Page 76 of It Runs in the Family

I was disappointed, but I’d never really expected them to find the guy. Besides, even if they did, what would they charge him with?

He hadn’t taken me anywhere. He hadn’t flashed a gun. Sure, I’d felt threatened, and yes, he had impersonated a law enforcement officer, but he’d insinuated a lot more than he’d said. And without any video or audio evidence, it would be my word against his. Men were usually believed over a hysterical woman, because obviously I’d misunderstood the situation.

Garrett turned to his grill and started putting barbeque sauce on what looked like a rack of ribs.

I grabbed a plastic chair and dragged it over to a group that included both women and men.

“So, you’re Garrett’s cousin, Iris,” one of the guys said.

My brow shot up. “He’s talked about me?”

“Only a few times,” one of the women said. “I’m Stella, by the way.”

The others introduced themselves, then made small talk for a few minutes before shifting the conversation to work topics. Garrett chimed in when they started talking about the county cutting overtime pay, but then Stella said, “Seems like a bad time to be cutting back our hours when there are rumors a cartel’s moving into the county.”

“There’s always rumors that a cartel’s moving into the county,” one of the guys said dismissively. “Rumors. That’s all.”

I snuck a glance at Garrett to gauge his reaction, since he’d told me nothing special was going on in the county. But the rack of ribs in front of him had grabbed his full attention as he lovingly slathered on barbecue sauce. I only hoped he’d given the mysterious Mazie that same look at their dinner Friday night. Then again, maybe not. That would have been coming on too strong.

“Where’d the rumors come from?” I asked Stella.

The deputies turned to me in surprise, and the deputy who’d dismissed her gave me a sympathetic look. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it, Irene. There’s no damn cartels in Mesquite County.”

Stella’s body turned rigid. “First,” she said in an icy tone, “her name is Iris, and second, just because you think it’s bullshit doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

“Okay, Stella,” the guy said dismissively, holding up both hands, one wrapped around a beer bottle. “No need to get on your high horse.”

“Cut it out, Cal,” Garrett barked.

“She thinks she’s got informants,” Cal said with a dry laugh. “But why don’t any of her informants’ information pan out?”

“Sometimes they do,” Garrett said, pinning him with a warning look. “And we know how it works. Some information is bogus, and some is spot on.”

“Well, this is bogus,” Deputy Asshole Cal snapped. “And spreadin’ rumors is irresponsible.”

“What rumors have I spread?” Stella demanded. “I’ve kept this to myself and the department.”

He gestured toward me. “You blabbed about it in front of Irene here.”

“Iris,” Stella and I said at the same time.

The second woman’s brow shot up, and she took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s settle down, Cal. It doesn’t hurt to be diligent.”

“It’s a waste of time,” he muttered under his breath before taking a big gulp of his beer.

“Shouldn’t you always be lookin’ out for criminals?” I asked, knowing I should butt out of the conversation but wanting to defend Stella. “Whether they’re affiliated with a cartel or not?”

Stella’s mouth lifted into a smirk.

Cal looked furious as he turned to me. “Are you insinuatin’ I’m not doin’ my job?”

“I’ve never seen you do your job,” I sassed back. “You tell me.”

“Okay,” Garrett said in a warning tone as he took a step toward us. “Things are gettin’ a little heated.”

“What are your cousins doin’ here anyway?” Cal demanded. “This is for deputies. Hell, I should have brought my girlfriend.”

Stella leaned closer to me and whispered. “We wouldn’t have to worry about havin’ enough food. Blow-up sex dolls don’t eat much.”