CHAPTER 23

John grabbed his hat and stormed from the room.

Charlotte stared at him. He was furious. She had assumed he would be relieved to see her finally accepting accountability for her actions.

She exhaled deeply, relieved that she would just have to spend time in Horseshoe, Texas, not in any jails. Were they the same? She should have thought this through a little more. Picking up trash? What had she done?

The snap of Henry's briefcase jolted her and she met her brother's furious gaze. "Have you completely lost your mind?"

She didn't bat an eye. "How many times in the past six months have you told me to grow up?"

"More than I can count," he admitted, his demeanor softening just a fraction.

"Well, today I grew up. Why aren't you happy?"

Deep grooves visited his forehead. "Do you know what Mom is going to say when she hears you're doing community service in Horseshoe backwater, Texas?"

"Mom doesn't consult me about her decisions, so I don't feel I need to ask her opinion about mine."

He slipped his hands into the pockets of his tailored slacks. "Charlotte, you're not doing this as a way to get back at Mom, are you?"

"No." She was surprised that she meant it. "This is about me, my life and my choices."

"Fine." He reached for his briefcase. "You're on your own, kiddo. I'm sure my name will be in the mud for a while after wasting the governor's time. Don't call me for anything." He strolled toward the door and suddenly stopped. Pivoting, he walked back to her.

"You irritate the hell out of me, Charlotte, and I say things I don't mean. Call if you need anything. You know I'm a sap where you're concerned."

She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "I really don't know what I'm doing. All I know is that I have to start taking care of my own life, my own problems."

"You're not going to need me anymore, huh?"

She pulled back and wiped a tear from her eye. "You'll have more time for Deidre now, I can tell that makes you so happy." She said, dragging out the name.

"Mmm.

"Do you need money?"

She shook her head.

"Bye, sis. And best of luck." He kissed her cheek and walked out the door.

All her indecision returned.

She wrapped her arms around her waist and prayed she was doing the right thing. She was known for her impulsiveness, but she'd never done anything like this before. Instead of going home to the comfort of everything that was familiar, she would now be spending at least two months in Horseshoe.

Picking up trash.

Maybe she had lost her mind.

"Ms. Lily."

She swung around to see the deputy standing there with her purse and suitcase.

"Thank you," she said, reaching for them. "Do you know where I go now?" She didn't have a clue and she hated to keep asking questions that probably were simple to everyone else.

"I'm on patrol, but I'll escort you to the sheriff's office?"

"Oh. I'm grateful." She wasn't certain, though, that she was prepared to meet John. He was furious.

If he wanted to see justice served, then he had to be prepared for the consequences. Charlotte Lily was spending more time in his town whether he liked it or not.

John marched into his office and threw his at the hat rack. It missed and landed on the floor. He ignored it and began pacing.

Crazy woman! Craziest woman he'd ever met in his life. What was she thinking?

As Wayne entered, he observed John's disturbed demeanour. He took a seat and put his boots on John's desk. "Well, well, now, isn't this a fine kettle of fish?"

"Shut up, Wayne." John picked up his hat and jammed it on the rack.

"You seem really upset for some reason."

"I'm not babysitting Ms. Lily. Ira can kiss my ass."

"Aren't you the same lawman who fought for two years to put Lori's killer behind bars?"

John sank into his chair, the knots in his stomach coiled so tightly it felt as if they'd snap.

Wouldn't it have been good if that kid had stood up in front of the jury and acknowledged his guilt, his carelessness? Wouldn't it be energising if all criminals behaved that way? I respect what Ms. Lily accomplished today. That required courage, and I'm not entirely sure where you're coming from. You've always been honest and put doing the right thing first. Today, justice was served, John."

"Yeah." The coils partially unravelled. "I never expected her to do that."

"And...?"

John's eyes narrowed. "I've put up with her since Sunday and [was really looking forward to my life getting back to normal."

"You mean, back to boring."

John groaned. "Go to work, Wayne. I don't need your arm chair psychology. And get your feet off my desk?"

Wayne brought his feet to the floor. "When you're making out her list of duties, don't forget the courthouse. She sure could brighten up 'my' day."

The door opened, preventing John from delivering a scathing remark. Ms. Lily stood there with her suitcase and purse in her hands, a hesitant expression on her face.

Was he never going to be free of this woman?