By Marie S

Marie covertly watched her husband on the phone while she loaded clothes into the washer. Something was wrong. She could tell by Bud’s demeanor. He was very quiet, mostly listening. Yet he asked a few questions and was being very careful that she didn’t overhear what he said.

That was very unusual behavior for Bud. In fact the only time she’d observed him do that in the past was when he worked homicide in LA and didn’t want her to hear any grisly details. She gripped the edge of the washer. Surely there couldn’t be something like that going on here in this idyllic place?

But Marie knew better. You didn’t have to be in the big city for bad things to happen. Evil could appear anywhere and at anytime. And she knew Bud was speaking to Sheriff John Biebe. She’d heard Bud greet him before he got so quiet.

She shivered and looked up again at Bud. Now he watched her with his appraising manner. She mechanically finished what she was doing as she waited for him to get off the phone. She felt Bud’s eyes continue to watch her. His concern was evident.

Marie met his eyes again when she heard him click off the phone. She waited. Unaware she was holding her breath.

A small smile flickered across Bud’s face before he became serious again.

"Breath, Hon."

Bud was still amazed at how intuitive his wife could be. He knew she hadn’t heard his conversation. She’d picked up the tone and jumped to some sort of conclusion that was probably right. Marie would have made a helluva detective with her instincts. He was glad she wasn’t. Bud wasn’t convinced women should be cops.

He watched her draw in a slow deep breath; still waiting for him to speak.

"I’ll drive you to work. And pick you up when you’re done. I don’t want you going anywhere alone for now."

By the look of fear on her face Bud knew she’d guessed right.

"Who, Bud? Is it someone we know?" She fought to keep her voice steady.

"I don’t think you knew her; maybe by sight. It was the girl living with that Hitler lover I helped take down. She was found murdered in the woods today. Not far; too fucking close."

Bud’s hand clenched into a fist. He wanted to get a piece of the bastard. From what Biebe told him it had been brutal and the girl fought hard for her life. Marie didn’t need to hear any details. She was strong, but sensitive.

"Her name was Marce," she whispered. "I think so. Oh, Bud. This is awful." A tear slipped down her cheek.

Bud was at her side in an instant and wrapped her in his big strong arms. She hugged him back around his chest. As much as Bud was chomping at the bit to be a part of this homicide investigation…hell, he could’ve begged Biebe to bring him in, but…

Marie was his priority. She wouldn’t fight him on this. Bud wasn’t being paranoid and over protective like before. Just cautious when he said she shouldn’t be alone. Not till the killer was caught or dead. Bud preferred the latter.

She looked up into his eyes. Sad, but trusting him completely.

"Remember, I don’t have to work today, Bud. I was going to do some of the planting in the bed you dug for me yesterday."

Marie had started working part time at the clinic as a nurse practitioner. She liked her new job, but enjoyed her days at home as much. Bud had been working so hard on their new house and the grounds. He was very good at this kind of work. And she could tell all he wanted to do was go back to being a detective. He was restless at times around the house.

His arms suddenly stiffened around her.

"Is the little one at home alone?"

A small smile graced Marie’s lips. Bud had taken to calling her younger cousin, Ashley, ‘the little one.’ He already had a huge soft spot for her. Marie knew part of it was because Ashley looked so much like her. And also they’d recently found out that Ashley was pregnant.

Marie’s expression turned to one of concern when she realized where Bud’s thoughts were going.

"She is, Bud. Lachlan is away flying."

Bud already knew Curry was away. What Marie didn’t know was he’d asked Bud to keep an eye on Ashley and make sure she was okay. The girl was now his responsibility the same as Marie. She needed to be under his protection. Here.

He handed Marie his phone. "Call her. Tell her to pack a bag to stay until Curry comes home. I’ll get the truck." Bud strode from the room.

Marie called Ashley and convinced her to come and stay with them while Lachlan was away at work. She was relieved to hear her voice and that she was fine. She didn’t tell her about the murder over the phone; wanting instead to tell her in person. Ashley wasn’t feeling well during her first trimester and Marie wanted to protect her.

She did tell her to not answer the door until she was sure it was them. She skirted around Ashley’s questions by telling her Bud was pulling up outside and they’d be right over. She ran to the guest bedroom to make sure it was ready for their guest. She heard Bud actually pull up, locked their front door and ran out to meet him.

"She’s expecting us, Bud." Bud helped her climb up into the truck. Marie noticed he was wearing his gun and holster.

The clouds were deepening. Bud White would make sure the wagons were circled to protect his own.