Killian Remus Sheriff Series Book 2: Sheriff Series, #2

By Sally Lovell

Killian Remus is a small town sheriff in Hungry Horse County in Montana, who has his hands full. Illegal drugs are being distrubated, his ex-wife has become involved with a shady rich rancher, possibly putting their twins in danger. A beautiful young doctor comes into his town and is a tempation Killian isn't sure he can afford. Events begin twisting together, leaving Killian with hard decisions to make about being a sheriff, father, friend and a lover in a crucial time where mistakes canbe deadly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sally Lovell
• Release date: Dec 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223220985

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sheriff Killian Remus , of the Hungry Horse County in Montana, sat in the local tavern, Smithy's, drinking beer.  He was trying to decide the best way for his plan to unfold.  Killian knew no matter which direction the procedure went, he would be betraying his friend and comrade, Sheriff Hunter Creed, or his ex-wife, Rosie.  It couldn't be helped.  His family was already in great danger.

Ten hours earlier, Killian formulated his plan.  Killian was walking down the local street when he spotted his twins.  Tristan and Kristin are in the distance.  The twins spotted Killian at the same time and raced towards him with huge smiles on their faces.

As they got closer, Killian squatted down, catching them in his arms.  He gave them both kisses and hugs and then Killian noticed a young man standing back, watching the kids with curiosity.

Daddy, we are here to get ice cream! Kristin yelled with excitement.

Who brought you to get ice cream.  I don't see your mom? Killian asked curiously.

Daddy, we came with Carson! Tristan yelled and pointed at the young man.

Killian's eyes followed their tiny fingers as they pointed to the young man standing a short distance from them.  Killian stared at Carson and slowly stood up, never taking his gaze away from the young man. 

The young man was tall with a slim build, anxiety clear on his face.  Killian instantly recognized Carson from the picture Hunter Creed and Gracie Stevens had passed out at the Sheriff's meeting of their missing son.  The kid had run away when he found his father was Hunter Creed.  Evidently, the boy never knew his father existed until weeks ago.  The boy had been so angry at his mother, Gracie, for keeping it from him that Carson ran away and had not returned yet.

Holy shit, Killian realized that this boy was defiantly  Hunter Creed's missing son.  What the hell was Carson doing with his kids?  Killian needed to know what the hell was going on here.  Killian was engulfed in an immediate need to understand why Carson was there.  He couldn't shake the suspicion he had of Carson.

Killian walked towards Carson, holding his hand out.  Carson stared back at Killian as he walked towards him.  Killian saw Carson's body become tense and on alert.

Hello, I am Killian Remus, Tristan and Kristin's father.  Who are you? Killian asked, holding out his hand to Carson.

My name is Carson, Carson stated nervously, letting go of the Sheriff's hand and then putting his hands into the front pockets of his jeans.

Carson, what? Killian asked firmly.

Carson Stevens, Carson murmured.  Killian's heart beat faster, knowing for sure now.  Carson was Hunter's and Gracie's son.

Daddy, Carson is Bruce's nephew, Tristan explained with her head tilted to the side and rolling her eyes at her father with her hip cocked to the side like their mother would do.

Is that right?  You are Bruce's nephew? Killian asked curiously.

Y-yes, Carson replied uncomfortably, shifting his feet.

Daddy, we want ice cream now, The twins whined.  Killian looked down at the twins and smiled.

Fine, go up to the counter and decide what you want, Killian stated, waving towards the stand.

Yes! The twins yelled and ran towards the ice cream stand.

Killian and Carson glanced at the twins.  Killian needed to find out why Carson was lying about being Bruce's nephew when he knew Carson wasn't.  How did Carson get tangled up with Bruce Jensen?  Killian decided to ask a lot of questions.  This kid had no idea what trouble he might have encountered with Bruce.

So Carson, do you live with Bruce or just visiting? Killian asked, staring at Carson intently.

I-I live there from now, Carson replied, staring at his feet.  Carson didn't want Killian to see the lie he was hiding.  Carson felt the sweat begin to form on his forehead and back.

What do you mean?

"Carson could feel the sweat trickle between his shoulder blades.  He was glad his hands were in his front pocket because they were shaking.  Killian was making Carson nervous with the questions, and his intense green eyes were watching Carson's every move.  Carson rocked back and forth on the back of his heels.  Carson really had the urge to bolt away from Killian, but he couldn't leave the twins behind.

Is that how you know my ex-wife and kids from living at Bruce's house? Killian asked, keeping his eyes on Carson.  Killian knew he was making Carson nervous because the kid couldn't stand still.

Yes, the twins love to be around the horses.  When they come over, they always look for me to take them out to the barn.  They are really great kids, Carson replied.

The twins yelled and broke the tension between Carson and Killian.  Killian walked to the counter and ordered ice cream for the twins.  Carson released a nervous breath he hadn't realized he had been holding.  Carson felt like Killian was judging him and didn't believe anything Carson told him.  Carson needed to get away from Killian before he asked more questions.

I don't want to be rude, Sheriff Remus, but I must return the twins to the ranch.  I don't want to worry, Rosie, Carson murmured.

I would really like to get to know you better, Carson.  Anybody who has contact with my kids, I want to know, Killian stated firmly.

I understand your concern, Sheriff  Remus, but we really need to get back.  I told Rosie we would only be gone for an hour, Carson said.

"Good, then I will meet you tomorrow for lunch at Millie's at 1:00 pm, Killian demanded and watched Carson's face turn pale.

I-I am not sure I can get away from the ranch, Carson sputtered.

Make time, or I will come looking for you, Killian replied firmly. 

Carson swallowed hard and nodded his head.  Killian squatted back down, giving the twins hugs and kisses goodbye.  He then stood back up, giving a stern look at Carson. 

Remember what I said, Carson, tomorrow at 1:00 pm for lunch, Killian stated firmly.

I won't forget, Carson replied, feeling his stomach knot up.

Killian watched as Carson walked away with his twins.  A plan had formed in his mind, one involving Carson.  He knew he would betray his friend and comrade, Hunter Creed.  He needed Carson to get his ex-wife and twins away from Bruce Jensen because Carson was the only person Killian could use to get more evidence against Bruce.

I am sorry, Hunter, but I need your son for a little while.  I will try not to get him hurt.  I need to get my babies and ex-wife away from Bruce before they end up injured or dead, Killian whispered to himself.

Killian's mind came back to the present, bringing the beer up to his lips and swallowing.  The bar was noisy tonight, but he welcomed the distraction.  The country band over in the far corner was singing some great music.  His foot tapped to the beat of the music, and he turned on the bar stool, watching the patrons out on the dance floor enjoying themselves.  Killian remembered when he and Rosie used to be on the floor dancing the night away.  They had come here quite a bit before the twins were born.

After their birth, things started going sour in their marriage.  Rosie suddenly hated his job as a Sheriff because he wasn't around enough for her and the twins.  Killian was a full-time Sheriff and a part-time soldier with the Army Rangers.  As a result, he was a part-time husband and father with not enough room for a wife, according to Rosie.

They started fighting constantly.  Killian almost heated to go home except to see the twins. He just wasn't enough for Rosie anymore.  Rosie wanted out of the marriage after thirteen years.  She was no longer in love with Killian and wasn't willing to suffer any longer.  She didn't give a damn what he thought.

Killian had tried to repair their broken marriage.  Unlike his wife, he believed in their wedding vows when he swore to love and cherish her forever, for good and bad.  Rosie leaving him didn't change that.  Killian still loved her.  Rosie felt she deserved more than Killian had given her, but she didn't allow him to make things right.

If she didn't want him, Killian was not going to beg anymore.  Killian filed for divorce.  Killian had held on to his dignity and moved out.  It had about killed him to leave the twins.  Killian might have made a mistake asking Rosie if she wanted a divorce, not really anticipating her to say yes.  The result had hurt him deeply.

When the divorce was finally settled, the twins were four years old.  Killian had a hard time at first hearing about his wife dating other men.  He couldn't bring himself to do the same.  It had taken almost a year and a half before Killian started dating.  He didn't date anyone in Hungry Horse just because he didn't want it to get back to Rosie, even though she didn't seem to care about her indiscretion.

When Rosie started to date Bruce, Killian couldn't help but pursue a background check on him.  Killian was concerned with anyone that would be involved with his kids.

When Killian got the results back on Bruce Jensen, and tried to talk to Rosie about  Bruce.  However, she just accused Killian of being jealous and wouldn't listen to what he had discovered.  Killian found out Bruce Jensen wasn't the person he claimed to be.  Killian vowed to find out the truth.  Killian would not let a liar be around his children or ex-wife.  Killian thought he and Rosie would grow old together, but life handed a different twist to them.

Killian drank the rest of his beer and sat the empty bottle on the bar.  He turned the bar stool back to the dance floor and smiled, watching some old timers on the dance floor.  His foot continued to tap to the music.  It was nice to get out once in a while and relax.  He was enjoying himself tonight.

Hey, Sheriff, you want another beer? Jack, the bartender, asked.  Killian turned back to the bar and nodded his head yes.

Yes, I think I will.  I am off duty tonight, Killian replied, smiling.

Coming right up, Sheriff, Jack replied.

No Sheriff tonight, Jack.  It is Killian, Killian replied, smiling.

Gotcha, Sher...Killian, Jack laughed.

Thanks, Jack.

Jack grabbed another beer for Killian, popping the top off.  He put the beer down on the bar in front of Killian.  Killian reached into the back pocket of his jeans, grabbed his wallet, and handed a couple of bills to Jack.  Killian put his wallet back into his pocket.

Thank you, Killian, Jack replied, grabbing the money.

Killian grabbed the cold beer, raised it to Jack, and swallowed.  He turned the bar stool back to the dancers out on the floor once more.  He knew most of the patrons out on the floor dancing.

Being the Sheriff for the last seven years in a small town with a population of less than five thousand, everybody knew everyone here.  Most people who lived here relied on ranching as a source of income.  The town had one gas station, a grocery store, a hardware store, a couple of churches, a restaurant, schools, a few banks, and a bar.

With Killian being a single man at thirty-five, he was the dream man for single women, but dating in this small town was just about impossible.  So Killian would see women in a few counties over.  Killian learned to stay clear of smiling and waving mothers with daughters in tow.  He would hurry away in the opposite direction or state he had important Sheriff business to care for.

Killian was feeling relaxed watching the dancers.  He smiled as Tina Stewart walked towards him with a devious look on her face.  He watched her with a curious look, wondering what she was up to.

Tina Stewart was an attractive woman of twenty-eight.  She had shoulder-length auburn hair that framed a round face.  The dimples showed on her cheeks as Tina smiled at him.  Her curvy hips swung back and forth as she walked. 

The green dress Tina wore clung to her curvy body like second skin.  The length of the dress stopped about six inches above her knees, showing off her slightly tanned long legs.  On her feet was a pair of strappy green high heels.  Tina was a beautiful woman but way too young for Killian, and besides, if he remembered right, she was dating Brandon Schmidt.

Tina's green eyes were locked on Killian.  She raised her finger in a come hinder motion.  Killian laughed, shaking his head no, and took another gulp of his beer, watching her approach.  Tina approached him with a huge smile and stood directly before Killian spread-out legs.

Killian, you look a little lonely sitting up here all by yourself, Tina cooed, reaching out and touching the side of his legs above his knees.

Do I? Killian replied, smiling.

Yes, you do.  I think you need to come out on the dance floor with me, Tina said, smiling, squeezing his legs and wiggling her body side to side.

I am fine sitting right here, Killian stated.

No, you are not, Killian.  Come dance with me, Tina pouted and caressed his legs with her hand.  Killian laughed at her desperate display.

What happened to Brandon? Killian asked curiously.

He is a jerk.  Wants to play pool with his boys, Tina stated angrily, nodding towards the pool table where Brandon and his friends were playing.  Killian looked over at Brandon and his friends playing pool and laughing, then looked back at Tina's pouting face.

You poor girl, Brandon looks like he is having fun.  Maybe you should go play with him and the guys, Killian replied, smiling.  He drank the rest of his beer, setting it up on the counter.

Yes, I am a poor, lonely girl.  So, come and dance with me.  It would make me a happy, happy girl, Tina begged, then moved her body from side to side again.  Please, pretty please, dance with me, Killian.

You might be happy, but I don't think Brandon would be happy with me dancing with his girl.

Come on, Killian.  I want to dance with you, not that jerk, Tina pleaded, grabbing his hand and pulling on him.

Tina, I think you are acting a little reckless tonight, Killian warned her, trying to pull his hand from her firm grip.

Stop acting like a Sheriff and come dance with me, please, Tina whined, holding onto his hands.

I am the Sheriff, Killian said smartly.

Not tonight, please, Killian, dance with me, Tina pleaded, running her other hand up and down his leg.  Killian pulled his hand from hers, reaching out to stop her other hand before hitting his groin.

Tina, Killian said in a warning voice, giving her a stern look.  Tina gave him a huge smile.

Is that a yes, Killian, Tina replied, leaning her body closer to his, invading his personal space.  Killian gave her another stern look, but she smiled back at him.  Killian looked at Brandon to see if he was paying attention to what Tina was up to.  Brandon didn't seem to notice.  Killian decided to say yes to just to get her away from him.  Tina had been getting too friendly with him.

Fine, one dance and that is it, Killian stated firmly, gently pushing her back out of his space, then sliding off the stool.

Hooray! Tina yelled, grabbing his hand and pulling him from the chair.

Killian shook his head, snickering at her enthusiasm.  He pulled his hand from hers and then followed her out on the dance floor.  The band started singing Save the Horse, Ride a Cowboy. Tina clapped her hands together, moving her hips from side to side.

Killian grinned at her, shaking his head.  Tina danced in circles around him, smiling and singing loudly.  Tina came up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and swaying her hips back and forth.

Save a horse, ride the Sheriff, Tina sang loudly.  Killian shook his head, grinning, then pulled her arms from around his neck.

Whoop, whoop!  Save a horse and Ride the Sheriff!Tina sang loudly again, waving her right arm over her head like she was roping a cow.  Killian felt a firm hand land on his left shoulder.  The hand squeezed his shoulder tightly, and a deep voice spoke into his ear.

Is that true, Sheriff?  Tina is riding the Sheriff now instead of me? Brandon growled.  Killian knew who the person was without even looking.  Killian shrugged the hand off his shoulder and turned to face the person.  Furious brown eyes with a scrunched-up face glared at him intently.

No, Brandon, we are just dancing.  Nothing else is going on.  Tina is with you, Killian stated firmly.

Brandon, what the hell are you doing? Tina yelled out, stopping dancing and glaring at Brandon with her hands on her hips.

Shut the hell up, Tina.  I am asking the Sheriff here a question, Brandon growled out, glaring at Tina and then looking back at Killian angrily.

I already answered your question, Brandon, Killian stated.  Tina stared daggers at Brandon with her hip cocked to one side, hands on her hips.  She tapped her foot in irritation.

Brandon, you are acting like an ass! Tina sputtered out angrily.

Killian then noticed people had quit dancing and stood around to watch the scene between Brandon and himself.  This was just fucking great. Killian didn't need this tonight.  First fucking night off in a few weeks, and he had to take care of a drunken, jealous boyfriend.  Killian had a feeling it was going to end badly.

Tina, I told you to shut your fucking trap.  This is between the Sheriff and me, Brandon growled out, pointing his finger angrily at her.

You are an asshole!  If you had paid attention to me instead of playing pool with the other assholes, I would not be dancing with Killian, now would I? Tina spat out angrily.

Well, well, you are now on personal terms with the Sheriff, calling him by his first name.  Already on a first-name basis? Brandon growled, moving closer to Tina grabbing her arm tightly.

Killian really didn't like where this night was going.  Tina and Brandon had both been drinking and now were furious at each other.  He knew what was going to happen next.  Killian sighed and moved his head from side to side.  He was off tonight and didn't want to play Sheriff.

Brandon, Killian firmly said.  Brandon waved his hand at Killian.

Don't you fucking man-handle me, Brandon? Let go of my arm, or I am going to punch you in the face, Tina yelled, trying to jerk her arm from Brandon's grip.

I will touch you wherever I want to.  You are my woman, Brandon sneered, bending his head towards Tina, trying to kiss her.  Her eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in anger. 

Killian saw Tina clenched her hand into a fist, knowing what she was about to do.  Killian reached out, grabbing her hand.  Tina's head whipped around towards Killian.  Killian shook his head no.

This has gone way too far.  You both need to stop drinking and sober up before you say and do something you both will regret, Killian stated, letting go of Tina's hand.

You should know, right Sheriff, since you are divorced, Brandon replied sarcastically.

True, Brandon, so stop being an ass and makeup with your woman, Killian said.

Fuck you, Sheriff, Brandon growled between clenched teeth.

Before Killian could react, Brandon's fist plowed into his jaw, sending him back a few steps.  Brandon came at him again with his fist clenched tightly to his body as Killian straightened up.  Brandon punched Killian again in the face.  One of Brandon's friends, Jerry, hit Killian on the other side of his face.  Killian staggered backward, tripping over Tina's feet, landing on his ass.

Brandon's friend, Jerry, raised a beer bottle, smashing it over Killian's head.  Killian felt a slice of paint on the left side of his skull.  Beer and blood ran down Killian's face into his eyes.  Killian sat on the floor, stunned at what just happened.  He heard Tina yelling at Brandon and his friends.

What the hell did you just do?  You stupid assholes.  Oh my god, you, jackasses!  You just assaulted the Sheriff, Tina screamed, slapping Brandon and hitting him in the arm.

Shut the fuck up, Tina.  I would never have touched the fucking Sheriff if you wouldn't have been pawing at him like a fucking cat in heat, Brandon spat out angrily.

You asshole, Tina yelled.

Killian slowly stood up and ran his hand through his wet hair.  His hand came in contact with something warm and sticky.  Killian knew it was blood.  Bringing his hand back down and seeing the blood confirmed his suspicions.  Tina saw the blood on Killian's hand.

Shit, let me have a look, Killian, Tina sputtered out, reaching up.  Killian pushed her hand away from him.

You have done enough, Tina, Killian replied sternly.  Killian turned towards Brandon.  You are lucky I am off duty, or I would have your ass and your buddies hauled off to jail.  Now get the hell out of my sight before I change my mind.

You and what fucking arm? Brandon growled.

I will tell you one more time, Brandon.  Get the hell out of sight, or I will arrest your ass for assaulting an officer.  You got the jump on me once, but the second time will turn out differently, Killian firmly stated, staring at Brandon with intensity.

Brandon stared back at Killian, seeing the angered look on Killian's face.  Brandon knew Killian met business.  Brandon grabbed Tina's arm and quickly pulled her off the dance floor.  His buddies quickly followed right behind him.

Brandon, what about Killian? Tina asked worriedly, glancing back at Killian as Brandon dragged her away.

He said for us to leave.  Baby, we are moving quickly, Brandon replied, pulling Tina towards the exit door. 

Killian watched them leave as he headed towards the bar.  He slid up onto the bar stool.

Hey Jack, I need another beer, please, Jack said, shaking his head and seeing the blood on Killian's face.

You should have arrested them, Jack stated, putting a cold beer before Killian.

Probably, but I am off duty, Killian said, smiling.  Jack laughed.  Jack grabbed Killian a wad of napkins and handed them to him, still chuckling.  Killian grabbed the stack of napkins and wiped some of the blood off his face.

I hate to tell you this, but here comes your ex-wife and that asshole Bruce, Jack said in a low voice.

Fuck, that is all I need right now, Killian sighed and handed the bloody napkins to Jack.

Killian grabbed the beer bottle, taking a drink as Rosie approached him.  Killian stared at her and lowered his beer from his mouth, wiping the back of his hand over his lips.

Rosie, what are you doing here? Killian asked, grinning.

Watching you get your ass handed to you by two younger guys over a female that is too young for you, Rosie replied smartly with her hip cocked to one side and her hand on her hip.

I was just dancing with Tina.  Nothing more was going on, Killian said with anger.  Did you enjoy the show?  You always did like to draw blood.

I sure did. It was great, Bruce piped up, laughing.  Killian clenched his jaw tightly to keep from answering the fuckwad, keeping his back to Bruce.

Killian, you have blood running down your face, Rosie said, reaching her hand up towards Killian.  Killian moved his head away from her outstretched hand.  Rosie snorted, reaching out to touch him again.

You gave up that right.  I am fine, Killian stated, pushing her hand away from his head again.

Let me look at it.  You probably need stitches.  You did get a beer bottle smashed over your head, remember? Rosie said, slapping at Killian's hand, trying to keep it away from her

Yes, I know I was there, and it was my head, Killian said sarcastically.

Let me look at it and stop being an asshole, Rosie said, clearly getting angry.

You gave up the right to touch me when we divorced, Killian said harshly, swatting her hand away again.

Ha, ha, now stop being a baby and let me look at it, Rosie said, reaching up to touch him again.

Stop it, Rosie!  I don't need you to look at it.  I am fucking fine, Killian snapped.

I am going to the bathroom to get a wet cloth to wash the blood from you, Rosie snapped, turning around and heading towards the bathroom.  Killian snorted and shook his head in frustration.

Killian turned his bar stool towards the bar.  He didn't want to have a conversation with Rosie's boy toy, Bruce.  Killian grabbed his beer, taking a couple more swallows.  Bruce moved closer to his right side, standing next to Killian.

Damn, Rosie is one wild cat, Bruce said, smiling and elbowing Killian in the arm.

Killian set his beer down and clenched his jaw tightly.  God, he hated Bruce.  Bruce was an arrogant, self-centered prick.  Killian couldn't wait to put his ass behind bars.  Killian took a deep breath and counted to twenty, trying to ignore Bruce.

Rosie is also one hell of a fuck in the bedroom too.  She goes crazy when I put my mouth on her sweet pussy, Bruce whispered near Killian's ear, taunting him.  Her moans are deafening, and Rosie begs for more as her fingernails dig into my scalp as I lick her sweet pussy.  She tastes like the most delicious honey I have ever had.  Yummy, Bruce said, chuckling and seeing Killian's body tense.

Killian's body tensed tightly, fists clenching the beer bottle between his hands.  It took all Killian's willpower to sit there and listen to Bruce's nasty mouth.  Again, he started to count to twenty.

I bet you miss tasting her sweetest honey pot, don't you, Sheriff, Bruce whispered.

Killian stared straight ahead, thinking how much he would enjoy killing the motherfucker with his bare hands or choke the life out of Bruce.  Then he would sew Bruce's dirty mouth shut.  Bruce was a worthless piece of fucking shit.  Killian was going to so enjoy taking Bruce's ass down.  Bruce had better be ready, that fucking loser.  Killian turned towards Bruce and began laughing.  Bruce grinned back at Killian.

So, Sheriff, you don't have a problem with me fucking your ex-wife and being your twin's new Daddy? Bruce laughed.

Killian's body instantly tensed up again with the comment about his kids.  He straightened his back up and moved his head from side to side, trying to loosen up slightly.  Killian flexed his finger around the beer bottle he had a death grip