Page 305 of Property of Whiskey

Legend’s eyes go cold. “You know she’s here.”

“I know a great many things.”

I start toward the door.

Twila catches the back of my cut. “No.”

“He knows you’re here.”

“I heard.”

Crowley continues like he knows exactly what he just set off inside me. “Deputy Dix should ask her father what happened the last time his family mistook curiosity for courage.”

The room seems to lose several degrees.

Twila goes pale.

Royal looks at her.

Legend’s face turns murderous.

My hand reaches the door.

Twila closes her fingers around my wrist. “Don’t.”

“He threatened you.”

“He gave us something.”

“What?”

“Proof.”

I look at her.

She’s right.

Hate that.

Crowley says, “Sheriff Dix learned wisdom eventually.”

Twila steps closer to Legend. “Speaker.”

He puts the call on speaker.

Crowley’s voice fills the empty room. “Some doors are locked for a reason, Deputy.”

Twila answers loud enough for him to hear. “Funny. Your front door wasn’t.”

Crowley pauses.

Royal flashes a grin.

My woman.

Crowley says, “Your father understood the value of family.”

Twila’s grip tightens around her flashlight. “So do I.”