I disconnected the call with Jimmy Don.“But keep in mind, my cousins are in town,” I noted.“They’re suspicious, but you can overlook them.”
Reagan and Donna both grinned.
“Anyone related to you is suspicious,” Donna said.“But I’m sure I’ll recognize those boys.”
“This guy’s older,” Reagan informed her.“He’ll stand out.”
Donna nodded, her eyes darting over to the door when the bells overhead rang.
Yep.The town was already starting to trickle into the diner.Exactly what we wanted right now.
Hopefully, by the time the sun went down, we’d have a few dozen eyes looking out for this asshole.And by tomorrow morning, this shit would all be behind us.
If we were lucky.
Reagan
“Let’s do right by this girl,” I continued, speaking directly to all the people with eyes currently trained on me.“She’s had a rough time and she’s part of this community now.”I paused momentarily.“She’s family.”
Several people mumbled their affirmation of that statement.And it was true.In a small town, it took time for people to be brought into the fold.But it was possible.I knew that these people already considered Amy one of theirs.She was with Wolfe and Rhys, and that alone offered her protection from these people.
“So, keep your eyes open.If you don’t recognize the person, find out why they’re here.This guy’s smart, but he’s not gonna keep his cool if people are askin’ questions.”
“At the same time,” Rhys interjected, “don’t push too far.”
I knew my brother wouldn’t be able to sit this one out.As much as he wanted to pretend that he was on the side of justice—innocent until proven guilty—he couldn’t deny that what had happened to Amy was a tragedy, and this asshole needed to be brought to his knees.And as far as I was concerned, by any means necessary.
“So, what’s goin’ on with the bar?”someone asked from the back.
Lynx stepped forward.“If you’re interested in helpin’, come see me.We’ve got plans drawn up and permits are underway.We’re gonna start buildin’ soon.And she will be back in business as soon as we can make that happen.”
I felt the blush creep up my neck.I loved this town.Always had.And the people … they were my family, too.
“But before we focus on that,” Lynx added, “I want you to confirm that you’ll keep your eyes open.If you have any questions on that, come see me, too.”
I had to admit that I admired the way these people looked at Lynx.They saw him as family, respected him, even if they were willing to push his buttons from time to time.When all was said and done, they trusted him.
And they had good reason to, I realized.Lynx Caine had never gone back on his word, he’d never broken a promise, and more than once, he had come through for each of them.
The same way he was coming through for me.
The door to the diner opened and my head automatically turned to see who was joining us.My stomach twisted when I recognized Billy and Tammy.Together.
My eyes flew over to Lynx, but he wasn’t even looking their way.
“Hey, Donna!Can we get some service over here?”Billy hollered, drawing the attention of everyone in the place.
“Actually, no,” Donna called out.“I’m a little busy right now.”
My gaze shot over to Donna to see the older woman glaring at Billy and his … date.
It was then that I realized the place had gone silent.All the noise had dimmed, the conversations dying off.
“Are you sayin’ you’re refusin’ me service?”Billy countered, his eyes shooting from one person to another.
“That’s what I’m sayin’,” Donna shouted back.
The door opened and someone walked inside.An older man who looked oddly familiar, but I couldn’t place him.The man paused momentarily, his eyes drifting from the group over to Billy and Tammy, who were the only people seated on the far side of the restaurant.
