A Randall Returns (5 page)

“Oh, yes,” Elizabeth said. “He’s a wonderful husband and an even better father. I’m very lucky.”

Caroline squeezed her hand. “Yes, you are, and I’m glad.”

“Your dad just wants the same for you.”

Caroline rolled her eyes. “And if I don’t want the same thing?”

“Come on, Caroline. Having someone to share your life with is important.” Elizabeth stared at her, concern on her face.

“I don’t want—”

They were interrupted by Toby. “Come on, ladies. We’re being told to take our seats.”

“But the kids are just starting to eat,” Caroline pointed out.

“I know, but we’re eating in the dining room,” he explained.

Toby took her arm and his wife’s to guide them. Once they entered the dining room, he led Caroline directly to an empty chair between the accountant and Mike.

“How do you know this is where I’m supposed to sit?” she whispered to her brother.

“Because Dad told me,” he said with an apologetic smile. “It’s just for dinner, sis. You’ll survive.”

She glared at him, but she really didn’t blame him. Her father could be very persuasive. She’d hoped Toby would at least be sitting near her, but no such luck. He and Elizabeth sat on the other side of the table near the end.

Mike leaned toward her. “I thought maybe you were eating with the kids.”

“No, of course not. I’m playing the role of the fatted calf,” she assured him bitterly.

Mike stared at her, a question in his gaze, but she turned to the man on her right.

“Mr. Olsen, I understand you’re new to Rawhide. When did you arrive?”

“I’ve been here four months.”

“How do you like the town?” she asked. Before her companion could answer, her father stood to ask the blessing.

When Jake sat down again, Alex Olsen replied, “Rawhide is nice, but the nightlife is a little slow.”

“And have you met the sheriff?”

“No, I haven’t.”

Caroline sat back in her chair. “Mike, this is Alex Olsen, an accountant who works for Tori and Russ.”

Mike extended his hand to the other man in front of Caroline. “Glad to meet you, Alex. Mike Davis. I’ve only been here a couple of weeks, but I’m trying to get to know all the citizens.”

The man shifted his gaze away from Mike. “Well, I try to steer clear of the law.”

Caroline stared at the accountant. She hoped he wasn’t being intentionally rude. “I find Mike to be good company,” she said in his defense.

“I appreciate that vote of confidence, Caroline.” Mike shot her one of his killer smiles.

She felt tingles all the way to her toes. Afraid she’d embarrass herself, she hurriedly looked away. “Alex is looking for nightlife in Rawhide.”

Mike shrugged. “There’s not much except for Friday nights, when all the cowboys pile into the steak house. There’s a better selection in Buffalo.”

“Really?” Alex asked eagerly.

Mike seemed to be watching him closely. “Yeah. ’Course, you need to take a designated driver along unless you want to be arrested for DWI. Or get a hotel room in Buffalo.”

Alex stared at Mike. “You’re kidding, right?”

Mike shook his head. “Why would I be kidding? Driving while intoxicated is dangerous and it’s against the law.”

“So you’re worried I might mess up a fence or something?”

The man’s attitude reminded Caroline of her own attitude when she’d first met the sheriff. Now it made her feel very uncomfortable.

Mike didn’t lose his temper. “Strangely enough, I’m concerned about anyone being killed, including yourself. Besides, the cleanup is hell.” He smiled at the man, but there was a hint of steel that again reminded Caroline of her father.

“Has Buffalo grown a lot in the past few years? I haven’t been there in ages.” She hoped her question would change the subject.

Mike gave her a look that said he knew what she was doing, but he cooperated. “It’s a fair-size city now. They even have a French restaurant.”

“Really? Is it any good?” Caroline asked with more enthusiasm than she’d normally show.

“So I’ve heard. How about I take you there for dinner one night? You can see for yourself.” Mike kept that easy smile on his face.

“That would be—”

“French cuisine isn’t a novelty for most people.” Alex broke in, a note of sarcasm in his tone.

Caroline didn’t wait for Mike to respond. “Neither is rudeness, unfortunately!” She hoped her words would stop the man from any more jabs. After dinner she intended to speak with her mother to ensure Mr. Olsen wouldn’t frequent the Randall table.

“I’m not the one who’s threatening to arrest someone,” Alex retorted.

Mike opened his mouth to speak, but Caroline beat him to it. “I didn’t hear any threats. Just a friendly warning that you’d be wise to heed.”

Megan, who was seated on the other side of Alex, picked the perfect moment to ask him a question.
Caroline suspected her aunt had been following their conversation.

She breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’ve been known to defend myself without starting a fight,” Mike whispered, leaning close to her.

She sank her teeth into her bottom lip, trying to come up with a reasonable response. “Randalls don’t like their guests to be attacked. Either Mr. Olsen learns that rule or he won’t be dining here again.”

“Ah. So it wasn’t me you were protecting, but the pride of the Randalls? Well, you did a mighty fine job. All the more reason to treat you to dinner at the French restaurant in Buffalo.”

His hazel eyes seemed to be dancing with amusement.

“If anything,
I
should take
you
to Buffalo for dinner. When we first met, I was as obnoxious as Alex.”

“Yes, you were, and I accept your offer,” Mike agreed, surprising her. “When are we going?”

Caroline realized he’d accepted her invitation and made it impossible for her to renege. If he were taking her, she could’ve done so. He was a lot smarter than the accountant.

“How about tomorrow night? Unless you have to work late?”

He grinned at her. “I think I can wrangle a free night. Will you pick me up at seven?”

Now she was thoroughly trapped. At least it would be over quickly. Twenty-four hours and then she could ignore the man.

“Yes, seven,” she agreed. Thanks to Alex Olsen,
she’d been unable to remain cold to both men. She’d have to make sure that tomorrow night she didn’t let down her guard.

Those hazel eyes danced again, as if the sheriff read her mind.

All day Monday, Caroline found herself thinking about her “date” with Mike that night. She knew it was a mistake, because she was way too fascinated by the man. And it was a fascination that would only lead to heartache. She already knew any relationship with Mike Davis—or any other man, for that matter—would die a premature death. She would never marry. To her it didn’t matter if a man said he didn’t want children. There’d come a time when he’d change his mind. And that was the time their marriage would end.

For that reason she’d stay single. She didn’t want her heart broken.

That thought made her stop and think. She’d believed her heart was broken when Don had married his pregnant nurse. So why had the thought been of the future?

Because you never really loved Don,
an inner voice said. They’d gotten along, had understood each other’s hectic schedules. But that was all that was between them, she realized.

Now she wouldn’t have him even if he were served up on a gold platter. She knew his true worth now—zero. She felt ashamed of her relationship with him.

With a determined nod, she vowed in her heart she would have nothing to do with the male half of the world. And she’d explain that to Mike Davis tonight. That would circumvent her father’s tricks.

Once the sheriff understood, he’d leave her alone.

She picked him up at seven, having made their reservations for seven-thirty. She figured she could make her explanations during the half hour drive and be able to relax for the rest of the evening.

Ha!

It took five seconds to realize the man affected her senses. Like her father, he also wasn’t a man who could be ignored. She was getting tired of those comparisons.

“Evening, Caroline,” he said. Dressed in a navy blue suit, a crisp white shirt and a red-and-blue tie, he looked like a powerful CEO.

“I—I didn’t dress up.” She stumbled over the words, embarrassed.

To her surprise, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful.”

She’d worn navy slacks topped by a winter-white sweater that hugged her hips.

“In fact,” Mike said, “I think we match.”

She couldn’t argue with him, but she didn’t want to agree, either. “Mike, we need to talk.”

That eyebrow slipped up. She forced her gaze away from his hazel eyes. He tucked his arm under hers and led them to her SUV. “I can drive if you want me to,” he offered.

“No, that’s all right. I invited you.”

He opened her door for her before he circled the
vehicle to the passenger side. He waited until she had driven them out of Rawhide before he asked, “How’s Tracey?”

Her mind flew to her patient. That morning, Tracey’s parents had arrived from Denver. Beth and Jenny didn’t know their grandparents very well, but the girls had stayed out of school and gone with them to pack their belongings.

“Tracey is much better. I’m going to release her in the morning.”

“Good. Because the judge set the bail this morning and I imagine her husband will come up with the money by tomorrow.”

“You can’t hold him longer?”

“Not according to the law.”

“Isn’t there anything you can do?”

He grinned. “I’m afraid even sheriffs have to obey the law.”

She couldn’t hold back a smile in appreciation of his easygoing attitude, his good nature.

“How do you do it?” she asked.

“Do what?”

“Stay so relaxed.”

He gave her a serious look. “I learned a long time ago that the best I can do is control myself. Everyone else is in charge of their lives. I can only do so much. I’ve heard that’s a difficult concept for doctors.”

“Yes, it is,” she admitted. “After you save a life, you begin to think you have the power of life. But you do learn you have limitations after you lose a patient for no explicable reason.”

“That must be tough.”

The sympathy in his voice brought tears to her eyes. What was wrong with her? She’d given up crying after her two rotations in the ER. She cleared her throat. “Yes, it is. But I guess it keeps you humble.”

“A lawman deals with the same thing when he fails to resolve a situation except by using his weapon.”

She’d never thought of Mike’s job from that perspective. “Surely all lawmen don’t feel that way.”

“Maybe not. But I don’t think they’re doing a good job if that’s their only response.”

“How did you come to that conclusion?”

“Uncle Bill. He spent some time with me when I was a boy. He knew how easy it was to impress me with his gun. He made sure I understood how to handle it.”

“I didn’t realize you knew Sheriff Metzger that well.”

“After I grew up, we didn’t spend that much time together, but we talked frequently.”

“Have you talked to him since he went to Arizona?”

“Sure. He’s very protective of Rawhide and its people,” Mike said with a laugh.

“I’ve wondered if having to shoot Patience’s brother-in-law contributed to his decision to retire.”

Mike didn’t answer at once. Then he said, “Maybe. But the man gave him no choice. If he’d managed to get his gun again, he would’ve taken more shots at Patience and Jim. Bill had no other option.”

“I know. Dad told me. And we’re all grateful for Sheriff Metzger’s courage. That man was insane.”

“Yeah. The mind is a powerful thing.”

“Yes. At one time I thought I’d become a psychiatrist, but my interests changed.”

“Why?”

“For a couple of reasons. There would’ve been no place for me here in Rawhide, for one. My pediatric specialty allowed me to fit right in to Jon’s family practice clinic. And it turns out I like family practice.”

Before she could go on, he asked, “I thought you didn’t want to come back?”

She regretted becoming so involved in the conversation. Now what could she say? And what about explaining the situation to him? She’d thought that would be easy to do. Instead she hadn’t even broached the subject and they were already in Buffalo.

“Um, I thought…” She stopped, not sure what to say, then finally murmured, “I don’t know.”

She parked her SUV in the lot at the French restaurant. Judging from the cars, Le Mouton Bleu was the place to be. “The blue sheep?” she asked.

“That’s the place.”

“And ranchers eat here?”

“Your dad recommended it.”

Mike escorted her into the restaurant. A huge fireplace dominated the scene, burning brightly. Tables were spaced around it at discreet distances from each other, allowing privacy. All the tables were covered with blue linens. In the center of each table was a darker blue vase filled with pale blue columbines.

“How charming,” Caroline exclaimed.

“So I’ve been told.”

“By my father?”

“I do talk to other people, Caroline,” Mike said with a smile. “Ben Afton brought his wife here because he’d made her mad. He wanted to apologize. He said it worked like a charm.”

Caroline frowned. “I don’t need to apologize to you.”

“Is that the only reason someone would come here?”

“Good evening,
monsieur et madame,
” the maître d’ said, interrupting their discussion. “Your name?”

“Caroline Randall,” she said calmly.

“Ah, yes, Dr. Randall. Right this way, please.”

Mike grinned. “Another person you gave your title to.”

“No,” she whispered as she followed the man. “My nurse made the reservation for me.”

Once they were seated, a waiter immediately appeared at the table to point out the specials.

They both listened to him without comment. Caroline tried to keep a pleasant look on her face when the young man mispronounced his way through the menu. Mike told him they’d like a few minutes to consider the choices.

Caroline dipped her chin behind the menu. “Thank you,” she whispered after the waiter had gone.

“No problem. You maintained a stiff upper lip during that massacre of the French language. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to last as long.”

“You speak French?” she asked, shock in her voice.

His eyes narrowed, and he leaned back in his chair. “Some. Enough to recognize a Frenchman would commit suicide after that recitation.”

“I didn’t mean to be insulting, Mike. But we’re a long way from Gay Paree. You surprised me.”

“I would think a doctor would know better than to take everything at face value,” he said softly. “You’d better make your decision, Caroline. Our waiter is approaching.”

She nodded and looked at her menu. When the young man stopped by her chair, she said, “I’ll have the roast beef and vegetables.”

“I’ll have the same,” Mike said smoothly, handing him his menu.

With a look of relief, the waiter hurried away.

“I wonder if he has to catch the snails if we order them,” Mike said in amusement, as if he didn’t think she’d insulted him. “The relief on his face that we ordered the roast beef indicated he’d just avoided something unpleasant.”

Caroline laughed. “So tell me, how do you know French?”

“I lived next to a Frenchwoman. She was having trouble making a living and I asked her to give me French lessons.”

“So that’s why you wanted to come here? Because you can speak French?”

“No. Any French restaurant that requires its patrons to speak French had better not be located in Wyoming.”

They smiled and nodded in unison. Mike really was a charming dinner companion. A charming man, she corrected herself. Every moment with him could be enjoyable. But—

“Mike, we need to talk,” she repeated abruptly. She
decided if she didn’t speak now, he’d change the subject and she’d forget what had to be said.

“Over dinner?”

“No, now. I…it’s awkward, so I guess I’ll just blurt it out. My father is known for his matchmaking. He managed to get all three of his brothers married. As the Randall family has expanded, he’s taken credit for all the marriages. And you’re in his sights.”

Her dramatic finish didn’t affect Mike’s expression in the slightest. He took a sip of the iced tea he’d ordered. “I see.”

“No, I don’t think you do. That’s why you were invited to dinner yesterday, and it’s the reason I was seated beside you. I’m the one you’re supposed to marry.”

Again there was no response, except for a half smile crossing his lips. “Really?”

After a moment of staring at him, she said, “You figured it out, didn’t you?”

“Your father isn’t known for his subtlety.”

“Then why did you accept the invitation?”

“I heard Red’s cooking is something special. You won’t find many lawmen who turn down a free meal, much less one like Red cooked.” His smile widened.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Mike Davis. My father may not be subtle, but he’s also not weak.”

“I know.”

“Then—”

“I’m counting on you being stronger than him.”

“I am. That is, I intend to be. I’m not going to marry, but—”

“Why?”

“I don’t have to give a reason!” she snapped.

“Okay.”

“Why aren’t you upset?”

“Caroline, we came for a nice meal because you felt bad about how you behaved when you first arrived. Let’s just enjoy the evening.”

She couldn’t believe her ears. He acted as if there was no problem. She started to warn him again, when he nodded toward a couple walking outside the restaurant.

“I know that guy but I can’t place the name. Eric…”

She followed Mike’s eyes and saw the man and woman through the window as they stepped into the pool of light from the streetlamp. “Yes, he’s Eric Williams. He works on my uncle Griff’s ranch.”

“Do you know the woman he’s with?”

“No, but I thought he was engaged to Holly Gambil. I guess they broke up,” Caroline said slowly, trying to remember if she’d heard anything about that relationship.

The nervous waiter brought their salads.

Just as Caroline was about to begin her meal, a blur of movement outside made her look up.

“There’s Holly now,” she said, indicating a woman who’d stepped out of the shadows against the building. Then Caroline rushed to get out the words. “Mike, she has a gun!”

Even as she spoke, Mike leaped from his chair and rushed outside to the young woman. But he was too late to save Eric Williams. Holly had fired the gun from
point-blank range. But she wasn’t finished. She turned to his companion and raised the weapon to fire again. By that time Mike had reached her and knocked the gun from her hand. It went off, but instead of her heart, the bullet struck the young woman’s shoulder.

Caroline grabbed her keys and thrust them at a nearby waiter. “I’m a doctor. My bag is in the gray SUV parked in the first row. Unlock it and get my bag. Hurry.”

The shocked waiter ran out the back door, and Caroline went out to the woman on the ground. Blood flowed from the wound in her shoulder and she collapsed into unconsciousness.

“I’m a doctor,” Caroline announced again, and the few people who’d run out backed away. “Get me some clean napkins,” she ordered as she began staunching the blood.

In the meantime, Mike had disarmed Holly and used his cell phone to call the local police, along with an ambulance. Chaos began to dissipate as Caroline worked on her patient and Mike held the shooter still. Holly was sobbing and babbling, but her words made no sense.

When the police arrived, Mike turned her over with a brief description of what had happened. He handed the gun over, as well. “We think it’s a crime of passion. She was engaged to this man. Both of them are from Rawhide.”

“And the wounded one?”

“We don’t know her.”

He’d shown them his badge, and after the first policeman put Holly in handcuffs and led her away, the
other one, obviously the senior of the two, asked, “You new to Rawhide? What happened to Bill Metzger?”

“He retired.”

“Oh. I hadn’t heard. Did he—”

“Excuse me,” Mike interrupted. “I want to check on the doc.” He stepped to Caroline’s side and squatted down. “You doing all right?”

“I’m all right. But I’m not so sure about her.” She looked at the two ambulance drivers.

“I’ll ride with you guys. Mike, can you follow with my car?”

“Sure, honey. Will you be all right?”

She looked surprised at his question. “Of course.”