just do. Play with your truck and we’ll be there in a few minutes.” Rico glanced at Anamarie and he couldn’t believe all the things she’d shared with him. He wanted to show her just how much of a woman she really was.
In the sheriff’s office, he was introduced to Ms. Henshaw, the social worker. Dusty stayed with Anamarie in the outer office.
Ms. Henshaw adjusted her wire-rimmed glasses with the tip of her forefinger. “The sheriff failed to mention a big part of your past.”
He met her eyes squarely. “If you’re talking about prison, that’s exactly what it is. My past.”
“Still, I don’t appreciate being given half-truths.”
“We all want what’s best for this little boy,” Wyatt said. “So let’s concentrate on that. I did what was best at the time and I’m sticking to my decision and I really don’t care what CPS thinks, Ms. Henshaw.”
“You don’t have to get snippy.”
“Then let’s focus on what happens next.”
Ms. Henshaw glanced at the watch on her arm. “The warden should be calling right about this time.” As the words left her mouth, Wyatt’s phone rang. He put it on speakerphone.
“Sheriff Carson.”
“Sheriff, this is Della Riley, the warden at the woman’s prison. I have Darlene Miller in my office and she would like to speak to her son.”
“He’ll be here in a second.”
“Is this the sheriff?” A softer female voice came on the line.
“Yes, it is. I suppose the warden told you that your mother has passed away.”
“Yes, I’ve been crying for hours. Where’s my baby?”
Loud voices outside the door interrupted the conversation. Suddenly the door swung open and a blonde in a nice dress and heels stood in the doorway. She removed her sunglasses; bracelets jangled as she did. “I want to speak to Sheriff Carson.”
“Is my sister there?” Darlene asked.
Wyatt got to his feet. “Yes, I suppose she is.”
“Don’t let her take my baby. I don’t want her to have him.”
The woman held out her hand to Wyatt and he shook it. “I’m Connie Grimes, Darlene’s sister, and I’m here to help with my nephew.”
“No!” Darlene shouted through the phone. “I don’t want her to have him. She’s wanted everything I’ve ever had and she’s not getting Dustin!”
Rico didn’t know what to think, but the conversation soon escalated into a shouting match until Wyatt put a stop to it.
There was quiet for a brief moment and then the social worker spoke to Darlene. “We have to find a home for Dustin. Your sister is willing...”
“No. She doesn’t even like kids. That’s why she doesn’t have any of her own. She’s mean and cruel. No, I refuse to let her have Dustin.”
“Darlene.” Ms. Henshaw sighed. “Dustin needs a home until you get out of prison.”
“Who’s keeping him now?”
Ms. Henshaw glanced at Rico. “Jericho Johnson.”
“Who? I never heard of him. Is he from Horseshoe?”
Wyatt jumped back into the conversation. “Rico, as everyone calls him, works on Rebel Ranch. He’s part of the Rebel family and he was the one who found Dusty looking for food and brought him to my office. He and Dusty have formed a connection.”
“Is Mr. Johnson there?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m right here and Dusty is outside the office.”
“I’d like to talk to my son.”
Rico went into the squad room, picked up Dusty and carried him into the sheriff’s office. Anamarie waited for them. “He’s here.”
“Baby, it’s Mommy.”
Dustin’s eyes flew wide. “Mommy, are you coming to get me? Grandma went to be with Jesus.”
There was a long pause on the line and then they heard sniffling. “No, baby, I can’t come right now. I still need more time, but I want to find a nice place for you to stay until I can get there.”
“I can stay with Rico. He got horses and he got toys. I stay with Rico.”
“Okay, baby, I needed to hear your voice. I love you and I’ll see you soon.”
“I love you, too, Mommy.”
Rico took the boy to Anamarie and went back into the office. Connie was in full tirade. “You’ve always been stubborn thinking of yourself instead of others. Think of your son for once.”
“Why do you want my son? You told Mom he should be in foster care.”
“You needed to be taught a lesson, but what was I thinking? You never learn, not even when we were little. You defied Mom and Dad and did exactly what you wanted.”
There was another long pause as they waited for Darlene to speak.
“Yeah, because you tattled on me so many times. Even when we were in school you tattled to teachers and got me in trouble. You ruined my whole school experience with your jealousy. You took a lot of things from me, but you will never take my son.”
Darlene seemed to take a breath, and then asked, “Mr. Johnson?”
Rico leaned against the doorjamb, but at the sound of his name he stood up straight. “Yes, ma’am?”
“Do you live on Rebel Ranch?”
“Yes.”
“I remember how beautiful it was and I wanted to live in that big house with all those handsome cowboys. I want Dusty to be somewhere where he’s happy. He wants to stay with you. Do you think you could keep him until I get out? My lawyer said I could probably get out in three months.”
He saw this coming when Dusty had said he wanted to stay with Rico, but he didn’t really believe Darlene would want him to take the boy. His heart was going to get involved, especially when he would have to give the boy back. So many questions rolled around in his head, but there was only one answer. For him. For Dusty.
“Sheriff,” Darlene called. “Do you vouch for Mr. Johnson?”
“Yes, ma’am, I do. He’s a good man. He was one of the guys who helped get our kids out of the gym when the bombs went off in our school.”
“I remember reading about that. I was just glad my Dustin wasn’t in school yet.”
There was a short pause and then, “Ms. Henshaw, I’d like for Mr. Johnson
