she was the best in the business. Agents actually call her Pixie behind her back.

Go see Mary and the kids. You owe her that. You need to give yourself time to heal. It’ll give us time to find you a partner. Upstairs hasn’t made any decisions on when to let you go out again. If ever, she thought.

I don’t want another partner, he groused. I want those people bad. They aren’t going to get away with what they did to Paul. Besides, I can work better alone. You know that.

You know you can’t really stop me, Chase said looking Mack in the eye. I have to do this Mack. Paul’s dead. My partner… and I let him down. I can’t look Mary in the eye and tell her that I did all I could do.

Chase, Chase, she said gently, softening her tone. Paul and Mary knew the risks. They worked it all out when Paul signed on with Network a long time ago.

Network’s official investigation called it an accident, but the agents knew better. Chase and Paul were tailing a cattle truck. They just wanted to see where it was going. The pickup slammed them off the road and into a ravine. Chase pulled Paul out of the burning car just before it exploded. But Paul was dead before the car stopped rolling. There were no witnesses, and the truck and driver were never found.

Flying debris hospitalized Chase. His injuries were serious, and the doctors considered putting him on life support. He surprised them all. His physical strength and determination was so strong that he shook off the pain and rapidly began to heal. The taped ribs and bandages still stabilized the worst injuries until they fully healed.

Check me out Mack, or I’ll do it myself. I’ve got to do this for Paul, and for Mary and the boys. Tears stung his eyes as he stared out the hospital window so Mack wouldn’t see them. She’d never let him leave the hospital if she thought he couldn’t handle it. And God knows he was trying to keep it all together.

How are you going to drive with one arm? You can’t even lift a bottle of beer, much less a bag with your gear and weapons. Oh, yeah, she glanced at him briefly. I know what you’re going to do. She touched his arm lightly. OK, OK, but do me a favor Chase. Check in with me as often as you can. I can have backup ready in minutes. I don’t want to lose my best agent.

He stared at her briefly, and then nodded. Her concern touched him deeply. She really cared for her agents, disguising that care in rough talking, threats, and anything else she could do, or say to keep them safe.

Good. I’ll have your new cell phone programmed, weapons and a new car ready tomorrow morning. I’ll authorize a final check up before you disappear.

At more than six feet tall, he’d be hard to miss. All the female hospital population tried one way or another to get close to the pin up of every woman’s dream. His sable brown hair and bright green and brown hazel eyes attracted the notice of any female who’d gone through puberty. More than one had tried to get his personal information from the files. It was a good thing that the records were sealed. At that, he received more cards, letters and sometimes flowers than any agent they’d ever had at the hospital.

Do a melt away out the back and we’ll fend off the media. By the time they figure it out, you’ll be long gone.

Chase lifted his eyes to hers. She noted they that were slightly red. Red from unshed tears, but cold and steady. Make that a dark blue Chevy Silverado loaded with our ‘extras.’ And thanks Mack. You won’t regret it.

I think I already do Chase. She kissed his cheek then and left the room.

Wow! He thought, she does care, and we thought she was a cold heartless bitch. Chase grinned, but then sobered as he thought of the task awaiting him.

Chapter One

The morning sunlight spilling through the office window highlighted Captain Russ Collins’ ruggedly handsome face. As ranking officer of the State Highway Patrol he listened attentively to Suzy’s complaints. His dark brown eyes regarded his former student with interest.

Her arguments for an investigation were valid but unsubstantiated. And she just didn’t have the experience to conduct an investigation nor the manpower either. Suzy, where’s your evidence? he asked gently. Without evidence we can’t do a thing. Give me something to work with, and we’ll be able to open an investigation. Everything you listed, vandalism, theft and harassment. can be attributed to pranks.

He rose from his desk to look out the window, but instead he watched her reflection in the glass. She’s grown up nicely, he thought. One of his brighter students in his law enforcement classes, if not the brightest. Suzy’s academic career at the Police Academy made an impression on most of her teachers and trainers.

He shifted his gaze to his own reflection. His black hair had already started the salting process. When did that happen, he wondered? His duties helped him keep fit, but his eyes held a sadness that even he could see. After four years, he still mourned his wife and child. He kept as busy as he could, and still hated going home to an empty house.

What proof do you need to start an investigation? She moved to stand beside him. Her eyes were more serious than he’d ever seen. Her black dress appeared in her reflection as a cloud covered the sun. Her strawberry blond curls and bright blue eyes were a bright spot in the glass. She didn’t look like the eager student now, but a waif looking for something.

So far no one has been hurt, and let’s hope it stays that way. No real damage has been done that can’t be fixed. Now if things escalate a whole lot more than that, we’ll be able to act.

Hurt showed in her eyes. She gathered her purse and prepared to leave.

Suzy you know you need help. You can’t do everything. Let us help you until you gain more experience. As your teacher, I want to see you succeed. As a law officer and a friend, I don’t want to see anyone get hurt. If these incidents are pranks, they should stop when the perpetrators get tired, or bored, or go back to school. Any escalation would trigger an investigation.

I know you work with Jack Brownley. Why don’t you talk with him? He’s had law enforcement experience. He can help you, and keep out of your way. I’ll give him a call. He’ll keep us informed so you won’t have to. But don’t hesitate to call me if things really get bad.

He put an arm around her shoulders, and escorted her to the elevator opposite his office door.

Suzy said she’d keep him posted, and entered the elevator. The last thing he saw was her smile, and the small wave she gave him. She looked like a little girl.

Once back in his office he dialed Jack’s cell phone. When Jack answered he said, Hey! Jack you old codger, what have you been up to lately? He listened to Jack’s answer as they chatted a bit about their respective careers, and caught up on a few personal matters.

Russ got down to business and filled Jack in on his meeting with Suzy. Jack was happy to help. He knew the business well. He’d retired from a branch of law enforcement about ten years ago. Although he loved to cook and his diner took a good bit of his time, he sometimes wished for the excitement of being in the field again. They agreed on a plan of action.

Before Russ signed off he asked, Uh, Jack. Do you happen to have Mack’s phone number? Jack’s booming laugh answered him, and then he wrote down the number Jack gave him.

Thanks Jack. I appreciate your help. He hung up, and stared at the phone.

Chapter Two

She hadn’t had time to pick Jack’s brains yet. Winter was over, and people were ready to get on with the spring and summer activities. It was the busiest time of the year for the town and diner.

Eager to get home, Suzy steered her dark red Corvette expertly in and out of traffic. She should have changed before heading home so the ride would be more comfortable. The scarf around her hair whipped in the wind. Her thoughts were on the results of her meeting with Captain Russ Collins.

Suzy flew along the interstate highway leading toward Kitchens Field. She was at ease driving her new car, and drove with the seat all the way back to make room for her long legs. She’d get out and walk out her stiffness after she took a break for a tank and drain at the truck stop at the cutoff to Kitchens Field.

Suzy thought of all the men she had seen today at police headquarters. She drew admiring stares, and whistles from all corners of the complex. She wished she could have stopped and chatted with some of them. There weren’t exactly an abundance of men that she cared to see at home.

Derek, an old school mate and bully, irritated her more and more. She wished he’d get over himself, and lose the attitude toward her. His lack of height, and dark ordinary looks, had always made him defensive with the male population in high school.

He wanted to date Suzy in school, but she never saw him as dating material. It used to infuriate him when she refused to go out with him. He dated every one of her girlfriends at least once to try to make her jealous. Most of her friends could see him for the bully he was, and one date with him was usually one date too many.

Since she won the election for the position of town sheriff, he’d become almost impossible to be around. Not that she wanted to be around him at all. She slapped him in jail after his last drunken encounter. The next time, and she no doubt that there would be a next time, she would have to get physical to make him back off.

It wouldn’t be much different than when she used to whip her brothers, Jake and Josh, when they fought. Her brother’s vicious fights were all out wars. She nursed many split lips, black eyes, and even learned to sew up small wounds. Her brothers were constantly at each other’s throats. She thought that twins were supposed to be best friends. Maybe they were at that. They were evenly matched in so many ways. Since they’d graduated from high school, they seemed closer than they ever were. Or maybe they grew up a little.

She hadn’t been interested in any of the boys in school. Jake and Josh both offered to take her to the prom, even though they would rather have been anywhere but at a prom. She convinced them she would be OK and went by herself.

Suzy stopped for gas and a break. Not far from the truck stop, she passed the difficult place in the road where a car had been forced off the road. She was called as the first official responder at the scene where someone had died in that accident. The state still hadn’t replaced the guardrails and signs. She carefully stayed on her side of the road. The curve was so sharp that neither of the lanes had a clear line of sight. More than one person had been forced to swerve to avoid oncoming traffic. She made a mental note to put some warning cones out.

The next section of road provided a great view of the countryside. In the middle of the spring season, the whole country could became a popular site for photographers. The landscape came alive in a kaleidoscope in shades of green. The sun glinted off the lakes and waterways that dotted the sections of flat land. Cattle and horses were visible in pastures close to homesteads. Low mountains clustered together at the edge of an ancient forest, now reduced by lumbering to small stands of many varieties of trees.

Suzy believed her family lived in the very best place in the state. She never intended to go away to school. She went to the closest junior college until she enrolled in the Police Academy. She could continue her academic degree a little at a time. She could take some classes online, or by correspondence. She might take a leave of absence to take fall or winter courses. She wanted to make a difference right here in her own backyard. As sheriff, she could do that.

Her only problem was that eligible men were few in numbers in Kitchens Field. Many were probably illegal. She wanted someone to look up to, literally. She was taller than most men in the town. All her family members had been tall, even her mother.

The Corvette ate up the miles even after Suzy turned onto the secondary road leading home. Suzy lost herself reminiscing about the few acquaintances she met at the Academy. They had been pleasant, and she’d enjoyed playing basketball with them. But after graduation most of them went home. Some day, she murmured, Some day. I don’t want to grow old by myself.

Her attention was drawn to a dark blue Chevy Silverado parked on the shoulder. The door was open with long legs ending in cowboy boots poking out of the driver’s side. Looks like a flat. Hmm, and the view is nice too. She slowed and pulled in behind the pickup.

Chapter Three

Great going Chase! Chase pulled the year-old Silverado off onto the shoulder of the secondary road. The action wasn’t as smooth as he was used to, but hey! What do you expect with a shoulder, an elbow, and everything around his middle taped up like a Christmas goose.

He studied the flat. Hell, I can’t even shift with this rig on, much less change a flat! I don’t need any help…I can get there without any help. I just had to insist on doing it by myself. He continued to mumble curses at himself as he gingerly turned sideways and jumped out.

He sucked in his breath, but it whooshed out quickly when he felt almost healed stitches stretch. Suddenly the tape and bandages weren’t tight enough. I must look like a drunk to anyone driving by. Only he hadn’t passed anyone in more than 25 miles, and no one passed him either.

The spare tire was under the bed of the truck, and the jack behind the seat. He figured that if he once got on his knees to get the tire, he’d have the devil of a time getting back up. Well hell! Maybe a rancher or farmer will come along soon planning a Friday night in the big town.

He dozed in the seat of the truck with his legs dangling out the door. He heard a car approaching and from the growl of the engine it was coming fast. He struggled upright, blinking at the sun in his eyes. He made it to the ground still feeling the dull ache in his midsection from his last dismounting. Gonna have to take a pill soon, and he slapped his shirt pocket to make sure the meds were still there. He stood and watched the car come to a stop.

Oh man! The red Corvette was a beauty! His had been midnight blue, until some SOB put them into a ravine. The very expensive car’s lightly tinted windows allowed a glimpse of someone in the driver’s seat. A slim someone.

The sports car was motionless for a minute, allowing the dust to settle. The engine pinging while it cooled down was music to his ears. The door opened and a vision in black climbed out. Well would you just look at that! Chase thought. How lucky can I be? A gorgeous gal! Well that’s two things I need. A woman and a ride into the next town.

Sunglasses hid her eyes and the wind tugged at the scarf she wore over her hair. Chase’s mouth was suddenly dry. She was tall. Very tall for a woman even without the three-inch heels she wore. She unwound the scarf to reveal curly strawberry blond hair pulled back from her face and secured with metal clips. The wind caught her hair that tumbled all the way down her back and brushed her hips. There were wisps of the curly hair around her face that had escaped the clips. The basic black dress hugged her figure to the waist, then flared out over her slim hips to fall to just above her knees. The style defined her breasts to perfection. She moved with all the grace of a model, or the sultriness of a courtesan. Especially when the breeze played with the hem of the dress.

He really had no preferences about women. He liked them all. Lately he hadn’t had the time, or strength to deal with women. Despite the nurses that flocked to his room, he hadn’t been interested. He concentrated on fighting to recover from his injuries and his mental pain. Mack blocked only the non-essential female nurses, aides and office personnel trying to get a glimpse of him. His looks were legend around the hospital.

Well, hello cowboy. Having a little spot of trouble?

Oh, my God, she looks like an angel and has a voice like one too! Places in his body came alive that had been dormant for long months. He couldn’t seem to wrap his tongue around the right words to answer. He licked his lips. Yeah, I guess you’d say that, he managed to get out. Way to go Chase. That was real smooth.

Looks like that flat needs fixin.’ Is there anything I can do for you?

Oh, now that was a loaded question. Yes, let me jump your bones! He struggled to maintain his composure. The silence strung out more than was polite. Chase didn’t know how long he stared at her before realizing she was waiting for an answer.

Well, do you want some help? Or not.

Well, if you could give me a lift into the next town, I’d be grateful. I’m in no shape to change a tire. I’ve, uh, been sick. Damn, what color were her eyes, are they as sexy as her voice?

Oh, that’s too bad. It looks like you’re recovering nicely. And honey, I can do better than a lift. Her slightly husky voice washed over him, and he felt the heat start with his toes and race to his brain.

He felt his pulse beating in his temples. His clothes suddenly seemed too tight, too hot, and definitely uncomfortable.

Can I borrow your pick-up for about 5 minutes? She asked sweetly. What should I call you cowboy?

Uh, sure, go ahead, and the name is Chastain, just call me Chase. Now what is she doing? He wondered.

Her skirts swayed enticingly as she took long sure strides back to her car. When she reached in to unlatch the trunk lid, her dress slid up to reveal long incredibly sexy legs. She gathered what she wanted, and shut the trunk lid. She walked back to the truck holding jeans and a green t-shirt in one hand, and laceless sneakers in the other.

Chase didn’t, wouldn’t and couldn’t take his eyes off her. Damn, his heart beat was loud enough to drown out the drummers at a summer dance.

He caught a whiff of her perfume as she passed him. He thought he’d died and gone to heaven. Oh, God, she smells so good!

She got in the truck, and leaned out to say, About face soldier! Her throaty laugh did crazy things to his heart and other organs in his body. He could feel the heat on his ear tips.

Oh Lordy! She’s changing in my pick-up! He obediently turned. He envisioned the removal of her dress, and his mouth went even drier. He was disappointed when he couldn’t see her in the reflection of her car’s windshield.

He turned to face her when she slid out of the pick-up. Her snug fitting jeans emphasized her impossibly long legs, and her small waist. The pale green t-shirt was snug across her chest, revealing modest-sized breasts.

Hmm, just right, he thought. Now how can she help me change the tire? She may be tall, but strong enough, don’t think so. She looks like high society, a model maybe, but change a tire? No way.

She dropped her clothes on the back seat of her car and moved up behind the truck. She glanced under the pick-up to locate the spare tire, then astounded him by dropping to the ground, and scooting under the bed, then back out. You got the keys? she asked.

Uh sure, and he handed her the keys. The flash of her rear going under the truck had his tongue sticking to the roof of his mouth. He never saw how she got the tire out from under the truck, because he was busy inspecting her legs. She rolled the tire to the side of the truck, and then asked where the jack was kept.

Holy cow, she’s serious about changing the tire! But she won’t be able to finish, and I can’t lift the tire at all. He was puzzling out the logistics of that when she expertly positioned the jack. She had a little trouble loosening the lug nuts, but managed after a few tries.

In a matter of minutes, the tire was changed. She opened the tailgate, and he gave her one-handed assistance to toss the tire in the back. He was ready to get back on the road. His admiration went up a notch, and it had nothing to do with her looks.

As she replaced the jack she asked him Where are you headed cowboy?

Just Chase ma’am. Oh, just into the next town. Keep it simple Chase, keep it simple.

Business or pleasure? she asked in her slightly husky voice.

Fire raced through his veins. His libido roared again, and he shifted again in his suddenly too snug jeans. Oh, a little bit of both, I guess, he replied, wishing she would take off her sunglasses. He really wanted to see her eyes.

‘Hmmm," she said. He saw her lashes flick behind the shades. She was frankly looking at him up and down, assessing him. He was used to stammering, blushing, or giggling