Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
Lily
Last night was so much fun. Meeting Tristan and his friends was an unexpected surprise.
Paisley told us that when Armando came over to us, he whispered that he needed our help.
He needed her to act like they were meeting us, because there was a group of women that were trying to hit on them.
The women followed them over to us and it was hard not to laugh at them.
They looked pissed that we were there. And then they still tried to get Keegan and Apollo to pay attention to them.
Tristan was the one that held my attention.
I really hope that we get to see them again while they’re here.
They said they would text us later today, they had things to do this morning.
Which is perfect because I need to get some writing done.
I also got a few more of those texts last night.
This time, they were more threatening. What’s odd is there aren’t many people who know I’m a ghostwriter.
I know I should tell Paisley and Cora, but I don’t want to worry them.
So I called a security company that’s based here in Valor Springs, Lone Star Security.
I talked to the owner, Grayson Calhoun, and explained the text messages.
I told him I hoped I didn’t sound like I was overreacting and he assured me that it didn’t sound like I was.
He was going to see which of his men he had available to help me.
I also told him that I didn’t think I needed someone to be physically with me.
But he said that the texts sounded like whoever is doing this, really means to harm me in some way.
Hearing that scared me, why would anyone want to hurt me?
I don’t even talk to anyone unless I have to, for work.
Grayson said that I need to come to the office to meet in person and to sign paperwork.
He also wants to see the texts, he has a guy that will be looking into that for me.
I told Grayson that I could come in today, around lunch time.
Paisley and Cora left after breakfast, both said they’ll be back this evening so we can hang out.
We usually spend the weekends together. And tomorrow is the start of the New Year’s Festival.
It’s a week-long event that ends next Sunday.
We go to it every year, it’s kind of like a mini carnival.
Vendors, games, rides and even fireworks every night.
There’s a big show for New Year’s Eve that the whole town comes to.
It’s always a lot of fun. I wonder if Tristan and his friends would like to join us.
Since Carson disappeared, I haven’t let myself have a relationship.
I’ve gone on dates, but I’ve never let it get past the first date.
Meeting Tristan has got me thinking about dating again.
The shit part is that the one man I’m finally interested in doesn’t live anywhere near me. And he’s only here for a week.
I spend a few hours working on Carter’s book. Then get ready to head to The Ranch to meet Grayson. The drive will take me about twenty minutes and I’m a little nervous. If he thinks I need security, how am I going to explain that to Paisley and Cora?
The Ranch is beautiful as I drive up to the main building and walk inside.
“Hi, my name is Lily Waterford. I’m supposed to meet with Grayson Calhoun,” I say as I smile at the woman inside.
“I’m Mae, I’ll let Grayson know you’re here.” She smiles back.
I wait for her to come back to get me. One thing I love about Texas is the ranchlands. They’re always so beautiful.
“You can follow me,” Mae says.
“This place is beautiful,” I say as we walk back to his office.
“Thank you, it’s our family ranch. Grayson, this is Lily Waterford.”
“Please, have a seat.” Grayson smiles.
“Thank you.”
“So I’ve been looking over the information you gave me and I think you’d be safer with a bodyguard. If the text message was a one time thing, I might say we can wait. But the ones from last night feel like more of a threat to you.”
“But what does that mean? I need someone to be with me twenty-four-seven? What if I asked my best friends to come stay with me?”
“Are they trained in any kind of surveillance or security?”
I sigh. “No.”
Grayson chuckles. “I know it’s not the best situation. But I don’t want to just send you on your way and find out that something happened. Something that we could’ve prevented.”
“I understand that. When would I get my security?”
“I have a few men that are finishing their current jobs in the next few days. Until I get one of them for you, I want you to take this phone. It’s linked to mine and Mae’s phones. All you do is press ‘1' and it’ll send an alert and your location.”
“I really appreciate your help.”
“We’ll keep you safe, Lily. And I’ll be calling you ASAP.”
I thank him again and head back home. I keep looking around and wondering who’s coming after me. I hate being scared.
Tristan
This morning, we went to the cemetery to take care of moving my parents.
The caretakers are a really sweet couple and they told me they were a little sad that I was moving my parents.
I explained that my home is in Lake Renegade now and I just wanted them close to me.
I even invited them to come visit us in Lake Renegade.
“We should grab lunch. I’m hungry,” Apollo says.
“When are you not hungry? You realize that if you just keep eating you’ll be a round shifter,” Eros says to him.
“But I burn off all of it.” Apollo squints at him.
“I don’t know about that,” he says as he pokes at his brother’s stomach.
“See? Hard as a rock.”
“Yeah, a squishy rock.”
We all laugh as we walk into The Grill. It smells good in here, and I’m suddenly hungry. As we’re walking to our table, I hear someone call my name.
“Tristan Langford!”
I turn and see an old friend from high school.
“Holy shit, Grayson Calhoun. How are you doing?” I laugh as we shake hands.
“I’m good, when did you get into town? Are you staying?”
“No, I’m not staying, came back to tie up some loose ends. Then heading back home.”
“Where’s home?”
“Lake Renegade, Illinois.”
“I’ve been there, it’s a gorgeous town.”
“It is. Why don’t you join us?”
Grayson follows me to our table.
“Eros, Apollo, Keegan and Armando, this is my friend from high school, Grayson Calhoun.”
Everyone shakes hands and we sit down.
“Shit, I wish you were all staying in Valor Springs. I could use guys like you in my company.”
“What do you do?” Apollo asks.
“I own Lone Star Securities, we provide private security. What do you all do?”
“We do a lot of security back home. And Tristan here is one of our newest deputies.” Eros nods at me.
“That’s incredible, how was the Marines? Mae is going to want to say hi to you while you’re here.”
“Maybe we can stop by your office. I’d love to see her. And Josie? How is she doing?”
“Josie’s good. Almost a teenager and I’m not ready.” He laughs.
“Shit, seriously? I can’t believe she’s growing up so fast.”
“You’re telling me. Hey, I have a question, would you be able to stick around longer than a week?”
“I’d have to call my sheriff, but if I needed to, I’m sure he’d be okay with it. What’s up?”
“Wait. You only want Tristan? He’s the smallest of all of us.” Apollo laughs.
“I mean I’d take all of you if you’d like to stay.
” Grayson laughs. “I have a client that came in today. She’s being stalked, right now it’s just texts.
But it could escalate and I don’t want to be complacent about it.
My problem is that all of my guys are already on jobs.
And right now, none are due back for at least two weeks.
. I was supposed to have two back tomorrow.
But both jobs got extended and now I’m stuck. ”
“So what are you asking?” I chuckle.
“Would you be interested in freelancing for me and taking care of this client? The biggest issue is I don’t know how long the job will last. But when I get one of my guys back, he can take over for you.”
“Sure. Again, I’d need to call Salvatore, he’s my boss. I’m sure he’ll be okay with it, let me text him.”
I pull out my phone and text Salvatore.
Tristan: Hey Sal, I was wondering if it would be okay if I stayed in Valor Springs for a little longer. I ran into a high school buddy of mine. He owns Lone Star Security and he needs someone to take on a client. It’s just to fill in till his guys come back from their jobs. Maybe two weeks max
Salvatore: Sure. Just keep me posted on how things are going. Are the guys staying with you?
I ask the others if they’re staying and they all say yes.
Tristan: They said they’re all staying
Salvatore: Sounds good. If you need any help, just reach out
Tristan: Thank you. I’ll see you soon
“Okay, I’m cleared to stay if you need me.”
“That’s awesome. You want to follow me to The Ranch after lunch? You can fill out all the paperwork and say hi to Mae.”
“Sounds good. I’m starving.”
Two hours later, we’re at The Ranch.
“This place is even more impressive than the last time I saw it.”
“Yeah, we love it, and it makes the perfect headquarters for the business.”
“Oh my god. Tristan Langford!” Mae Calhoun, Grayson’s sister, says as she hugs me.
“How is it you look the same as the day I left?” I laugh as I hug her back.
“You always were a flatterer.” She laughs.
“These are my brothers, Eros, Apollo, Keegan and Armando. Guys, this is Mae.”
They all give her a hug.
“I’ve never felt so small in my life.” She laughs. “Let’s get inside and get your paperwork filled out. Would you all like to sign on in case you’re needed?”
“Sure. As long as Tristan’s here, we’ll be here. So if you need us for anything, we can help,” Armando says.
“We really appreciate it. We’ve had so many jobs lately that our guys don’t really have time off anymore. Any of you want to move to Valor Springs?”
“It’s a great town, but our families would disown us if we moved this far away.” Eros laughs.
“Had to ask.” Mae laughs.
We sit down with Grayson to get the details of the person I’m providing security for.
“Her name is Lily Waterford, she’s been here for a few years. She’s getting threats through text messages. I have one of my guys looking into it.”
“We have a few really good IT guys back home if you need extra help,” I say to him.
“That would be great. When I started this business, we had everything we needed. But this last year it’s exploded and I haven’t been able to hire more people yet. I appreciate the help.”
“I’ll call home and get some of our guys on board.”
“Here’s all her info, I’ll call her and let her know you’re on your way to her home.”
“So am I there twenty-four-seven?”
“Yes. I have a bad feeling about this one. I’d also like you to check in with me or Mae twice a day. Here’s a phone, ‘1' is for me, ‘2' for Mae. Will all of you be there together?”
I look at the guys and Armando nods at me. I explain to Grayson who my new family is.
“Holy shit. I’ve heard of both families, even down here,” he says as he listens.
“If it gets bad, they won’t hesitate to come as backup.”
“That’s going to take a bit to sink in. Mafia and MC families. Crazy.” He chuckles.
“It took me a while to process it all too. But they’re the best families to be a part of. We’ll head over to Lily now and take a look around.”
“If you need any security cameras let me know. We have kits here that can easily be set up around her home.”
“Maybe we should take it with us. I can get that set up,” Apollo says.
Mae comes in with a few boxes for us.
“Phones for each of you and the security cameras,” she tells us.
“Thank you. I’ll text you when we get everything set up.”
“The cameras will send the video back here to us and it can also be sent to your phones.”
“Perfect.”
We head out to meet Lily Waterford.
“Wouldn’t it be interesting if it was the same Lily from last night?” Eros laughs.
“I thought of that when Grayson said our asset’s name.” I laugh.
The drive to our asset’s house takes about thirty minutes. We look around the property and then go to ring the doorbell.