Page 37 of Claimed By the Deputies

“Had you not been there to pick me up, I’d probably be rotting in a women’s prison downstate right now,” I mutter. “You were so quick to come in and clear the air for me. That deal you struck with the DA saved my life.”

“You deserved better. But I’ll say it again, it’s over. You’re good.”

“I am better,” I say before taking a sip of coffee. “Work is good.”

Timothy gives me a broad smile. “I hear you’ve gotten cozy with your neighbors.”

“Who told you that?” I blurt out, suddenly red-faced and in a panic.

“Relax. You’re staying with them until I get your place repaired and renovated, aren’t you? That’s what you said the other day, over the phone,” he replies.

“Right. Yes. They’ve been nothing but kind and gracious.” I blow out a breath.

“I still remember the first time you called me to tell me about them.” He goes on to dramatically mimic my initial reaction. “Oh my god, Tim, I’m living next to the three hottest men in Frost Valley. The sheriff and his deputies. I’m pretty sure that’s the screenplay of at least one porno movie currently circulating on the web.”

“Your acting talent is extraordinary,” I grumble. But he was spot on with the imitation. “They’re still hot, for what it’s worth.”

“And single. Last I knew, anyway. They’re the town’s most wanted bachelors,” he adds with a wink. “All jokes aside, they’re really good people. Reliable. Kind. Definitely devoted to this town and its well-being. You’re in the best of hands.”

“Don’t I know it.”

He sips his matcha, then continues. “I hear your keen eye and attention to detail has landed you a new assignment at the station.”

I nod slowly. “Yes, sir. They’ve hired me as a consultant in addition to my duties in the evidence room.”

“Good. It’s a great use of your time and your skills. I’m glad to hear you’re still working the evidence room, too. You’re an excellent fit for that. Otherwise, I never would’ve pushed your resume forward through the New Beginnings program.”

“I can’t thank you enough for facilitating that, Tim. It truly changed my life.”

“Seeing you doing so well is thanks enough, Tassia. You deserve a new beginning after everything you went through.”

The waitress returns with our orders. I lean back into my seat and start working my way through the first of the blueberry scones. Fresh out of the oven, the dough is perfectly hot and crumbly, with a crispy shell and a soft middle, ripe with blueberry jam.

“You know, I still can’t believe all the shit I went through. Growing up in the foster system made me street smart. How could I not see the danger with Trevor Callaghan? I married him, shutting you and every other good influence out of my life.” I scoff and shake my head in dismay. “Yet you still had the grace to show up and save my sorry ass. Like it or not, I will spend the rest of my life thanking you, and you’re just going to have to deal with it.”

Timothy reaches across the table and gently covers my hand with his. “You’re a fighter, Tassia. You’ve always been a fighter. All I did was give you opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have had to make something of yourself. Nobody gets it perfect on the first try, least of all a brilliant girl who spent most of her childhood slipping through the sordid cracks of the system. You did good. Hell, you did great, despite your circumstances.”

“Oh, yeah. Trevor was great.”

“You were in love,” he insists. “Love blinds us sometimes. You were so eager to love, tobeloved, to feel safe. And that schmuck played all his cards right. Even I bought into it. Until youdisappeared. I understood then that I might’ve lost you. I’m glad I didn’t.”

“You almost did. I was his ride-or-die. I would’ve gone to prison for him had the cops not told me he was the one who dropped the dime on me to begin with. I felt so betrayed.”

“Your heart was broken,” he replies, concern in his eyes. “And how’s your heart now?”

I look up at him and smile. “Healing, I think. Ready for something better.”

Likely already blossoming for not one, not two, but three men. Things are changing quickly between Tyler, Lucas, Mitch, and me. It’s subtle but sizable. Every day, there’s a growing degree of intimacy. It transcends any spoken word or touch. We’re connected, even when we’re apart.

It’s strange and new, yet so wonderful.

“It’ll take time,” Tim tells me. “Healing always takes time.”

“Just rest assured I have no intention of getting in trouble with the law ever again. One year behind bars was more than enough.”

“You shouldn’t have even gotten that much. But you’re working on the good side of the law now,” he quips, pausing to drink his matcha. “So, how is the new gig coming along? Or are you not allowed to discuss official police business?”

I laugh. “Are you kidding? There are no secrets between us, Tim. Ever. I know I can rely on your discretion.”

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