Page 95 of Justice for Samara

“Yes, SheriffMelton,” she singsonged as the guys all chuckled. “I can do my part if the rest of you will do yours.”

“Then let’s get ’er done,” Carter said, and they all split up in teams to get started. They had a lot of work to do.

And they wanted it to be perfect.

* * *

On the fourth day,the doctor told Michael he could take Samara home, and Marjorie insisted they come to her house. “It’ll just be easier.” Michael wasn’t sure about it, but he did it anyway. His mother had gathered up all of his things and brought them there, plus Samara’s things too, so they were comfortable.

Carter had told him to get his uniform on and come to the station. As soon as he got there, he was handed his badge, his duty weapon, and the keys to his SUV cruiser. “You’ve been cleared, Michael. It’s business as usual.”

“Thank you, sir. Can I?”

“Take a couple more days? Sure. No big deal. Everybody’s been pitching in to fill in, so you’re covered.”

“Thank you. And listen, Carter, I?”

“No, you listen. If I hadn’t been sure I made the right decision in making you chief deputy, I am now. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you, Michael. I’m thankful to have you in our department.”

“Thank you. I really… Thank you. I…”

It seemed Carter sensed his emotions, because the sheriff grinned. “By the way, remind me to never get on your mother’s bad side. That woman is a bear cat.”

The younger man felt the swell of emotions subside as he nodded. “She is. She really is. I owe her a lot.”

“You owe her more than you know,” Carter said, then stopped.

What? What’s he talking about?Michael wondered. “Is there something I?”

“No, no. Nothing. Just that you have a great mom, that’s all.”

“Uh, thank you. She’s pretty great.”That’s weird, Michael told himself.

“So when do you think you’re going to go back to your house?”

“Um, probably this weekend. She’s feeling much better, and you know Mom. She’ll keep us in casseroles, so we won’t starve.”

“That’s true. Well, okay then, go help that young lady feel better and we’ll all be waiting for you.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it. Talk to you soon.” Michael strode out of the office and headed to his truck. That had certainly been an odd conversation. He wasn’t exactly sure how it was odd. It was just… odd.

But it didn’t matter. He was going back to the woman he loved, and he’d stop and pick up a bouquet of flowers for her on the way. Every time he stepped into a room and saw her smiling face, he was surer that they belonged together. They had a bright future ahead of them, and he could hardly wait to get it started.

* * *

“Careful. Here, let me take that.”Michael took the duffel from Samara and helped her get out of the truck. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine. Whew. That’s the most exercise I’ve had in days.”

“Well, we’re almost there. Home sweet home. At least I hope you see it that way,” he said as he walked with her, his arm around her waist.

“I do. If you live here, then it’s home for me.” They climbed the front steps slowly and Michael slipped the key into the door, then let it swing wide.

He was the first to speak. “What the… Holy shit.”

Samara’s eyes were wide. “How… When…”

“I have no idea.” They stepped into the foyer and looked around, totally bewildered.