Cole jumps onto the line.“Sheriff Cates is going to want to be involved.I’ll call him and get him updated.Better it comes from us in case someone saw us out here.”
A gruff voice intercedes.“Can’t happen yet, Cole.”
I grin, not realizing Jay was up in the chopper.I’d recognize his voice anywhere.“We’re going to drop these guys off along with Tommy and his crew.They’ll get them to talk, and then you can bring Sheriff Cates into the fold,” Jay tells us all.
My jaw tightens knowing what a predicament that will put Cole, Garrett, and Mason right in the middle of with the sheriff.Nothing is ever as straightforward as it should be, that’s for damn sure.“Jules and I are going to head to Wild Deuces.We’llcatch up with you and the guys there, Cole.Thanks for the assist, everyone.”
“Roger that.”
Jules’ eyebrows raise.“You think they’ll talk to those guys?”
“They’ll talk.”They won’t be given a choice, but that’s nothing that Jules needs to deal with or know anything about.“As soon as they do, the sheriff can lock them up.”
“Then your job is done, you’ll join your group, and life will go on.You’ll leave this town and I’ll be a memory of a good time.”
And now I know exactly what’s bothering the blue-eyed little doll.
10
Jules
Ishould have never kissed him, or asked him to kiss me, or kissed him again.Damn it all to hell.I knew there was more to this than physical attraction, no matter how much I wanted to deny it.
I’m not sure at all how I feel about knowingly jumping into bed with someone who’s going to be piling into his truck and then saying goodbye just a short time later.But that’s exactly what I want to do, damn the consequences.What if I don’t and always regret never feeling his touch?
Patti’s message distracts me momentarily.I glance toward Beckett who seems deep in thought.“Patti sent me a text to let me know her and the others are in the back lot, going over the stage details with the contractors.”
I point to the side road right before the block that Wild Deuces is on.“Take a right here, and then the second left.There’s a little out of the way place to park, and we can walk in from there.The secondary lot we used last night will be full of trucks for the job.”
Beckett follows my directions and we’ve no sooner parked and reached the construction area than Patti, Lacy, and PJ walk out.“Where’s Krissy?”I ask, scanning the group, seeing the men and Sheriff Cates by the other side of the parking lot.“And Lettie?”
Patti gives me a wry look.“Lettie’s serving lunch today.She absolutely insisted, and Krissy is with the kids at home.Cole has a perimeter of Tommy’s men making sure no one gets to either of them.”
Lacy shakes her head.“I think if the guys had their way, they would like all of us ladies in one place, but they knew none of us except Krissy would go for it.If I had kids, maybe.But I don’t and they’re not bullying me out of my home or off the streets of my hometown.Not while I have a breath left in this body.”
Cole, Garrett, Mason, Sheriff Cates and Kenny stop talking as we approach.Cole glances directly at Beckett, then me, and winks.“Sounds like there was an explosion just outside of town.Sheriff Cates sent a few highway patrolmen out to investigate but it doesn’t sound like there’s much left.And no witnesses at all, at least that we know of yet.”
Cole opens the flap on the black tented area.We all follow him in, thankful for the reprieve from the heat of the sun that’s already beating down with an intensity that’s not likely to let up until at least six o'clock tonight.
I don’t say a word, but the truth is bound to come out, right?What if someone saw Beckett’s truck and Sheriff Cates questions him and he becomes a suspect.
My mind races with all the possibilities, until Beckett’s hand folds mine in his as we trail behind the others.He leans down, puts his arm around my shoulder, and whispers in my ear.“Stop worrying, darling.”
Not worrying is easier said than done.I’ve never seen anything like what just happened out on the highway in my life.And those men who ran, somewhere they’re being questioned.Beckett doesn’t have to paint me a picture.I know exactly how the mafia makes people talk.I’ve watched a movie a time or two.
Tommy, his men, and Beckett’s friends are on our side though.That should make me feel better but still, the threat is hardly over yet.
I may not know Beckett very well, but he’s kept me safe.I know he will protect me and I can trust him to do exactly what he says.Kenny and Sheriff Cates stop walking and Kenny points out different points of access to the stage, areas that will be important to keep safeguarded Saturday when it will be open to the public.
Sheriff Cates fills us in on his department’s plans to secure the area, and we let him, but everyone besides him knows there’s a lot more to this little planning session needed in order to keep everyone in this town safe.
And the Larussios are going to come in heavy handed.This could be so bad.A real-life mafia war in the lovely town of Deadwood.
Cole clears his throat.“I want to make sure no one feels obligated to do anything but stay safe.Krissy is going to stay at our home with the kids.We have plenty of rooms and anyone here is welcome.We have guards there to protect those who stay.”
Staying at the stunning mansion he built just outside of town with a horse ranch to boot, knowing it is heavily guarded is not a bad idea, but I’m sticking with my original vote.“No, I’m going to work with Lettie at the bar on Saturday and then go home just like any other night.If she’s not scared and cowering in her home, I’m not going to be either.”
Beckett’s jaw locks tight.“How about Jules and I talk, then round back with the group about her plans.”
