Dave sighed. “I think that would be best.”
Rawley stood and made his way back to his desk then sent Skylar a text.
I could stay with you tonight.He watched the bubbles, then her message appeared.
Are you sure?
Sweetheart, I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t.
Then I’d love for you to stay here.
I’ll be there after I pick up my dogs after work.
Okay.
See you in a little while.
Sounds good. Thank you.
I’ll take sleeping with you any day.
She sent back a laughing emoji, making him smile.
I’ll see you soon.
Yes.He grinned as he disconnected, then got back to work.
When Rawley left the building at the end of his day, he walked across the snow-covered asphalt of the empty parking lot, the lights casting long shadows behind him, he froze mid-stride at the sight of a figure emerging from between two parked cars. His hand moved instinctively to his holster. With his thumb, Rawley flicked open the retainer snap. It was the man he’d seen when he talked to those men. The younger one with a beard.
“I just want to talk,” he said, voice barely carrying across the night air.
“About?” Rawley’s fingers remained curled around the textured grip of his weapon, his face impassive beneath the brim of his hat.
“I’m not armed.” Sweat beaded on the man’s forehead despite the cold evening.
“What do you want?” Rawley’s voice was gravel, worn smooth by years of similar confrontations.
“I want out.” The words hung between them like smoke.
“So, get out.” Rawley shifted his weight, boots scraping against the snow.
“I can’t just disappear. They’d hunt me down because I know so much.” The man took a half-step forward; desperation etched into every line of his face. “You get me somewhere safe and I’ll tell you everything.”
“I’m a livestock agent, not a US Marshal.” Rawley tightened his jaw. “I don’t have that kind of pull.”
“Then just arrest them all and I’ll head north.”
“You’re in on it. You’re not going to head anywhere.”
“A lighter sentence then.”
“You think I’m just going to take your word for it?” Rawley narrowed his eyes.
“Man, I’m only twenty-four.” The stranger looked even younger under the harsh light, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.
“Old enough to know better.”
“The money was good.” A hint of defiance crept into his voice.
