12. Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Justin hurried out of his office. It had been a long day, but while he'd hovered over the young Hunter boy, Charlotte and her distracting and delightful presence at his elbow, a thought had come to mind, and he was anxious to ask the sheriff his opinion on it.

For nearly an hour he had mulled over his decision, but he had finally decided it was the best course of action. His desire to help Charlotte and her mother in their dire situation far outweighed any discomfort on his part.

He walked to the sheriff's office and then stood outside the door, frowning. He was here, but what now? Did one knock at the door of a sheriff's office? Simply walk inside? He really wasn't sure. Until now, he'd never had a reason to stop by one .

Hesitating, Justin raised his hand to knock when the door opened and a woman came out.

"Oh, my goodness, excuse me," she said as she stopped, her nose a mere inch from his knuckles that had been prepared to rap upon the wooden door.

"My mistake, pardon me," Justin said. "I was coming to speak with the sheriff."

"He's at his desk. Come in. There's no need to wait outside," she told him, turning back the way she'd come from.

Justin followed her in a few steps, feeling a little nervous. He'd never been inside of the sheriff's office. There was a jail cell, two desks, a door leading somewhere—

"Asher, the new doctor was outside. I am afraid I nearly ran him over," the woman said apologetically.

"Forgive me," Justin said, "I was the one in the way. But I've not made your acquaintance yet, and you know me."

"I'm Isabelle," she said with a smile.

"My wife," the sheriff added as he dropped a kiss on her cheek. "See you in a while," he told her.

Isabelle nodded and left. Justin glanced around again, then back to the sheriff. "I wondered if I might have a word with you."

"Of course," Sheriff Steele said.

The door opened, and in walked the deputy. "Doctor," Jeff said by way of greeting .

"Deputy," Justin answered. "I'm glad you are here as well. What I have to ask is for both of your ears."

"Well then, let's take a seat," the sheriff said, and sat behind his desk.

He motioned to a chair, and Justin sat as well. He took a deep breath and tapped his foot. Jeff pulled a chair over. Justin felt their eyes on him and finally said, "This might be a bad idea, I don't know. That's why I came to you for your opinion."

The sheriff nodded slowly. Justin had heard the sheriff was a good man. He was fair and just, and he kept trouble out of the town. He'd even rescued his wife, Isabelle, from danger before they'd married. If anyone knew how to help, surely it would be him.

"You see," Justin said, "There's a family that was swindled out of just about everything they had years ago."

Jeff spoke, "That would be the Harrisons, correct?"

The sheriff frowned. "That was before I came, but I've heard a little about it. Mr. Harrison had a partner, didn't he? That who took advantage of him?"

"That's right," Justin said. "They've been in dire straits ever since."

"It's true," Jeff said. "That's why I'm sure Charlotte is pleased you hired her."

"What I'm wondering," Justin asked, "is if there is any way to prove that the partner swindled them. Perhaps legally regain at least some of what was once theirs. "

The sheriff sighed and leaned back into his chair. "It's a good idea, really it is. But a lot of time has passed, and legally, if Mr. Harrison signed things over to his partner, then it's unlikely that will happen. You'd have to have a good, solid case for it. Do you know if there is any physical evidence? Threatening letters, perhaps? Witnesses?"

Justin shook his head. "Not that I know of. I'll ask Mrs. Harrison. I'd really like to help her if I can. She's a wonderful woman, and so is her daughter."

He stopped suddenly then, and froze. The sheriff was fighting back a smile. The deputy hadn't seemed to notice and was nodding vigorously. "Sure is. Her husband was a good man too."

"Why don't you see what you can find out, and then come back by?" Sheriff Steele suggested. He stood and walked Justin to the door. "Just come in next time. No need to knock. Treat this as any place of business."

Justin nodded. "Thank you. I will."

He hurried away before he could see that smirk the sheriff had. Internally, he was groaning. How could he have said that about Charlotte? What if word got around that the doctor was attracted to his assistant? Never mind if it was the truth or a lie. It wasn't the sort of thing he wanted going around.

He headed to the livery to get his horse, then stopped. The general store was right there. Why not get Charlotte a box of sweets, as a thank you for all she'd done today ?

Pushing open the door, Justin browsed for a moment, then selected a tin of hard candies. He wasn't sure what she liked, but most people liked these, didn't they? Justin paid, got his horse, and headed to the Harrison home, hoping that he wouldn't be intruding.

Once there, he started up the porch to knock, but Mrs. Harrison opened it before he could. "Doctor," she greeted. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to speak with you for a few moments," he said. "And to apologize if I've butted into your business unwanted."

She raised a brow at him, and Justin leaned forward to whisper, "Not that business."

"Ah. Do come in. Dinner is almost ready. Please say you will stay." She led him through the house.

"Only if it's no trouble," he said.

"Not a bit." She smiled. "I made a lovely potato soup. There's too much for just Charlotte and myself."

Just then, Charlotte came in. "I thought I heard you," she said. "Hello."

"Hello," he answered. "I—oh, these are for you." He held out the box of sweets.

Charlotte took it, a delighted expression upon her face. "Oh! Thank you. Did August leave these for me? He said he had a surprise for me."

Justin's breath stuck, and a rock seemed to land heavily in his stomach. "I-er—" Words wouldn't come. Wouldn't form. How could she have thought those were from August? If he said something now, it would either make him look a liar, or August.

Mrs. Harrison met his eye. She raised her brows, inviting him to say something, but he shook his head.

"Mrs. Harrison," he said, "I'm afraid I can't stay, I've an urgent appointment, but I wanted to have a few moments to talk with you, if I may?"

"Of course," she said.

They sat at the kitchen table. Her expression was one of sympathy, and he tried to ignore it. He couldn't bear her pity. "I visited the sheriff," he said, jumping into things. "I asked him about what had happened with your husband. If there was anything that could be done, even years later."

She sighed and shook her head. "I do doubt it, Doctor, though you are very kind to worry about us."

"He said that if you had any evidence, letters that were threatening, something like that, he might be able to help more," Justin said.

"If that were the case, I'd gladly give you what I had, but no. The man was silver tongued. He spoke with flattering and honeyed words. He was good at what he did, and by the time it was discovered, it was too late." She dropped her gaze, then met his eyes once more. "It all happened so quickly, it seems, and there was nothing suspect."

Justin heaved a sigh. "I understand. I will still make inquiries, if you have no objection? "

"I don't," she said, and stood when he did. "Are you sure you can't stay?"

"I cannot," he whispered.

Her understanding look was her reply, and Justin left.

On the ride back, he thought about how he was a fool. How, even if he did manage to help the Harrisons, that might make Charlotte even more attractive to August. But it didn't matter. It was the right thing to do, and he at least wanted to try.

He returned his horse and started back to his office. The sky was growing dim. All he wanted to do was to climb into bed and read. He had to have something on his shelf to take his mind off of his anger at August, and his longing for Charlotte.

It was a dangerous thing being a doctor. The temptation was there to use this medicine or that one to numb his tortured mind, but he didn't dare. One step in that direction might take him down a path of no return. It had been one of the first lessons in medical school, and something he'd witnessed firsthand while in school.

No, there were other ways to cope, even if they might not lead him to oblivion.

"Doctor."

Justin turned to see who had called for him, when a punch landed squarely on his eye. Justin staggered backward, seeking his balance .

"I've got plans for Charlotte," August hissed, his face angry. "She's the prettiest girl in town, and you'd better not be getting ideas about her, what with her working for you. You'd better keep your distance, or else."

It took all of Justin's willpower not to strike August in return. He lowered his hand from his face, stood tall, and his voice was cold as he answered, "Or else what?"

August stepped closer, but Justin didn't flinch. He'd been hit with a cheap shot. He'd like to see August try and fight fairly. Justin knew he'd be able to land just as many if not more blows.

"Or else there's going to be a fire, she and her mother will lose everything, and that will send her right into my arms all the faster. And then," August said, his voice low and menacing, "it will make it all the sweeter once I get what I want. Your pain and suffering, when you realize that you did that to her."

Without another word, August left, and Justin stood there, his heart sinking. Now, any chance he had of telling Charlotte that he was in love with her was gone. He couldn't, not at the risk of her or her mother's safety.

The idea of letting the sheriff know flickered through his mind, but just as quickly he dismissed it. August came from a wealthy and respected family. People like that often got away with anything.

No. The only thing he could do to protect Charlotte was to stay away from her. If he loved her, that's what he had to do.