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“What’s going on?” I asked.
“That was Cope. He said that something is off with Fisk.”
“Meaning?”
“The federal prosecutor offered him a deal, which he refused to take.”
I cocked my head.
“Cope thinks there’s someone higher up, maybe more than one person, who Fisk is more afraid of than going to prison.”
“Is he on his way here?”
Buck’s eyes scrunched, and he shook his head.
“What about Ali?”
“I’m not sure when she’ll arrive.”
“I see.” It occurred to me that I used the same words Buck had shortly after Decker told me she would be staying on the ranch at some point.
“Stella—”
“Excuse me.” I walked in the direction of the bedroom, looking for a bathroom. Whatever he was about to say probably had something to do with her. While I didn’t doubt she was head-over-heels in love with Cope, that didn’t mean she wouldn’t fall into old habits with Buck. The two had spent every day together for several weeks. The last thing I wanted to feel was jealousy, but even the thought of her being here brought it to the surface. How bad would it be once she was actually here?
I ducked into the bedroom and then into the en suite bathroom. When I came out, Buck was sitting on the end of the bed.
“I have something to say, Stella, and I’d appreciate it if you’d show me the courtesy of listening.”
I folded my arms and leaned against the doorjamb.
“Would you please sit down?”
“I’ll stand, thanks.”
“Please?” he said again, this time patting the bed. “Come over here and sit beside me.”
“Buck, I—”
“Jesus, Stella, could you please just sit the fuck down?” He took off his hat, threw it on the bed, and ran his hand over his hair. “Just sit. That’s all I’m asking.”
“Okay, settle down. God.” I sat down.
“There’s something I need to ask you.”
“Go ahead.”
“Why do you think I’m playin’ you, Stella?”
I looked down at the floor, wishing so much that I could get up and walk away to avoid answering him. “You don’t think I’m smart enough to figure out I’m not exactly your type, Buck?”
“Come again?”
“You heard me.”
He opened his mouth, but before he could say something else, we heard a knock at the door. “Fuck,” he muttered. “Who the hell is here now?”
He stood, walked out of the room, and I followed.
