Read Online A Randall Returns by Judy Christenberry - Free Book Online Page A

it is. But I guess it keeps you humble.”
    “A lawman deals with the same thing when he fails to resolve a situation except by using his weapon.”
    She’d never thought of Mike’s job from that perspective. “Surely all lawmen don’t feel that way.”
    “Maybe not. But I don’t think they’re doing a good job if that’s their only response.”
    “How did you come to that conclusion?”
    “Uncle Bill. He spent some time with me when I was a boy. He knew how easy it was to impress me with his gun. He made sure I understood how to handle it.”
    “I didn’t realize you knew Sheriff Metzger that well.”
    “After I grew up, we didn’t spend that much time together, but we talked frequently.”
    “Have you talked to him since he went to Arizona?”
    “Sure. He’s very protective of Rawhide and its people,” Mike said with a laugh.
    “I’ve wondered if having to shoot Patience’s brother-in-law contributed to his decision to retire.”
    Mike didn’t answer at once. Then he said, “Maybe. But the man gave him no choice. If he’d managed to get his gun again, he would’ve taken more shots at Patience and Jim. Bill had no other option.”
    “I know. Dad told me. And we’re all grateful for Sheriff Metzger’s courage. That man was insane.”
    “Yeah. The mind is a powerful thing.”
    “Yes. At one time I thought I’d become a psychiatrist, but my interests changed.”
    “Why?”
    “For a couple of reasons. There would’ve been no place for me here in Rawhide, for one. My pediatric specialty allowed me to fit right in to Jon’s family practice clinic. And it turns out I like family practice.”
    Before she could go on, he asked, “I thought you didn’t want to come back?”
    She regretted becoming so involved in the conversation. Now what could she say? And what about explaining the situation to him? She’d thought that would be easy to do. Instead she hadn’t even broached the subject and they were already in Buffalo.
    “Um, I thought…” She stopped, not sure what to say, then finally murmured, “I don’t know.”
    She parked her SUV in the lot at the French restaurant. Judging from the cars, Le Mouton Bleu was the place to be. “The blue sheep?” she asked.
    “That’s the place.”
    “And ranchers eat here?”
    “Your dad recommended it.”
    Mike escorted her into the restaurant. A huge fireplace dominated the scene, burning brightly. Tables were spaced around it at discreet distances from each other, allowing privacy. All the tables were covered with blue linens. In the center of each table was a darker blue vase filled with pale blue columbines.
    “How charming,” Caroline exclaimed.
    “So I’ve been told.”
    “By my father?”
    “I do talk to other people, Caroline,” Mike said with a smile. “Ben Afton brought his wife here because he’d made her mad. He wanted to apologize. He said it worked like a charm.”
    Caroline frowned. “I don’t need to apologize to you.”
    “Is that the only reason someone would come here?”
    “Good evening, monsieur et madame, ” the maître d’ said, interrupting their discussion. “Your name?”
    “Caroline Randall,” she said calmly.
    “Ah, yes, Dr. Randall. Right this way, please.”
    Mike grinned. “Another person you gave your title to.”
    “No,” she whispered as she followed the man. “My nurse made the reservation for me.”
    Once they were seated, a waiter immediately appeared at the table to point out the specials.
    They both listened to him without comment. Caroline tried to keep a pleasant look on her face when the young man mispronounced his way through the menu. Mike told him they’d like a few minutes to consider the choices.
    Caroline dipped her chin behind the menu. “Thank you,” she whispered after the waiter had gone.
    “No problem. You maintained a stiff upper lip during that massacre of the French language. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to last as long.”
    “You speak French?” she asked,