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“Never.”
Tendrils of relief wended through the flames of fear blazing in my veins.
“What was he doing here?” I asked, knowing full well Mack had interrogated the kid for me.
“Said he drove up to surprise his grandparents for their anniversary, but took a wrong turn and got lost.”
“You believe him?”
Mack shrugged. “He didn’t smell like a PI.”
“What’s a PI smell like?” Emma asked.
“Coffee and desperation.” Mack smirked. “This kid was smoking a joint, drinkingRed Bull,and listening toPink Floyd.”
I still wasn’t convinced. “See any weapons, paperwork, or extra wallet?”
“Nope.”
“Thanks for covering my six,” I said, picking up the piece of paper and Mack’s phone as I stood.
“Where are you goin’?” Emma asked.
“To make sure Matthew is who he says he is.”
“What about your breakfast? I-it’s gonna get cold.”
I leaned down and smiled. “Darlin’, I don’t give a fuck if my breakfast turns to ice. All I care about is keeping you safe.”
As her chin quivered in my palm and she blinked away the tears filling her eyes, I pressed a raw, possessive kiss to her pouty lips. I flashed her a wink, then turned and raced up to my office.
After doing some digging, I confirmed Matthew Carter was indeed who he claimed, and that his grandparents truly did live four miles north of me.
Finally able to breathe again, I quickly checked out a few security companies. I wanted to get cameras and motion detectors installed immediately. I was comparing prices when my cell phone chimed. Dragging it from my pocket, I semi-cringed at Dalton’s name on the caller ID. I hadn’t been to the club or barely talked to him since the day of the tornado.
“What’s up, boss?” I answered.
“Just making sure you’re still alive, man. I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
“I know. Sorry. I’ve been super busy,” I lied.
“Well, you need to get un-busy. The subs at the club are missing you like crazy…weallare.”
“It’s kinda hard to get away at the moment.”
“You on the bounty hunting trail again?”
“No, not right now,” I said, scrubbing a hand through my hair. “Remember the woman I was with after the tornado?”
“Of course, I do.” Dalton paused, then chortled. “You didn’t take her home did you…well, not toherhome, right?”
“I tried, but…It’s gotten a little complicated.”
“If she’s still at the ranch, I’d say that’s a good complication.”
“Sort of.”
“Did you show her how you like to…play on the dark side?”
