“I don’t know. Call back the contestants who made the mess. Whatever. I’m sure you’ll think of something or else I tell the bride who is to blame.”
“No.” The man’s eyes widened at the thought of dealing with an angry bridezilla. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Try me.”
“But it’s not fair, Sheriff.”
“Not many things in life are. Suck it up, buttercup.”
Daphne Charlene at long last removed her arms from his person. He shifted a few steps away to keep her from reattaching herself.
Turning to Valene, he bent to ask, “Did Dixie Lou Grey have anything to do with starting this mess?”
Valene choked out a fake cough, probably to buy time. When she finished, she asked, “I’m sorry. What was the question again?”
“Never mind. I believe I have my answer.”
“What are you going to do?”
He stared deeply into her eyes, since no one was looking. “I don’t know yet.” He lowered his voice and said, “Meet me later. We can discuss it.”
“Where?” Valene mouthed.
“Smokin’ Hog. At eight.” The biker bar would be crowded with folks they didn’t know and was perfect for another clandestine meeting. He would have to dress down. If he went in there wearing his sheriff’s uniform, the place would clear out faster than a public pool with a giant Tootsie Roll floating in it and they’d be left all alone. He’d love the time all alone with her, but she wouldn’t.
Valene nodded slightly and went to join Dixie Lou and her friend Miss Penny, who were trying their level best to look innocent and failing in an amusing way. He wasn’t fooled by anything Dixie Lou Grey ever did, but hewas, however, a fool for Valene Grey. Heaven help him.
Wyatt walked toward Hunter.
“What about my police protection?” Daphne Charlene asked, following on his heels.
“You don’t need it.”
“How do you know?”
“I’m a good sheriff.”
“If something happens to me, you’ll never forgive yourself.”
Wyatt stopped walking and she ran into his back. He turned around. “If someone threatens you, call the station and make a report. Otherwise, I have other places to be.”
“Fine.” She turned and stomped away. Good riddance. He might have to apologize later for his abruptness, but he certainly didn’t want to lead her on.
“That woman is certainly strong willed,” Hunter said, watching Daphne Charlene’s stiff back.
“You think?” Wyatt couldn’t seem to help the sarcastic tone.
“Do you really have other places to be?”
“Yeah. I need to head over to the state law enforcement headquarters gun range for my annual weapons certification.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “I need to get there in the next half hour or reschedule. And today is my last day to qualify for renewal or I have to start the whole process over.”
Hunter nodded. “Tell you what—I’m off in an hour or so. I’m happy to stick around and see that the area gets cleaned up.”
“Not that I don’t appreciate it, but why would you help me like this?”
Hunter lowered his voice. “I want to make sure you make it to your eight o’clock date tonight.”
“There is no way you could have heard that.”
