“Randy, come on out with your hands up,” Sheriff Wendall’s voice blared above the sounds of nature. “No reason to stay in there.”

No answer.

“Have you hurt Shelby?”

“She took off.”

An officer shouted they had Randy. Breathing my thanks, I walked toward Sheriff Wendall.

I was safe. For now.

50

Randy fought the cuffs and swore at everyone around him. “I only wanted to talk, and you’re takin’ the side of a killer and a thief.”

“Shut up,” Sheriff Wendall said, “or you’ll be facin’ more charges than a DWI, breaking and entering, and attempted assault.” The sheriff turned to me. “Shelby, are you all right?”

“Yes, sir.” Anger, more like rage, burned in my stomach. “At least one of my windows is broken.”

“We’ll look at the damages in a few minutes. Do you want to contact Edie? She’s worried sick.”

“Sure.”

“Edie won’t press any charges against me,” Randy sneered. “And she’ll bail me out of jail.”

“Don’t count on it.” Sheriff Wendall huffed. “Why were you here when you’d been ordered to stay away?”

“No law against having a conversation.”

Sheriff Wendall stepped to Randy, nose to nose. “Looks like you’ve broken enough laws to spend several weeks in jail. Maybe you’ll dry out.”

I trembled, the unfairness of it all pounding in my heart. “I don’t think you’re the one who’s been targeting me, but I think someone hired you. Who?”

Randy spat at my feet. “I never murdered anyone.”

I swallowed my pride, took a deep breath. “That’s right. Just like I faced charges, a judge, and paid my debt, you will do the same. Know what? For a moment, I nearly stooped to your level.” I faced the sheriff and the other three officers. “Thank you. I’ll assess my home for damages.”

The sight of shattered glass brought hot tears. Thankfully my belongings and Edie’s cabin and furnishings had stood the test of Randy’s drunken violence.

He reminded me of a male guard who used to corner me with threats if I didn’t give in to his advances. He made life behind bars even more frightening, but I was stubborn and never relented.

Valleysburg was my home now, and I intended to stay.

I talked to Edie and assured her Sheriff Wendall and his officers had Randy under control.

“Did he admit to violating your rights in the past?” she said.

Odd choice of words for the gal who’d hidden under her bed to avoid a bat. “No. Who knows what he’ll claim when he’s sober. I’m sorry. He’s your brother, and I should be more considerate.”

“Shelby, I’ve seen him in action. When he’s drinking, his violence escalates. On top of that, you’re dealing with grief from your mother’s passing.”

Sheriff Wendall joined me and I ended the call. I valued his concern and all my new friends who cared without knowing the truth. He sat on the sofa, and I took the chair I’d used earlier in the day when Denton visited.