Man Behind The Badge. Pamela Toth

them.

      “How long have you lived here?” Robin asked Carol as they turned the corner at the end of her street.

      “Ten years.” Carol glanced into the rearview mirror. “I teach secondary school in Elizabeth. Erline tells me you’re from Chicago.”

      “Born and bred.”

      “I went to Chicago once on vacation with my family, but I didn’t care for it much,” Carol replied, turning another corner. She pronounced her I as Ah. Robin was surprised her accent was still so strong after a decade spent in Colorado.

      Before Robin had the chance to think up a suitable response, Carol whipped the car over to an empty spot by the curb. Other vehicles already lined both sides of the street.

      Robin hadn’t driven down this way or had time to do much exploring yet, but now she saw the sign in front of the big one-story building that appeared to be their destination. Despite the waning daylight, Charlie’s Heart pulsated in red and pink neon. When Erline opened the car door, Robin could hear the rhythmic throb of music coming from inside the club.

      The sign made her think of the sheriff. Charlie must be a common nickname in Waterloo. Would he be here tonight or was he at home with a family of his own? She hadn’t noticed a ring on his finger, but of course that didn’t mean anything and she hadn’t really been looking.

      An image of little cowkids wearing miniature badges and cowboy hats made her smother a grin. Then a gorgeous blonde slid into Robin’s mental picture and tucked her arm through Sheriff Winchester’s.

      Robin blinked away the image as Erline got out of the Honda and smoothed down her skirt. Carol wore black pants and a long top that flattered her plump figure. Gold bangle bracelets sparkled in the light and her perfume reeked of name brand exclusivity. It made Robin want to sneeze.

      “Hey, ladies!” called out a cowboy-type as he pulled open the front door to Charlie’s. He was wearing pressed jeans and a bright turquoise shirt with pearl snaps and a lightning bolt across the chest. Two other men, similarly dressed, were with him. All three wore black Stetsons and western boots.

      “Hi, Bobby Joe.” Erline waved at the men before they disappeared inside. She turned back to Carol and Robin. “Looks like a good crowd tonight.”

      “It’s always like this when they have a decent band and Charlie sings,” Carol replied, raising her voice over the sound of the music.

      Butterflies danced in Robin’s midsection, and she slowed her pace as an attack of nerves hit her. What had she been thinking? She would much rather be at home in her bathrobe with a rented movie and bowl of popcorn.

      As if she could sense Robin’s sudden reluctance, Erline hooked an arm through hers and tugged her forward. She spoke directly into Robin’s ear. “Don’t worry, we’ll look out for you, and everyone’s real friendly here.”

      “Thanks,” Robin muttered, her mouth dry, as Erline turned her loose. Taking a deep breath, she followed her companions through the front door. It was painted red and adorned with an elaborate brass knob in the shape of entwined hearts. To Robin they might as well have been gargoyles.

      Even inside the club, the music from a very good sound system wasn’t overwhelming. Trying to adjust her vision to the dimness of the interior, Robin bumped into Carol, who’d stopped at the hostess podium. Carol flashed her a smile as Erline spoke to an attractive young woman in a red jumpsuit.

      In moments the three of them were seated at a round table on one side of a large room. The chair backs were heart-shaped red leather. In the middle of the table a ruby glass candle holder gave a romantic glow. The overall decor of the room had a Western theme, which wasn’t surprising, but it also managed to appear both intimate and trendy.

      A small stage was at one end of the room, on it an elaborate set of drums, several speakers and some other sound equipment. A panel of lights hung overhead. The dance floor was slightly larger than Erline had described, and a bar carved of dark wood ran along the opposite wall. Behind the bar was a mirrored wall with glass shelves filled with liquor bottles. Along the top ran a neon border in red, pink and gold. Many of the bar stools were already occupied, as were most of the tables.

      Several racks of antlers adorned one paneled wall, but at least there weren’t any mounted animal heads. Through an arched doorway, Robin could see pool tables in another room and more people.

      “I’m having the prime rib,” Erline announced, sliding aside her unopened menu. “How about you two?”