Chapter 18 - Bitter Coffee

Alec's office at the Lone Ridge police station was large, with the same authoritarian air that he carried with him. A Texas flag occupied one of the walls, while the organized desk contrasted with the sheriff's explosive personality. He threw his hat on the table, walked over to the coffee machine on the counter and poured himself a strong espresso. When he returned to his chair, he let out a heavy sigh.

The problems with Alexandra were taking away his sleep and, as if that wasn't enough, Kyera's return only made everything worse. For Alec, the return of the deed was not an innocent gesture. It had the finger of Vince O'Bryan, the man he distrusted most in the world. Alec didn't know what Kyera's father wanted with the stud farm, but he was willing to thwart any plan he had.

So distracted in his thoughts, Alec didn't even notice when Dominic entered. As usual, she opened the door like a hurricane, causing him to jump and spill coffee on his shirt.

— What the hell, Dominic! – Alec squawked, cursing as he tried to wipe the stain with a napkin.

— Cut it out, Alec! – Dominic threw some papers on the table, his voice filled with irritation. – Shredding forms? Really? What kind of sheriff does that? What kind of sheriff does that?

He looked up, giving her a sarcastic smile.

— This girl only arrived two days ago and she's already causing chaos. You remember what she was like, a troublemaking brat. I just want to keep the city safe.

— Oh, please! – Dominic snorted, crossing his arms. – Kyera just wants to work. You act like you're still twelve. You're a sheriff, Alec! Not some schoolyard bully.

His expression hardened when he heard Kyera's name. He got up and went to the closet to get a clean shirt, something he kept there because of Dominic's "interventions".

— That girl was always a problem, Dom. Because of her, Star was sacrificed, and Dad still put his hand on her head, as he always did.

— Alec, for God's sake! That happened years ago. – Dominic took a few steps forward, incredulous. – Are you really going to keep holding a grudge over a childhood accident?

Alec didn't answer right away. He simply put on his new shirt, buttoning it up while staring at Dominic with a sour look.

— And since when are you, her lawyer? Why are you in such a hurry to defend the "saintly" Kyera Winter?

— It's not about her, it's about you! – Dominic approached the desk, pointing an accusing finger. – You're the authority in Lone Ridge. Your duty is to set an example, but instead you act like an impulsive brat. What image do you think you're giving off?

Alec smiled, but the sarcasm carried a hint of venom.

— Careful, Dominic. You're not exactly in a position to lecture on example and respect.

— How is that? – Dominic frowned, clearly suspicious. – What are you talking about?

— Your failed attempt to escape. You know, avoiding Lin at all costs, as if that would solve anything.

— Frustrated escape? Me? – Dominic retorted indignantly, crossing his arms. – I'm not running away from anything, Alec!

— Aren't you? – Alec arched an eyebrow, his tone insolent. – Was it me, by any chance, who gave up my job as a deputy to stay on the streets? Oh, wait... it was you. All this to get away from your ex-fiancé. Come on, Dominic, get real. I'm not the only one here acting like a child. This week alone, I've had to break up about five arguments between the two of you.

Dominic's face hardened and she took a deep breath. He was trying to keep control, but his eyes betrayed the gleam of restrained hurt.

— And it's your fault!

— My fault? – Alec narrowed his eyes. – Why the hell should it be my fault?

— Because I begged you to get him out of Lone Ridge! – Dominic shot back, his voice oscillating between anger and frustration. – But what have you done? You put Lin in a bloody administrative position, where he's still there, in my way, every single day.

Alec rubbed his face in exasperation and let out a heavy sigh.

— Dominic, I've already told you: I can't get Lin out of the department and send him somewhere else. All my transfer requests come back with a negative response or, worse, no response at all. – He faced his sister, his voice less harsh. – What do you want me to do? Kick Lin out of the corporation?

— That would be a good start! – Dominic retorted immediately, his gaze defiant, as if daring him to deny it. – I've been betrayed and humiliated, Alec. And every day, when I come in here, I have to see him sitting at that damn table next to me, as if nothing had happened.

Alec let out a long sigh, then moved closer, his tone less harsh, almost brotherly.

— Look, I'm sorry I said that. You’re an excellent professional, Dominic. Courageous, intelligent. And as a sister, she's even better. – His hand rested firmly on his sister's shoulder; the gesture full of sincerity. He looked at her honestly. – It breaks my heart to see you suffer like this and miss out on opportunities because of some asshole. The worst thing is not being able to do anything about it.

For a moment, Dominic's face softened. She allowed herself a brief smile, her eyes carrying a gleam of gratitude.

— I know you're trying to help me. And it's okay, Alec, really. I can handle Lin, as long as he doesn't cross my path. – Dominic squeezed his shoulder back, before pulling him into a quick hug. – As for the deputy post... it's not time yet. I need some time. Working the streets is what keeps me centered, and when I'm ready, I'll conquer it the right way.

Alec nodded, finally pulling away to throw himself back in his chair. He picked up the forms from the table and began to sign them, frowning in concentration.

— Right, I'll do as you say. I'll stop picking on you for it. – He pushed the signed papers towards her. – Can you give these to Kyera? As you said yourself, I can deal with her... as long as she doesn't cross my path. But I very much doubt that will happen.

Dominic let out a laugh, amused by his brother's reluctance, as he picked up the forms.

— Just promise me you'll treat her like every citizen of Lone Ridge deserves. With respect.

Alec snorted, his lips curving into a crooked smile.

— Promise, I won't. That girl is hiding something, and I'm still going to find out what it is.

Dominic rolled her eyes, exasperated.

— Right, stubborn sheriff! But please change your mood. Otherwise, you'll drive someone crazy around here.

— Alexandra's fault! – Alec grumbled, almost angrily. – That woman is wearing me out!

Dominic gave a half-smile as he turned to leave, but his voice echoed down the corridor.

— At least take it out on a gym punching bag, not the others.

Alec looked at the now-signed forms and sighed again, feeling the weight of his own frustrations.

— As if that would solve... – he muttered, leaning back in his chair, his expression pensive.

— Listen, if it's so complicated to schedule the litigation hearing, why don't you talk to Allan? – Dominic suggested, stopping at the door and leaning on the knocker. – Maybe he'll lend a hand? Since you vetoed me talking to Ranya... You know very well that she's tough and wouldn't make Lex's life any easier.

— I doubt that very much! – Alec grumbled; his voice laced with bad humor. – I bet Lex is being helped by her father just to curl up and not sign the papers.

He frowned suddenly, Dominic's suggestion sparking something in his mind.

— Wait a minute... Why on earth did you suggest I talk to Allan?

The question was laden with a slight exasperation, as if Alec was hiding something and feared Dominic would find out. To his relief, she didn't notice anything strange and just shrugged, casual.

— Aren't you the one who keeps saying that Allan has great contacts? Maybe he knows someone on the forum who can arrange the hearing without Josh, Bryan or Lex finding out.

Alec paused for a second, thoughtful. Then he slapped his palm to his forehead in disbelief.

— Damn! Why didn't I think of that before?

Dominic cracked a smug smile, ready to tease:

— Because you're handsome, while I'm brilliant.

— Get to work, Dominic! – Alec retorted, throwing a pen in her direction.

She dodged at the last moment and ran out of the room, laughing. Alec let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. Dominic's words echoed in his mind. Picking up his cell phone, he dialed a number.

— Hello? Allan, do you have some time? What do I need to talk to you about? – came the short but attentive reply:

— Two favors. And they're the kind that only you can solve.

On the other end of the line, Allan remained silent for a few seconds, as if pondering his words. Finally, he answered in a firm, practical voice:

— Meet me at the cafeteria in the square in thirty minutes.

Alec hung up the phone and let out a heavy sigh, feeling a thread of hope finally emerge from the chaos. Perhaps Allan could help him bring closure to the soap opera that had been dragging on for almost two years. The divorce had consumed his patience and his nights of sleep, and he knew that as long as it didn't come to an end, peace would remain a mirage.

With his shoulders still tense, Alec looked at his watch. Thirty minutes. Maybe this time things would start to change.

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