Geneva's Star:

The Love Story of Samantha McGillinen and Oakley Andrews.

Geneva's Star Teaser...

“I’ve been asked by the Ely town council to speak for them,” Brock continued.

Oakley was barely paying attention.  He was focused on Samantha McGillinen, but trying to stare at her.  Instead his eyes flicked nervously about the room.

“The council, I acting as Marshall, and most of the town folk would like you to take the temporary position of Sheriff,” Brock remarked.  He was wondering why Oakley was pulling at his collar and looking around the room.  “Then run for the position during elections.”

“I’m sorry,” Oakley answered pulling some papers from his desk in an attempt to give a different excuse for his distraction. “What did you say?”

Brock had no idea what got into the normally organized and focused Pinkerton.  He noted Oakley was still acting distracted.  Brock pulled a chair from the front of the desk, put it down on next to Oakley’s chair, and grabbed Oakley’s shoulders forcing him to look into his eyes.  “I said the town wants you to be acting sheriff and then run for election later.  Will you take the job?”

Oakley’s mouth dropped.  He shut it.  He opened his mouth in an attempt to speak once again.  Nothing came out.

“Are you in there?” Brock asked in exasperation.

Oakley’s mind was racing.  He was being offered a job.  Lord he wanted and needed a job.  He wanted to stay in Ely.  He liked law enforcement.  He just hadn’t liked being undercover.  This was too good to be true.  Oakley gathered his wits and replied. “Yes, I’m here.  I’m a bit stunned is all.  Yes, I will take the position, happily.”

“Good,” Brock stated slapping his knees with his hands.  “One thing accomplished this morning.”  He pulled out the Ely Sheriff star and gave it to Oakley.  “Put it on.  You start work immediately.” 

Oakley pinned it on his shirt and Brock, with the authority of Federal Marshall, swore him in to his duties as the Sheriff of Ely.  Then Brock and Blue took turns in shaking his hand with congratulations.

Samantha had remained quiet until the shaking of hands.  She walked up to Oakley, stretched a bit to plant a small kiss on his cheek.  “Congratulations,” she whispered. “You’re a fine man, a brave man, and you will make a wonderful sheriff.”

Oakley suddenly felt very warm.  If he were looking in a mirror he would see he was flushed from the roots of his hairs down to the toes in his boots.  This little darling of a woman turned him into mush pure and simple.

“Ma and Pa want you to come to dinner some time,” Samantha added flashing Oakley a large smile.  She liked Oakley, a lot.  She didn’t care for any boy like this before, but then Oakley was a man.  He was not a boy.  Samantha held her breath.  She was hoping he would accept the invitation.  Why did she want to see him?  It was like she needed to see him and hope he would talk with her.  She hadn’t told anyone how she felt about Oakley.  She wasn’t sure about what she felt.  Samantha remembered her mother and Blue talking about Brock.  Her mother had told her about strong feelings and knowing just who might be the right man for someone.  Was that what she felt? 

“I would be proud to come to dinner,” Oakley answered timidly.  He looked to Brock for assurance that he had been invited.

“Good, we’ll all go to dinner when Blue and I get back from Carson City,” Brock responded taking Blue’s arm as a sign they were leaving.  “Blue and I have some things to attend to.  I’ll be back tomorrow to take our prisoners to Carson City for trial.  Jared and a couple of Shoshone warriors will be coming with me.  You are really good with paper work.  I’m counting on you to make certain everything is in order.”

“Everything will be ready,” Oakley promised.  He was comfortable with this role and was good at what he did. 

Brock and Blue left the room.  Brock returned a minute later, “Sam, are you coming?  I can see Cho and Lei Ling coming in the wagon.”

“Yes I’m coming,” Samantha responded.  She looked at Oakley.  “I’m glad you’re coming to dinner.  I look forward to seeing you.”

Oakley’s heart skipped a beat.  He thought he would be glad to come and couldn’t wait for Brock and Blue to come back from the State Capital.  He watched her leave his office.  She was so beautiful to him.  He sat down to finish the last interviews and then he would begin on the transfer paper work and criminal charges on the prisoners going to Carson City for trial.