Page 55 of Serve and Protect

“She wouldn’t do that. She hates him.”

“I know, but it’s his word against hers, and we can’t very well have her testify.”

“No, we can’t. But what about the assault? He attacked me in my own bedroom.”

“He claimed you asked him to come into your bedroom. He said you were giving him mixed signals.”

That shuts me up quick, because it’s true. I did suggest we take it in the other room. “I was just trying to get him away from Granny. I didn’t want her to witness him manhandling me.”

Chris pulls me close and wraps his arm around me. “I’m sorry, Jennie. His parents are pretty influential in this area. That’s why he got the benefit of the doubt. It’s a good thing we applied for the restraining order. I’ll serve him the papers today.”

I blink back tears. Not only am I not safe, but I’m worried about Granny, too, and Dawn.

“Do you mind if I move in for the time being?” he asks. “Just until this is resolved one way or another.”

Right now, I have trouble seeing any of this ever getting resolved. And I hate feeling like a coward, but the idea of Chris living here with us fills me with immense relief. I cup hishandsome face. “I would love for you to stay with us. Thank you.”

“Consider it done,” he says, and then he kisses me.

Granny walks into the kitchen. “More kissing, I see. Well, good for you. Is it time for dinner yet? I’m hungry.”

Chapter 20 – Chris

I’m furious that Braggart got out on a personal bond. I can’t believe he just walked right out of that courthouse a free man.

“That’s my cue,” I tell Jennie as I grab my keys and phone. “Time to serve Braggart with the restraining order.”

“Wait, can you drive? What about your arm?”

She’s right. I won’t be able to shift gears with my right arm in a sling. “Help me take this off. I’ll put it on when I get back.”

After she helps me out of the sling, she says, “Be careful,” as she walks me to the door. She cups my face and leans up to kiss me. “Come home as soon as you can. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Home.I really like the sound of that. “You can count on it.”

I head home first to pack a suitcase. While I’m there, I change into my uniform. I’m going to pay a visit to Braggart in my official capacity as sheriff. Then I stop at the station to collect my badge, duty belt, and firearm.

Jace stops by my office as I’m gearing up and says, “I thought you were taking some time off because of your shoulder.”

“No time for that. I’m off to serve Braggart with an RO.”

“Then let me grab my hat. I’m coming with you, boss. I’ll drive.”

Jace drives me to the Braggart ranch and parks in the circular drive. Marguerite answers when I knock on the front door.

“Is he here?” I ask her.

“I’m sorry, but no, sénior. He’s in jail.”

“He was released half an hour ago. He’s a free man.”

Her neutral expression changes instantly into a frown. “I see.”

“I’ll be waiting for him right here. I have words to say to him.”

She nods as she closes the door.

Jace and I wait in the cruiser until an unfamiliar black Mercedes pulls into the drive about twenty minutes later. I spot two men in the front seat. One is likely Braggart. The other one is probably his lawyer.