“I say you make the first move,” Julio suggested. “Why don’t you walk into the lion’s den and ask what the hell they want. Settle this with your mom. Will she be satisfied if you set her up with an allowance? Surely, anything you give her is better than what she’s getting now.”
Garrett swiped at his chin, not relishing seeing Bernice. “My mom won’t be happy with anything, but I’ll go if it means they leave Riley and Tara alone.”
“If you give them a single clue you have feelings for them, they’ll pounce,” Julio insisted, passing the bottle to Jameson.
“I say we cover your ass and find out what they want,” Jameson said, pouring another glass and downing it in one swig.
“They want the money. Mr. Cofield taught me how to invest. My mother knows I received three million dollars. It’s since grown to over five.”
“Damn, Mr. Moneybags. Why didn’t you tell me? You can buy the next bottle and get the good stuff,” Jameson said, toasting him.
“I have to speak with Riley,” Garrett said, rising from the table.
“No, man. It’s not a good idea,” Julio ordered. “She’s upset and won’t listen to anything you have to say. Plus, Kenny saw you coming out of the jewelry store. You need to keep your distance.”
“I hurt her. I want to explain, and we’ll keep it quiet,” Garrett reasoned.
“Anyone who sees the two of you together can tell you’re head over heels. It’s best if you keep away until you get this settled,” Matthew advised. “Let her simmer down, and tomorrow, we’ll pay Kenny a visit. I’ll wire you in case he says anything incriminating.”
“Where will they stay?” Garrett asked about Tara and Riley.
“Rachel and Rebecca offered her a job training some greenhorns. They’re survivors who want a job until they figure out their next move. They set her up in a cabin there,” Julio supplied. “Will this be a problem for you to keep your distance?”
“No. I’ll watch over them, and as soon as I get the chance, I’ll apologize,” Garrett said resolutely. “I don’t like Riley thinking I believed Kenny.”
“But you did, bro. It’s what got you into hot water to begin with,” Jameson said, gazing into his glass. “When you find a woman you love, you treat them like a queen. You never know when you’ll lose her and never get her back.”
Matthew placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We’ll find Caroline. I’m already reviewing the encrypted files you gave me. According to you, she’s a smart cookie. Maybe she left us a clue. She knows you weren’t like the other men. It’s not a far guess she thinks you’re law enforcement.”
“Every day she’s out there…” Jameson murmured, lost in his own thoughts.
“When I get through with Kenny, I’ll help you. Jameson, I can’t imagine how you feel. At least I know Riley and Tara are safe, even if she wants to castrate me,” Garrett vowed.
“I appreciate it, man. It tears my soul apart to think they hurt her because of me. Maybe they found out she gave me one of the locations she believed Rebecca might be. I try tosleep at night, and I see her face with those damn green eyes,” Jameson said, with tear-filled eyes.
“You didn’t give up on Rebecca and went into the underbelly of the trafficking ring while I ran the leads. I’ll do the same for you,” Julio offered.
Jameson played with his glass. “No. Before they took her, I promised her I’d get her out of there. I’m keeping my vow.”
“And we’ll help you,” Matthew assured him. “What time do you want to visit Kenny?”
“I’ll go to the bar tonight and leave a message,” Garrett said, “Will one of you check on Riley?”
“The women have her in hand. Give her time,” Matthew advised.
Time. They fell in love within mere weeks. He doubted Riley would forgive him anytime soon. At least he’d ensure she and her sister were safe.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Garrett walked into the bar and took a seat. The biker gang harassed other patrons and felt up the server every time she brought rounds for the table. The thought of Riley working here made his hands curl into fists. He hated it when men acted like pigs. It made him wonder how much of their actions Riley put up with.
One of Kenny’s henchmen sat beside him at the bar. “You waiting for anyone special?” he asked, signaling the waitress to pour him a beer.
“Yeah. Tell Kenny I want to meet. I already know the address of the club, so he won’t need to send me an escort. Tell Bernice I expect her there, too.”
“Do you have his woman?” the fat slob asked him, drinking his beer.
“No. I haven’t seen her. Maybe she’s already on her way back to the club,” he lied. “If he doesn’t want to discuss business with me, then I suggest he move along down the road. It’s too much of a coincidence he showed up here,” Garrett said, placing a twenty on the counter. “I expect when we finish our business, he’ll have no reason to stay.”
