“I don’t appreciate it when an armed man who has it in for me is allowed to run around on bail. I will protect myself if I have to.”
“Sure, of course you can,” Williams said. “You have a choice. You can carry a gun around protecting yourself—at home. Or, you can continue with the workshop unarmed. Which will it be?”
Jerold looked infuriated, and then he relaxed. “I hear you, officer. I’ll take this.” He grabbed his gun and his fiddle case. “And I’ll just wait out here”—he stepped outside of the gate—“withmy weapon until it’s time for the road trip up to the mountains.”
Williams’ eyes flared again and he shook his head. “Fine. Suit yourself.”
Despite the calming breath, Brock’s temper refused to tamp down. Jerold was within his rights to do exactly that.
Kyle got in Brock’s face. “Security office, now.”
Leaving Williams to keep an eye on the gate, the men entered the grounds and went straight to the security office. Brock managed to calm himself on the way. He had no choice. He spotted Brianna jamming with one of the guitar players—she was back to playing jazz—for a small crowd and he caught her eyes. The sweet smile she gave him ensured he wouldn’t do a damn thing to upset her right now so he smiled back and added a thumbs up.
“All right,” Kyle said as they crowed into the small office, Valkyrie sitting beside him, “That was a fuckload of fun.”
“I’m not fucking happy at all about that guy running around armed,” Jake said. “And did you see his eyes? Fucker’s on something. I know that look.”
“What was he talking about, Brian is free and after him?” Brock asked.
“That’s what I wanted to talk about before the day got started,” Kyle answered. “Sergeant Williams informed me that Brian Taylor was released on bond provided by his dad, Brian Cooper Senior, and his mother, Luna Taylor.”
“Fuck,” Brock said. “Do we have a man on him?”
“Of course we do. Our mark is currently sulking at mommy and daddy’s house. I tried getting someone in to talk to him, but no-go.”
“Wonderful. The day just gets better,” Brock growled. “Brianna has no idea. I’m thinking we keep it that way until further notice.”
“Affirmative,” Kyle said, leaning down to scratch Valkyrie’s ears. “Now, anybody in agreement that there’s more to Jerold Glass’ sudden desire to conceal carry than meets the eye?”
“You bet,” Jake said. “Really don’t want that asshole near my woman with his gun.” He patted the side of his untucked polo. “I’m sure I can outdraw him, but I’m not looking to test that theory.”
“Jake, brother, with all due respect, I’m thinking our man’s been threatened and it’s connected to Brian Taylor junior. Maybe the stolen car. Can’t quite draw that line yet though.”
“I’d also like to know where the hell Jerold was last night. Do we have intel on that?”
“Negative,” Kyle answered. “He was in the wind.”
“Don’t like that,” Brock said.
“Yeah, me fucking neither,” Kyle said. “But I can’t fix it. Best we can do is keep an eye on him now. So here’s the situation today. Three vans, each of you drives, one judge, one contestant from each group, and one instructor. That’s eight people per van. In addition, Brock, I want you accompanying the vans up the mountain today, but I need you to ride point instead of in one of the vans.”
“Mind if I take Valkyrie with me? I just have a hunch.”
“She’s yours, brother. I trust your hunches.” He smiled as he leaned down to pet the dog. “Besides, my girl here would love a chance to get up into the hills, wouldn’t you?” Her wagging tail and broad grin were as clear as day she approved of this plan.
Kyle straightened up. “Jake will be—”
“Driving the van with my angel.”
“Was just gonna say that, brother. Mack’s got van number two, and Flint’s in three.”
Brock smiled. “Flint’s back in action?” The last Brock had heard, his teammate was still recovering from his last surgery.
Kyle nodded. “As of today. Doc said he’s doing better than expected.”
“Awesome.”
“So Brock, you’re running the show from your SUV.” He pulled out a case and distributed comms to the men. “I’ll be here keeping an eye on things along with Wolf, though he and Caroline will be enjoying the festival.” He grinned at Wolf. “Per Caroline’s request.”
