Page 66 of Gideon

Gideon rushed him, his arms gliding through thebars, to collect Cole’s shirt in his fist, but he didn’t quite make it.

Cole stood back, a smirk on his face. “Did I hit a nerve? She’s not the sweet-as-pie, clean-cut preacher’s daughter you think she is. She’s using you. The faster you realize that, the better off you’ll be. Sit in here and stew on that for a while. If it wasn’t for her, you wouldn’t be in this mess. She will chew you up and?—”

“You need to stop talking about her.”

“Oh yeah? What will you do if I don’t? You going to flail your arms around in protest? You made a big mistake coming to town. If you’re lucky enough to get out of here anytime soon, I suggest you do what Mayor Fairfax said. Take the opportunity and run as fast and as far as you can. Asher is not a town worth saving. You did the right thing running out in the first place. But next time, don’t come back.”

He tipped his hat and was gone.

Chapter 17

“Rise and shine!”a voice boomed.

Gideon shot up off the bench, ignoring the stiff ache in his limbs.

A cow bell rang, and a man in his fifties with salt-and-pepper hair appeared at the bars. He was thin but looked fit. All wiry muscle underneath the sheriff’s uniform. “Morning, sleepyhead.”

“We haven’t met,” Gideon said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Sheriff Peters. And no, I haven’t had the pleasure. But I’ve heard about you. I’m sorry I didn’t have the opportunity to stop by yesterday. I had business to attend to. But I’m not sorry you were stuck here overnight. I’m hoping it did you some good.”

“I guess we’ll see.”

“My deputy informs me you’re not satisfied with your accommodation.”

“It’s fine. But I’d like to know how long you intend to hold me.”

“Looks like today is your lucky day.”

“Should I be worried?”

“Not at all. I’m being sincere.”

“I can take you at your word?”

“I’m the sheriff, so I would hope so.”

“Badges don’t change character.”

“Welp.” He took his time resting his hands on his hips. “I guess it’s a moot point anyway, because you’re in there, and I’m out here.”

“But you’re letting me go?”

“Mayor Fairfax—God bless him—has decided not to press charges.”

“Of his own free will?”

“Sounds crazy. I know. And I did attempt to dissuade him. I don’t like the idea of a young hooligan being allowed back into the community, but he reassured me. He said you were an intelligent young man who would see the wisdom in leaving town—as he’d previously suggested—as soon as your feet hit the pavement. And now that you know he’s serious, I take it you will follow his instructions without delay.”

“I don’t suppose you’re interested to know that he was responsible for the recent fire that took out half a block in Asher?”

“When it’s your word against his? Not a chance.”

“What if I refuse to leave?”

“Then you’ll find yourself back here, and there will be no more lucky breaks. I will do everything in my power to make sure the full weight of the law comes down upon you. Do you understand?”

“Got it.”

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