“They won’t touch you.”
Her breath steadied as he held her hand, every sense alert, waiting for the storm to break, but determined it wouldn’t.
Skylar’s hands trembled against the cold ceramic of her coffee mug, her knuckles white with tension. When those men pushed through the diner’s glass door, she ducked her head so fast her neck cramped, the curtain of her hair falling forward to shield her face. The vinyl stool squeaked beneath her as she hunched forward. She couldn’t believe how Rawley had simply risen from his stool and approached them, his shoulders squared but relaxed. She exhaled a shaky breath.
“I don’t know how you just talked to them like you were discussing the weather,” she whispered, her voice thin.
“It was nothing like that.” Rawley’s fingers drummed once against the countertop. “I didn’t want to cause a scene, so I kept my voice low. I doubt anyone could hear me.”
“Everyone knew something was going on. Connie stopped mid-pour at the counter. That older couple by the window froze with forks halfway to their mouths. God, it was scary to watch.” Skylar shook her head.
Rawley leaned close, lowering his voice. “I’m sorry. I wanted to let them know I was on to them.”
“On to them? For what?” Skylar widened her eyes, her cup suspended midair.
“I’m pretty sure they’re involved in the rustling case I’m on. Can’t prove it yet, but I will.” His jaw tightened as he tapped his fingers against the laminate countertop.
“Did you get their names?”
Rawley shook his head. “I didn’t ask. I don’t want to scare them. Not yet.”
“Are you two ready to order?” Connie asked, her pen poised over her pad as she stepped in front of them, apron stained with the day’s special.
Skylar set her mug down. “I’ve lost my appetite. I’m sorry, Connie.”
“I’ll take my usual to go, Connie.” Rawley’s voice was flat.
“Everything alright, Rawley?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled.
“Alright. I’ll be right back with that.” Her shoes squeaked against the linoleum as she retreated.
Once she disappeared into the kitchen, Skylar looked at Rawley. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Not having lunch with you. This is the second time our lunch has been interrupted.” She twisted her napkin between her fingers.
“It’s alright. No need for you to apologize.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll just take it back to the office.”
“But, don’t you think you should have asked for their IDs?”
“I don’t have probable cause. They weren’t doing anything but having lunch. But I guarantee they will mess up, and I’ll get them.”
“Damn.” She glanced nervously toward the door. “I wish they’d go away. The first time he talked to me, he told me he was only sticking around for a little while. That was weeks ago.”
“That’s why my gut is telling me they’re up to something.”
“Cop instinct?”
“Call it what you want, but my gut is rarely wrong, and I don’t like them.” His eyes scanned the diner, watchful as a hawk.
“They’re scary, but they act like they couldn’t care less that you suspect them.” She shivered.
“Someone is paying them a lot of money.” Rawley’s voice dropped to a whisper. “If I was a rustler, the last thing I’d want is a livestock agent talking to me.”
Skylar nodded, her chest tightening at the memory. She still couldn’t fathom how he’d strode right up to those men. She turned to Rawley, his hat casting shadows over his eyes.
