Page 11 of Rancher to the Rescue

“It’s too early to rule anything out,” Lawler said.

She appreciated him for not stating the obvious, that she could be the one who took the baby from someone. Again, she went back to the fact there would be someone out there searching for the sweet little girl.

“I apologize for asking the question, but have you had any alcoholic beverages today?” Lawler asked.

Adam blew out a sharp breath and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“No. At least, I don’t think so,” she admitted. There was no way to be certain if she couldn’t remember how or when she’d come up with a baby.

“Do you have a habit of taking illegal substances?” Lawler continued.

Adam muttered a curse before dropping his hand. “Come on.”

“I have to ask tough questions, Adam. I wouldn’t be doing my job otherwise.” His explanation didn’t calm Adam down. Although, he did nod his understanding.

“No. I don’t take drugs, illegal or otherwise. I’d be happy to show you my medicine cabinet at home where you’ll find vitamins and medication prescribed specifically to me,” she defended.

The room sat quiet for too long. The silence made Prudence uncomfortable.

Then, Lawler leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. “Jenn is here to take the baby and I need your full cooperation for a smooth transition.”

“Does she have to? Can’t she interview me? I’ll volunteer to care for the baby until you find her next of kin or what about…” Hope died on Prudence’s lips as she spoke. She didn’t finish her sentence before the sheriff was shaking his head.

“I’m sorry,” was all he said.

“Hear me out,” she continued. “She knows me, and we have formula for her. Casey brought up diapers and wipes. There’s plenty to get through the night. Plus, she’s already asleep and—”

“That’s impossible,” Lawler cut her off. He didn’t seem like he was trying to be rude. In fact, he seemed more like he was trying to stop a roaring train before it slammed into a wall. He waved his hands in the air. “Jenn here is trained in how to handle these delicate situations. She’ll find an appropriate temporary home—”

“She deserves to stay where she’s comfortable,” Prudence whispered. “And that seems to be here with me.”

“Like I said, ma’am, I apologize for being unable to grant your request. You’re welcome to fill out an application to become a foster parent—”

“That could take weeks or months to set up. It would be too late,” Adam intervened. He’d been standing off to the side, watching quietly as the whole scene unfolded. When he finally looked up, he had fire in his eyes.

A trill of excitement that he would take up for her rocketed through her, fueling her. “What if I hand over access to my accounts? Let you come check my medicine cabinet to make sure I’m not taking anything that could hamper my ability to care for her?”

Again, Lawler shook his head.

“What are we talking about here?” Adam added. “An overnight stay?”

“Yes. Overnight to start,” Lawler said. “We don’t know the circumstances yet, though. This could end up dragging on for days, possibly weeks.”

“I’m willing to go the distance until she’s safe in her own bed again,” Prudence volunteered. She understood the pickle he was in. How could he give a baby to someone who couldn’t remember how she came across her in the first place?

“There’s no need to do that,” Adam said with the kind of finality that would put him in the head seat in any board room. “How about this. She stays here with me. I take care of her.”

“You sure you want to do that with everything you have going on?” Lawler asked.

“My name was tucked inside the blanket, Timothy. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” Adam turned to Jenn. “Thank you for stopping by. It doesn’t look like we’ll be needing your services after all.”

Adam’s mind was made up. Someone had written his name on a slip of paper. Prudence was on his family’s property and she’d been one hundred percent honest about everything she remembered. He could see it in her eyes. Plus, there was no reason for her to lie.

“Sheriff?” Jenn’s gaze bounced from him to Lawler and back.

Lawler gave a nod.

“Mind if I check her out before I leave? For my report,” Jenn said.