“From here, I’m heading over to Edie’s office. In her opinion, Randy needs to be locked up for his own good and the safety of others.”

“Maybe he’ll get help.”

“Kind of you to say so with his latest stretch of the law.” He laid his Stetson on the sofa beside him. “Do you have any evidence Randy is behind the threatenin’ calls?”

I shook my head. “Outside, I reacted in anger, lashed out. But what I believe is if someone offered him cash to make my life difficult, he’d jump on it.”

He pressed his lips together. “Did you let Denton know what happened?”

“Haven’t talked to him.”

“I’ll call him on the way to see Edie and ask him if he’s available to stop in. You shouldn’t be alone.”

Protest jumped into my throat, but I held back. No need to tell the sheriff about Denton’s and my last conversation.

“Have you neglected to relay information about other crimes against you?”

“Not sure.”

The sheriff frowned. “Not sure? What are you keepin’ secret?”

He’d never understand how protecting loved ones ruled every breath. “I’m sure I’ve told you everything. I’m a little shaken right now.”

The sheriff studied me. “All right, but you know I’m available day or night.”

He didn’t believe me. “Thank you.”

“Maybe the guilty person is taking a break until after your mother’s funeral. You’re right—Randy couldn’t be behind all of this.”

Dad must have Sheriff Wendall’s attention too. I despised all the free time anticipating my enemy’s next move or arrest. It boggled my mind, and with Randy Hughes in custody, I sensed the suspect list narrowing.

Activity outside captured my attention. Two officers supported Randy and laid him in the rear of a cruiser. “Sheriff, looks like Randy might have collapsed.”

“Probably passed out.”

We both rushed outside.

“He’s having a heart attack,” one of the officers said.

“Get him to the hospital.” The sheriff rushed to his car. “Shelby, do me a favor and call Edie.”

51

DENTON

Women handled emotional trauma in bewildering ways, and Randy’s stunt added to Shelby’s burdens. I had no idea if she’d kick me off her porch or let me help. She opened her cabin door wearing an exasperated frown. I’d seen bad guys more excited to see me.

“Have you heard anything about Randy’s condition?” she said.

“Partly. He’s stable. Edie and Pastor Emory are with him. The mix of high blood pressure and alcohol shoved him into a heart attack.”

“Maybe he’ll get professional help now.”

“He has to admit a problem first.” I jumped in with the hard task. “Sheriff Wendall thought you should stay at my place until your window is fixed.”

“Edie’s already arranged for a repairman. He’ll be here first thing in the morning.”

“Then I’m spending the night on your sofa.”

“You still look like you’re the one who needs protection, and I’m not in the mood to cook.” She raised her chin, and I saw the little girl who’d given her parents sleepless nights.