Page 95 of Jameson’s Salvation

Thankfully, all four of us were wiped out and needing sleep, because without a TV in my living room, there wasn’t much to do. Chasin took the guest room upstairs but Weston refused the room I used as my office, even though there was a futon.

He wanted to sleep downstairs.

No one said anything but I understood why. It was the same reason Jameson had told me to get my shotgun out of my safe and why all three men had their weapons clearly visible on their hips.

I quickly changed into pair of pjs, something I’d never worn to bed while sleeping next to Jameson. But if I had to make a hasty retreat or possibly shoot someone, I preferred to be in more than one of Jameson’s tees and my panties.

Not that I wanted to shoot someone—but to protect myself and the guys, I would.

“Tell me how you’re holding up,” Jameson requested once we were both in bed.

“I think I’m in shock. I’m almost numb, like today happened to somebody else. I don’t know how to explain it. I’m horrified Reggie has pictures of us and they’re now evidence. Beyond embarrassed Jonny and the State’s Attorney and God knows who else will review them.” I stopped and shuddered at the thought. “It’s so disgusting I can’t even think about it. But I think what’s most unbelievable to me is that it’s over. I’m not even surprised at the level of corruption or the blackmail. I didn’t think it was that bad. I thought Reggie was a part of the good ol’ boy crowd, and his cronies were givin’ him a leg up for some cash.”

“Money and greed make people do fucked-up things.”

Jameson would know more about that than I would.

“I really hope Jonas Brown isn’t one of the men that McKenna couldn’t identify. I would be so disappointed. He seems so nice, and his wife, Lavender, I don’t think that’s her real name, but they’re total hippies so I don’t question her name. Anyway, Lavender is so sweet and all love, peace, and flowers she would be crushed,” I sighed.

“I think Jonas is a victim in this. Just like the owner of Willow Realty.”

“I hope you’re right.” Jameson tightened his arm around my back, settling me closer, and for the first time in over six months I could breathe easy. “So now what?”

“Now, we relax, and just live.”

“Sounds kinda boring.”

“Boring is great.”

“How do you feel about getting a dog?”

Jameson’s body went solid and I wasn’t sure what I said that upset him.

“If you don’t—”

“Never had a dog but I always wanted one.” His gruff voice was laced with sadness. “We couldn’t afford another mouth to feed when I was a kid. Then I was gone too much when I was in the Navy.”

“So? You wanna get one?”

“Yeah, babe, I want one.”

“I want it to live in the house and I don’t want to put it in a crate.”

“No point in having a guard dog if he’s locked in a cage,” Jameson agreed.

“Can we look at German Shepherds?”

“As long as it’s not a little ankle-biter, we’ll get whatever you want.”

“Can we name it Petal?” I teased.

“No. He needs a tough name like Killer or Cujo.”

“Um, no. How ‘bout Tank or Zeus?”

“Tank.”

“Tank.” I smiled. “I can’t wait to get him. Can we look this weekend?”