Chapter 20
Twenty Four Hours Later
Rae Lynn picks up on the first ring, even though I’m calling from a secure satellite number she won’t recognize. “It’s about time you called.”
The words are stuck in my throat as I watch the security feed at my sister’s ranch.
River just walked into the barn, disappearing into the shadows as Stone followed in her wake.
“How’s she doing?” I finally manage to ask.
“She’s holding up. Angry as hell at you. But better than you from the sound of it.”
What do I say to that?
“How’s the assignment?” Rae Lynn asks, her tone softening.
“Not finished, when it needs to be.”
She’s quiet for a second and I’m already dreading the lecture. “Are you going to call her?”
“She doesn’t have a phone.”
Rae Lynn laughs at me. “You can call her on this phone, idiot.”
“It’s best if I don’t.”
After an exaggerated sigh, my sister, tsks at me. “You’re fucking up, D.”
“No.” I clear the acid-covered gravel from my throat. “I’m doing the right thing.”
“I hope so.”
“Do what you can to keep her safe and keep her busy.”
The screen door creaks in the background. “There are six men here. I don’t need to do anything to keep her safe. If anything I need to tell them to leave the poor woman alone.”
Rae Lynn’s small frame appears on the camera as she steps onto the porch steps. When she looks up at the camera, she flips me off. “I know you’re watching.”
“I know that finger’s going to get you in trouble.”
She grins, turning to look toward the barn. “River’s staying busy. She’s fierce, I tell you. There’s no way in hell anyone’s outshining her at the rodeo this weekend.”
“You going?”
“Wouldn’t miss it. I’m going to be cheering the loudest. I like her and since your ass won’t be there, someone’s got to show up for her.”
Somebody pull the fucking dagger out of my heart.
“I need to go. I’ll be in touch when this is done.”
She turns to face the camera. This time serious. “Stay safe, brother. There aren’t any replacements for you. Even if you’re a total pain in the ass.”
I hang up the call and sprawl in the ancient hotel room chair. Every bone in my body aches, the muscles so tense they could snap something any second. Darkness can’t come fast enough.
But I’ll use the hours wisely. Studying the image of the sniper. Reviewing all the notes Sheriff Baker provided. Watching traffic cameras. Reviewing satellite images.
“You’re mine, motherfucker.”