In A Cowboy's Embrace

“Pshaw! I can’t wait on folks when I’ve got a newspaper deadline to meet.” She looked Tasha up and down with the eye of a predator—or someone about to make an arrest on behalf of the morality police. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this young lady.”

Impatient, and angered by the woman’s unspoken insinuations, Cliff made perfunctory introductions. “What do you want, Winnie?”

“You say she’s your housekeeper?” she asked, busily scribbling notes that would no doubt appear in the local gossip column. And probably be vicious in the conclusions drawn.

“Would you like some coffee, Ms. Bruhn?” Tasha asked smoothly, though a blush had risen to her cheeks.

“She doesn’t have time for coffee. She has a deadline to meet, right, Winnie?”

The woman lifted her nose, sniffing with an air of superiority. “I’ve come by to tell you Bobby Bruhn has decided to run against you for sheriff. I’d like a statement—”

“Bobby? He doesn’t have any law enforcement experience. What makes him think—”

“I assure you, the full weight and influence of the Reed County Register will be behind Mr. Bruhn’s election.”

“He’s your nephew, for crying out loud!”

“It’s time for a change in this county, a breath of fresh air. Now I can print your reaction to Mr. Bruhn’s candidacy or I can indicate, despite the efforts of the press to gain an interview, you were otherwise engaged….” She eyed Tasha pointedly. “And that you had no comment. The choice is yours, Deputy Swain.”