She nodded, glaring at me as I helped unsnap the strap. I lifted the helmet off her head and she ruffled her hair with both hands. “Where are we?”
Looking over my shoulder, Falcon was introducing himself to our contact. “Some friends we gotta help out.”
“I’m going to speak to Bit and figure out where we gofrom here.”
I grabbed her wrist and she whipped around, her hazel eyes cutting through me.
“You can’t go home until we deal with those guys. You were right to think they’re bad news.”
She jerked her arm away. “You aren’tseriouslyexplaining that kidnapping us is supposed to be okay? You’re lucky I didn’t call the cops.”
Falcon called me over. “Hey, come meet Sawyer and Alex.”
Sparrow scoffed. “Friends, huh? Should’ve known. Bit!” she yelled as he walked toward the truck.
Heading over to the porch, I handed the helmet to Falcon. He grabbed it then said, “Don’t be shy now. Sawyer, this is Rooster.”
I stuck my hand out and the man, probably close to thirty-something, shook it.
“Sawyer DeWitt. This is Diego. He works the ranch with me and his uncle, Alex.” He looked over our shoulders. “I was expecting you, but didn’t know there’d be extras.”
Falcon interjected. “Helping an old friend. They won’t be trouble but if they can hang around while we get this run made, it would help us out a lot.”
Sawyer’s gaze lingered, so I looked back. I couldn’t tell if he was checking out Bit or Sparrow.
“There’s room. Angie, my housekeeper, will get themsettled.”
The women were standing by the truck, talking. Bit seemed calmer, but Sparrow was waving those hands as she spoke. She was pissed.
“Come inside if you want to. Angie will show you where to go,” Sawyer called over.
Sparrow finally stopped her rant, and Bit threaded their arms together and smiled sweetly as she looked around in awe. Sparrow’s lips were in a thin line as the women passed me.
We filed behind them as they were instructed to head in first. An older man and a woman appeared.
Sawyer held his hand up in their direction. “Angie, we got company.”
Angie smiled widely. “Hello, come inside. Can I get you something to eat or drink?”
Falcon shook his head. “I think we’re good for now, but thank you.”
Clearing my throat, I said, “Sorry to be direct, but these ladies may need something to sleep in, possibly a change of clothes for tomorrow.”
Falcon whipped his head over, eyes wide. I stared at him until he finally looked back at Sawyer and said, “Yeah, funny story, and I’m sure Rooster will be happy to fill you in. Maybe there’s somewhere we can go to catch up while the ladies get settled?”
Angie waved to Sparrow and Bit. “Of course, come with me. We’ll get you situated.”
Sparrow shot me a look; a mix between irritation and desperation.
“I’ll find you in a while,” I said.
Her shoulders relaxed, but she jutted her chin out and followed Angie.
Sawyer led us to the sitting area and told us to make ourselves comfortable.
“Look, I know I’m the one who asked for your expertise for my situation, but what’s the deal with the women?” Sawyer asked.
Falcon leaned back in his seat and grinned over at me. Rolling my eyes, I explained. “Sp–Kristieis an old friend. Bit’s her cousin.”
