Ring of Fear

There was the barest hesitation before Michaels shook his head.

"However," Rafe continued, as if Michaels had made no response at all, "since I never have bribed a policeman, I won't start now. But a close personal friend, Jim Michaels, is under no such restraint."

"Mis…"

"How's that again, Jim?"

Oh, Rafe can be… be… unswervable.

"You arrange some vacation time with the captain, Jim. Nialla and I won't take no for your answer."

"We'll see," Jim Michaels replied with a faint grin.

"Indeed we will." And Rafe accepted the challenge.

The storm the night before had cleared the air of humidity and noxious odors. Michaels kind of shook himself as he walk across the porch and down the stairs to the car. We stood, arms about each other, until he was out of sight.

"Okay, Mrs. Clery. Shall we go school some horses now?"

I answered the smile and the cocky gleam in those brilliant eyes the only way possible.

"Sure, Mr. Clery."