“Thank you. I’m very eager to move ahead on it.”
“I’ll call him today. One other thing, I never told any of my brothers about this. As far as they know, Josiah was after the gold on our land so I would appreciate if it stays that way.”
“Certainly. You have my word it will never leave this room.”
“Thanks.”
“Oh, and something else,” said Willow, “I’ve encouraged Hope to get back into the kitchen. She desperately needsto find a purpose right now and baking has happy memories for her. Can you make sure that happens?”
“Did Mac say it was all right?”
“Uhm…”
Shaking his head, Jackson grinned at Willow. “Let me guess…my mother didn’t ask him.”
“Jackson, please understand, Mac is a good doctor but even he can’t heal what’s bothering Hope right now. Getting back in the kitchen and baking will give her what she needs…the knowledge she is taking care of her family. And that will do more for Hope than any medicine Mac can prescribe.”
“Okay…I won’t interfere but I’m going to ask Theo to be with her…at least for the first few times.”
Smiling, Willow rose. “Thank you. This will mean the world to Hope.”
“Fine, but fair warning…if Theo tells me my mom has any problems, I’m bringing Mac in.”
“Absolutely. And Jackson, thanks for inviting me to stay here. I haven’t slept this well for a long time.”
“Not necessary…really. We owe you our mother’s life, and besides, you’re mom’s best friend. I grew up hearing the stories about the trouble you two got into.”
Shaking her head, Willow stood. “I hope she told you the PG versions.”
Jackson’s eyes widened. “Oh my gods, please don’t say anything more. That’s the last thing I want to know about my mother. Better to drop this whole subject.” Then, hearing his phone ring, he said, “I got to take this. I’ll get back to you once I speak with Penn.” Picking up hisphone, he watched as Willow nodded before leaving his study. Then pressing the accept button, he said, “Hey, Hunter.”
~/~/~/~/~
Waiting for word from his contact, Panther stretched out, naked, in a sunny spot on the deck, dozing off as the sun warmed his body. After spending a week up North where winter was sending out hints that it was on the way, he was relieved that his mission was finished and he could return south. His animal was finally happy, purring in the heat of the Mexican sun.
He was so close to finding the rare shifter who would make him a wealthy man; things were finally falling into place. Soon, his man would get rid of Gabriel Hamilton, the tracker he’d spent months shadowing. Frowning slightly, Panther made a mental note to message his hit man for an update on him.
He’d let that slip a bit when he found out Hamilton, known as the world’s best tracker, was searching for the same shifter he was. That’s when he decided to have some fun.
He began playing games, teasing his opponent with false clues, reveling in beating Hamilton at every turn. But when his client threatened to fire him unless he delivered the goods, he kicked himself for letting his ego get in the way. That’s when he hired the assassin; it was time to stop fucking around and get on with finishing the job. It was time to snuff Hamilton to keep him from finding the rare shifter.
Turning over when he heard the clattering of his phone vibrating against the metal tabletop, Panther picked it up, sitting up quickly when he saw who was calling. “Shit!”Debating for a second, he considered letting it go to voice mail but rejected that immediately. He couldn’t take the risk of pissing off his client. Answering the call, Panther said, “Hello, sir. Good timing. I’m just waiting for my contact’s call and I should have your package in hand shortly.”
“You better not be bullshitting me.”
“No sir, I’m not. Trust me, I’m as eager to finish as you are to get your package.”
“Somehow, I doubt that,” the man said dryly. “No more excuses, Mr. Lee.”
“No sir. Everything’s on track.”
“Good. I would hate to find out your reputation for finding objects has been grossly overrated.”
“No sir…I’m the best in the world.” Hearing a click, Panther realized the asshole had hung up on him. “Fucking bitch,” he muttered, setting his phone down, before stretching out in the hot sun again.
Chapter 19
After Riley arrived from the airport and had a chance to check Ghost’s setup, he had to admit he was impressed. It was almost as good as what he worked with at the Agency. A couple of tweaks, a few more programs and Riley was confident it would be even better. Nodding at Ghost, Riley said, “Not bad for a PI company that chases cheating spouses.”
