He grinned at her when she announced she didn’t read minds.  There were some thoughts he’d just as soon keep to himself.  Irene was having to come to grips with her husband’s death all over again and Sam hated it, but this was her duty as she saw it and it was his sworn duty . . . to the public through the court and the judge, and personally to her, so he was going to see it through.  That usually meant it got done.<br/><br/>Her pause at the bottom step and her sigh did not go unnoticed by Sam.  On the top step he turned and faced her.  He took each of her hands into his and stood very close to her.  He spoke to her in a gentle whisper.<br/><br/>“Darlin’ . . . I’ll not make a spectacle out here in front of this man, but consider this a whispered kiss.  I love you Irene . . . and I ain’t no fortune teller neither . . . so I don’t know what’s in store for us . . . not even in there with this man . . . but I’m hoping one day you’ll be coming back here for a license again . . . and that I’ll be with you.  Awww hell with it.”  He muttered as he kissed her.  It was as loving and sweet a kiss as he knew how to give her.  When he leaned back and looked at her he spoke firmly but not angrily . . . at least at first.  “I don’t give a crap about who this guy is and whether he knows you from the saloon.  Darlin’ you’re not your past and you’re not your job.  I was who I am long before I got to be doing what I’m doing . . . and maybe it works out that who I am fits with what I do but it doesn’t define me or you.”<br/><br/>He kissed her again just like before.<br/><br/>“Irene . . . I don’t know yet if you’ve caught on but I’ve got standards darlin’ and I’m mighty good at measurin’ folks against them . . . If I do say so . . . and Irene . . . you’re way past my highest expectations so do I need to say anything more?”<br/><br/>Sam smiled but didn’t wait for her to answer as he took her in his arms and kissed her gently with a hug.<br/><br/>“But Irene . . . as much as I hate doing this to you . . . you’ve got to come in to get the drawing done . . . and the info I want is all public records so he best not stall me on any of it or I’ll put him sideways on that horse I got ready for you and I’ll take him for a ride up to explain to the Judge why he’s not fulfilling his duty.  I’m not taking any shit from anyone in this town.  A man was murdered damn it and the lying bastards for whatever reasons sought to pin it on you and I damn well am going to know why . . . and who . . . so my darlin can get some peace and move on with her life . . . and that’s just how I ride.  So let’s get this done . . . okay?  And I’m sorry for being so long-winded . . . that’s usually not me unless I get my passion up . . . so now you know that too.”<br/><br/>Sam kept one of Irene’s hands in his as he turned and opened the door to the clerk’s office and held it open for her.<br/>