Montgomery was the same, frustrated at the attention, aggravated for not being in complete control, and exasperated that no one seemed to understand the urgency. At least noassassin worth their salt would dare attack while fifteen people from town crowded the driveway.
The fire chief appeared, moving away from the crowd, keys in his hand. “Montgomery, you don’t know me, but I knew your father pretty well. When I heard about his death, it put a dent in this old guy’s heart. I’m Walt Booker, the fire chief around these parts. Your daddy gave us the money for a new fire station a bunch of years ago. We lost a good man in the fire and well, he somehow helped the town heal.”
“I’m glad he could help.” Montgomery’s jaw remained clenched.
“Not sure what you’re going through, but I heard you needed reliable transportation to New Orleans. That’s my favorite vehicle over there. Me and that Blazer have shared some good times. She’s working just fine and all gassed up. I’d appreciate if you try and bring her back to me, but I’ll understand if that’s impossible.”
Montgomery eyed the keys in the man’s hand as if uncertain whether Walt was handing him a bomb. He finally accepted and we were all rewarded with a softening of his features. “Thanks, Walt. I’ll do my best getting her back to you.”
“If you’d like, I’ll return your rental car for you as well.”
When he turned his head toward me, I wasn’t certain whether his deep eyes held amusement or annoyance, but the softening of his prickly personality continued. That wouldn’t last very long.
One by one, bags were dropped off, the townspeople wishing us well with promises of watching over my house and business. It felt as if I was moving away permanently.
“Call me. Okay?” Bekka squeezed my arms. “He’ll take good care of you.”
“I will when I can.”
As they continued to talk, I weaved through the crowd, allowing a few hugs and well wishes. I stood studying the mountains, rubbing my arms as the light breeze created even more of an emptiness inside.
Nothing about this seemed real, a nightmare turned into a reality show where we were being hunted. Only I knew the tables could turn at any moment, Montgomery becoming the predator. In the back of my mind, a tiny part of the bad girl hiding beneath all the layers of forced goodness wanted him to track down and eliminate anyone involved with my brother’s death.
One by one, they headed toward their vehicles, and I realized I’d never felt so alone or vulnerable in my life.
Every time I felt his presence behind me, the air crackled as if he were a walking storm.
“I told you they’d come through.” When he didn’t say anything, I turned my head. He was already watching me, his features even more pronounced than before, his expression flirting with being dangerous.
A wolf debating if I was prey.
“We need to get going.”
“I know. Don’t worry, Montgomery. I won’t fight you again, but I will snatch my life back into my fist one day.”
“I wouldn’t dare think otherwise.”
Another sound, a crunch of boots this time. We both turned, Montgomery immediately on edge.
“Sheriff Cartwright. What’s wrong?”
He tipped his hat toward me. “Sorry to interrupt, Fleur. I know you’re busy. You were right to be concerned, Mr. Prince.”
“Why?” Montgomery gritted in return.
“Two men with weapons. One got away, but my deputy is chasing him. We have the other.”
CHAPTER 22
Montgomery
Snowflakes whirled around the swell of trees, a dance of wistfulness against the waning light.
The day certainly hadn’t gone as I’d planned, but the necessity of change was something I was used to dealing with. Granted, not usually with a passenger in tow, but I’d learn to adapt.
Especially since my traveling companion was as resourceful as she was beautiful. In the years I’d been on this earth, I’d experienced various people who’d come to my aid. But almost always, they came from my inner circle, most required to do so.
Soldiers trained to take a bullet if necessary.
