Page 27 of Property of Whiskey

“Enough to start nosing around.”

“She always noses around.”

Royal laughs.

I turn my head. “You got a problem?”

“Nope. Just thinking about the match last night.”

“Keep thinking, and I’ll break your jaw.”

“Protective much?”

Legend’s palm lands flat against the table. “Enough.”

The room settles again.

He looks at me. “Keep her away from Pearly Gates.”

“Tell her daddy. Not me.”

“Already did.”

I almost smile. “Then we know how well that worked.”

Holler leans back in his chair. “She’s hardheaded.”

“Runs in the family,” I say.

Legend points at me. “I’ve seen you two together a lot lately.”

“As Treasurer, it’s my job to deal with county taxes, property shit, and anybody wearing a badge who can make either expensive.”

Royal coughs into his fist.

I ignore him.

Legend doesn’t. “You had your thumb in her mouth last night.”

Holler turns so fast his chair squeaks against the concrete. “You what?”

“Did not. I wiped her lip. She had blood on her.”

Royal nods solemnly. “Medical emergency.”

“Fuck both of you.”

Holler looks delighted. “You touch Sheriff Dix’s daughter in front of him?”

“I didn’t finger her on the fucking bar.”

“Shame.” Royal grins. “Bar’s seen worse.”

Holler says, “Wouldn’t even crack the top ten things done on that bar.”

I shove my chair back before I think better of it. The legs scrape hard over concrete.

Legend doesn’t rise. He doesn’t have to. “Sit your ass down.”