Free Alone and Afraid (Rocky Mountain Home Series Book 1) by Elizabeth Sherry Page A

speak,” said the sheriff.
    “What about Mrs. Blake?  You can’t let her get away , she’s guilty in all this too, I’m sure,” Chase said.
    “After your phone call , I sent another car to pick her up, while we came here.  She’s probably singing like a bird right about now,” the sheriff answered.
    They walked back to Brooke’s home and tears filled her eyes when she saw Digger’s blood trail in her kitchen.
    She spoke to Chase in barely a whisper, but he heard every word.  “Yes, we’ll go see the vet and wait for word on Digger. Will that be a problem, sheriff?”  Chase asked more out of respect for the sheriff and the job he had to do, but Chase knew he and Brooke were going to be at the vet’s office no matter what the sheriff said.
    “No problem, we’ll catch you there when we’re done with Mr. and Mrs. Drake,” said the sheriff as they all walked out the front door.
    A short time later, as Chase and Brooke sat silent in the waiting room, the vet came out and told them the good news . “The bullet missed his heart, but only by inches.  We had to do some repairs to his lung where the bullet penetrated, but I believe after a long rest, he’ll be his old self again,” the kind veterinarian told them.
    Brooke threw her arms around Chase’s neck and cried.  She cried tears of joy, as well as tears of reli ef. It was all over.  She had many questions that she wanted answered, but that could wait.

Chapter 16
     
    Since the Vet told Chase that they’d be keeping Digger for a few days, Chase took Brooke home.  He knew his first chore would be the clean -up in Brooke’s kitchen.  When they returned to the cottage and Chase again saw Digger’s blood trail, Chase was glad he shot Mr. Drake.  He’d shoot him again if he had the chance.
    The sheriff called and said he’d be over in a couple of hours to tie up loose ends.  Brooke flopped down on the sofa, drained of all energy.
    “Can I get you anything, Sweetheart?”  Chase asked after he cleaned the floor of all signs of blood.
    “Yes, you can come sit with me,” Brooke said with a half -smile due to the affectionate name Chase had called her.
    Chase lowered hi mself down next to Brooke and pulled her into his arms.  She felt like a weight was lifted as she snuggled close to him.
    With both hands tenderly cupping his face, Brooke softly touched his lips with hers.  The kiss turned more intense and Brooke wanted more.  Her fingers worked slowly unbuttoning his shirt, until Chase covered her hand with his.
    “Are you sure?  Once we get started down this path, I doubt I can make a u-turn,” he said huskily.
    “I’m sure.  I want you.  I want to make love with you.  Now,” she whispered in his ear.
    Chase helped her up and carried her to her bed.  He took his time undressing her and trailing kisses down her side.  Then he lowered his jeans to the floor and continued where he left off.  She pushed him off her and straddled his body , as she returned the favor.  This is exactly what they both needed and wanted.
    Sometime later, they both lay spent and satisfied , and still curled in each other’s arms.
    “I hate to say this, but we’ll have to get up.  The sheriff will be here soon,” Chase whispered , as he kissed her breasts, one at a time, once more.
    Brooke smiled.  She felt sexy , content, and happy.  She finally came home.  This is where she belonged.
    As they dressed, the knock came at the front door.  Knowing it was the sheriff; Chase answered it right after zipping up his jeans.
    “Hello, sheriff.  Come on in .  Brooke will be right here,” Chase said, as Brooke hopped down the hall.  Her crutches were still in the living room.
    “ Sheriff, please sit.  We’re wondering if you have the whole story for us,” Brooke said.
    “I have as much as we ’re going to get.  It’s the same old story of greed and money,” he said. “It seems Mrs. Drake, the one who owned the house next to you, refused to sell