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“Listen to you! ‘All y’all.’ The Texan soaks in real fast, doesn’t it?” Jackson grinned.
“Especially when you deliberately try it on for effect.” Parker just kept looking at him.
Jackson sighed. “I heard you. Let me tell you a true story. Not long after we met our Ari, we had the sense that she was in danger. She was always looking over her shoulder and was scared, so scared we worried that she might cut and run at any time. We were just really getting to know her, were already falling in love with her, and the last thing Cord or I wanted was for her to rabbit.
“We also came to understand that Jake knew what was going on with her—just as you’ve suspected he knows more about what’s going on in your woman’s life than he’s saying right now.
“So, Cord and I went to see him, to ask him to tell us what the hell was going on with her. He refused. He said if Ari wanted us to know her secrets, she’d tell us. That it was her secret to share.”
“Harsh, but I can understand that.”
“So could we, once we got over being pissed about it.” Jackson grinned, but Parker knew that grin about that particular incident had to have been slow in coming and hard won.
“This situation is different, that’s true. This is something about Jenny that’s being kept from her. All I know is what you’ve already surmised. Grandma Kate said they knew about the first person looking for Jenny, and that search had been going on for a few months. For whatever reason, it wasn’t considered a threat to her. But then, just over a week ago, Jake was alerted that someone else was looking for Jenny. That’s pretty much all I know, except for this. I trust Kate Benedict with my life. She would never knowingly let anything harm any of us.”
“Which is why she insisted in the change of address for Jenny. Because the second party looking for our Jenny could mean her harm.”
“That’s our take, too. If Jenny wants to know more, she should ask Kate.”
“We’ll talk to Jenny about that tonight. In the meantime, I’m hoping you can tell me what all’s being done to keep her safe?” He met Jackson’s gaze. “I’ve heard enough and learned enough to know your protective measures around here wouldn’t end with a few CCT cameras and moving us in together.”
“You’re right. Adam has a plan in place. We were all just giving the three of you a couple of days to find your rhythm.”
“We appreciate that, but we really do want to know what’s being done. Not that we doubt Jake’s word or Adam’s abilities.”
“Of course not. This is your woman who might be in danger. We all get that. Believe it or not, this isn’t our first rodeo. Most of us have helped out a time or two when someone in the families has been in a spot. We can go over that as well at the meeting. We’ll all be there, and we’re all involved.”
“Good. Now let’s get our asses back to work. I’m new on the job. I don’t want the bosses to find out I’m a gossiping George.”
Jackson just laughed and climbed into the saddle. Parker watched him as they headed along the fence line, keeping an eye open for other areas of wear in the wire. Looking at his cousin now he could see there was nothing of the former NFL star about him. Jackson Benedict was a man wedded to his woman and his land and clearly happy to be so.
That was an ambition and a goal Parker shared.
* * * *
“Wine? Beer? Sweet tea? Just name it, sweetheart, and it’s yours.”
Jenny slid her arms around Dale’s neck, free, now that they’d stepped inside their home, to hug him the way she’d wanted to as soon as he and Parker had arrived at the roadhouse. Parker had reached her first and had won the first smooch and cuddle from her.
“Wine, please. Just a half a glass.” She kissed him, a sweet and tender little tasting. That would satisfy her Dale craving for the moment. She needed time to decompress after her shifts, most days. That kiss and the promised wine were part of her decompression.
“I’ll be right back with your wine, sweetheart.” He released her to Parker and headed toward the kitchen.
Parker’s embrace was part two of what she needed to begin to put away her busy day. Twelve hours in a people-rich environment could drain the most die-hard extrovert.
