“Did you see that?” I asked the bartender.
“Yep. Misty can handle herself. Otherwise I’d go over there.” He was wiping down the bar with a rag. “That guy’s a jerk,” he murmured, dipping his head. “In here a lot, unfortunately. If it were up to me, I’d tell him to stuff it and get lost, but he knows a lot of people. Phelan is his name. Donny Phelan. Some kind of famous podcaster.”
“Are you serious?” I asked, settling back onto my seat. “A famous podcaster? He lives around here?”
Hart County wasn’t that populous, but it was a big place. Hartley and Silver Ridge were two of the larger towns, and I’d lived in both at various times. I patrolled all over as a deputy for the county. I knew a lot of different corners of this region, but I hadn’t been to this roadhouse before. Didn’t know all the local characters here either.
Which was probably the reason Stephie and Vivian had chosen this spot for their secret date.
“Phelan moved to a huge property last year,” the bartender said, “but from what I hear, he’s originally fromthe Midwest. He makes his money doing some kind of online show, ranting about current events. Got quite a following, I guess. Throws money around like it’s nothing.” He shook his head. “Doesn’t make him any less of a creep.”
I filed that information away and sipped my nonalcoholic beer, keeping one eye on Donny Phelan in the mirror.
Stephie and Vivian had left a while ago, and I’d planned to take off after I finished my drink. But instead, I stuck around for a soda with lime.See, Stephie? I’m enjoying my evening.
Unfortunately, the bar was louder and even more crowded than earlier. The crowd seemed rougher now. Definitely drunker.
But at least the podcaster jerk hadn’t groped Misty the server again. Or anyone else that I’d seen.
I was ready to get out of here. I’d had more than enough excitement for one night.
“You need someone to walk you out?” the bartender asked as I dropped some bills to cover my tab and a generous tip.
“I’m all right. But thanks.”
He nodded. “Drive safe out there.”
“Will do. Have a nice night.”
The parking lot was dark, lit only by moonlight and the lights near the restaurant’s entrance. My car was parked toward the back, and the gravel crunched under my boots as I walked.
The temperature had dropped, and my breath misted in the cold air. Then I heard raised voices coming from behind the building.
“I saidno.” It was a woman’s voice.
“Come on, don’t be like that. I’m just trying to be friendly.”
My hand instinctively went to my side where my weapon rested. As I rounded a pickup truck, I saw them. Donny Phelan had Misty backed up against a car, his hand wrapped around her wrist. “Just give me your number. That’s all I’m asking.”
“Let go of me,” she said, trying to pull away. There was a dumpster nearby and a dropped bag of trash, like Misty had been taking it out. And this asshole decided to sneak up on her.
Unbelievable.
“Hey. Sir.” I kept my voice calm but firm as I approached. My cop voice, Stephie always called it. “She asked you to let go. You need to back off.”
Donny turned, his expression shifting from predatory to irritated. “This doesn’t concern you, sweetheart. Why don’t you mind your own business?”
“I’m making it my business.” I stepped closer. “Let her go. Now.”
He tightened his grip on Misty’s wrist instead, and that was all I needed.
Moving fast, I grabbed his arm and twisted it with practiced efficiency, applying just enough pressure to make him release her. He yelped, stumbling back.
Misty bolted, running back toward the bar without a word.
“What the hell?” Donny cradled his wrist, his face contorted with anger. “Who the hell do you think you are, little girl? I should call the sheriff on you for assault.”
“Please do.” I pulled back my jacket just enough to show him the holster at my side. “I happen to work for Sheriff Douglas. Deputy Keira Marsh, at your service. And if I wereyou, I’d get in my car and go home before I decide to run a field sobriety test on you.”
