Don’t. Run. But yeah, his legs were itching. “Ma’am, I think you might have me confused with someone else.” His voice stayed level, controlled, but Dolly’s expression didn’t change.
“Don’t you ‘ma’am’ me, Rowan Sean Wallace. I changed your diapers when your mama brought you in here as a baby. And Mack—look how you’ve grown up.” She grabbed a napkin and wiped the table where coffee had spilled.
She wiped her cheek with the back of her hand.
“It’s okay, Dolly,” Hammer said softly.
She looked up, met his eyes. “Oh, your mother would have been overjoyed to know you came back.” She looked up. “See, Maggie? I told you. He’s not lost.” She even winked as if she might be speaking through the unseen veil.
And now he couldn’t move, his throat tightening. “Yeah.” Not lost. That might be an overstatement.
“I’m sorry for the shock.”
“Shock? Honey, shock doesn’t begin to cover it.” She wiped her hands on her apron, studying both their faces like she was memorizing every detail. “You both look good. Older, bigger, but good. Healthy.”
“Thank you.”
“Your mama would be so proud. God rest her soul.” She turned to Mack. “And your daddy—well, he’s gonna be beside himself when he hears you’re back.”
Hammer looked away.
“We’re going to stop by the ranch later,” Mack said, shooting a glance at Hammer.
“You should do that,” Dolly said. “He’s got an office in the town hall. Keeps regular hours, Monday through Friday.” She paused. “Though I reckon he’s gonna want to know about Rowan here. Last I heard, he was real torn up about losing him.”
Hammer could be ill, right here. More likely the jerk was relieved that his biggest threat was out of the picture.
“Dolly, maybe we could keep this between us for now?” Hammer kept his voice casual. “We’re just here for a day, and I’d hate to cause a stir.”
“Course, honey. Though word’s gonna get around anyway. You know how this part of town is. I’ll get you some waters. Or do you want a root beer?” She winked.
He smiled. Nodded.
Saxon had picked up a menu. “What’s good here?”
“Everything. But if you want my opinion, get the green chile cheeseburger. Best in three counties.” She leaned in. “Never mind the chicken fried steak sign.”
Saxon raised an eyebrow as she disappeared into the kitchen. “She’s interesting.”
“Yeah. Our mother’s best friend,” Hammer said. And shoot, he could hear his name being whispered, spreading through the diner like wildfire.
“Well,” Saxon said, settling back in his seat, “so much for keeping a low profile.”
“I was hoping for a little more time before everyone found out. By suppertime, half the county will know we’re back.”
“Wasn’t that the point?” Mack said. “I mean—now that Sanchez’s father’s been found, the charade is over. The Trouble Boys can come out of hiding. Wasn’t that the point of coming back—to check on Sierra? To make sure she’s okay after losing her grandfather?”
Saxon grunted. Set down the menu. “Not so easy not being dead anymore.”
No duh. Because of course, Hammer’s thoughts went immediately to Sierra. How did a guy tell someone he’d abandoned that he’d been alive for three years while they thought he was dead? How did he explain that he’d let her grieve, knowingly?
A man approached a table next to theirs, lean and athletic with dark hair and a badge clipped to his belt. Detective, based on the shield design. Early thirties, with sharp eyes and the kind of confident bearing that came from military or law enforcement training. Clean-shaven, with an easy smile that didn’t quite mask the watchful intelligence beneath.
He pulled up a chair and settled in with a weary sigh. “Hey, Dolly. Coffee when you get a chance?”
“Course, Mike.” Dolly appeared with a fresh pot, filling his mug without being asked. “You look beat. Long day?”
“Getting longer by the minute.” He took a grateful sip. “Thanks.”
