Faith's Sheriff (Montgomery Family and Friends) by Iris Abbott Page B

alerting the sheriff’s department, state law enforcement, and a private security company.”   
    Cole gave the deputy a few last minute instructions and then shook hands with the man.  He had done his duty, now he was free to concentrate on Faith. 
    He walked back to join the group in the back of the ambulance.  One paramedic was busy cleaning the cut on Faith’s forehead.  The other was still asking her questions and scribbling the answers down on the paper attached to his clipboard. 
    “How’s it going,” he asked the paramedic with the clipboard. 
    “Everything seems to be okay Sheriff Duncan.  She had a three inch cut on part of her scalp and forehead, but it wasn’t too deep.  No need for stiches.  She has a small bump and possibly a slight concussion.  Her pupils are normal and there is no nausea or vomiting.  She should probably go to the hospital for further treatment and an MRI scan, but she’s refusing.”
    Cole didn’t like the sound of a trip to the hospital.  It was a security nightmare, but he wasn’t taking any chances with her health and he wasn’t going to let her be careless either.  “I tell you what.   Go ahead and get all the information you need for your report and then I’ll take her to the hospital myself.”
    Both paramedics looked relieved.  They quickly finished what they were doing and then happily turned the reluctant patient over to the sheriff.
    Cole scooped Faith into his arms and carried her over to his SUV.  He opened the front passenger door with one hand and then gently deposited her onto the front seat.  “You’re going to the emergency room and that’s final,” he told her.  “I don’t want any arguments.  I’m going to radio ahead and tell them I’m bringing in a witness in protective custody.  That way we can get in and out as fast as possible without anyone else being the wiser.”
    Faith sighed.  “Is that necessary?  There might be people in the hospital that are worse off than me.”
    Cole gave her a sobering look.  “There might be, but they probably don’t have a murderer hot on their trail either.  There is no doubt about it.   We’re doing this my way.”  It looked like he was going to have to play the work card.  “As far as the hospital is concerned this is official police business, so it takes priority.”
    What could she say to that?  Whoever was after her had upped the stakes today and things had gone from scary to downright terrifying.  Faith leaned back in the seat and tried to get as comfortable as her bumps and bruises would allow.  “Okay what now?” She finally thought to ask.
    “You were right.  You can’t go back to Caroline’s house.  It might put her and the rest of her family in danger.  You can’t go back to your rental or even my house, because Tome can find you there.”
    “I know all that,” Faith cut in.  She twisted her hands in agitation.  “I hate being cut off from my friends.  I thought I’d moved past that time in my life, but it’s happening all over again.”
    Cole reached out and grabbed one of her hands and held it tight with his own.  “You’re not cut off from everybody.  You still have me.  I’m not going anywhere.”
    “Promise,” the relief was evident in her voice.
    Cole squeezed her hand.  “I promise.  I own a small two-bedroom log cabin on the other side of the lake from the Wakefield’s house,” he explained.  “The cabin belonged to my grandfather and I inherited it when he passed away.  I use it as a fishing cabin,” he gave a small frown.   “That is when I have the time.  Most of the locals know about it, but Richard Tome didn’t grow up around here, so there’s a good chance he doesn’t know about the cabin.”
    “You want me to stay in your fishing cabin?”
    “I think it would be best if both of us stay there.  I think this latest attempt on your life proves that you need twenty-four hour a day protection.  While you’re being