Chapter Twenty Nine #3
Garrett scowled. “Yes, he certainly acted like a mean son of a bitch, but my grandfather taught me about hard work and how to survive. It came in handy with my mother’s never-ending boyfriends.”
“It doesn’t mean you loved getting beaten to prove a lesson,” Jameson pointed out. “You don’t trust women because of your mom. If you did, Riley would be here.”
“I know,” he admitted quietly. “I’ll think about it. My mom never stayed with her boyfriends for very long. It makes me wonder what she wants from him.”
“Or he wants something from her. I imagine your money for one thing,” Matthew said, sipping his drink.
“Even if something happens to me, the funds will be disbursed by my attorney,” Garrett explained. “I ensured my mother won’t see a dime.”
“Unfortunately, they found Barney Cofield in a lake near his home. They ruled his death a homicide.” Matthew pulled up the information on his phone and slid it closer to Garrett.
“Shit,” he muttered as he read the article. “We need to get Tara and keep Riley here on the ranch. If they think they’re connected to me, they’ll use them to get to me.”
“We can assign men to watch them. Riley’s worried about a job, and Rachel called her out on the cast. We can’t restrict her movements, especially when it comes to anything concerning you,” Matthew told him, picking up the bottle and pouring a small amount into his glass.
“I say you make the first move,” Julio suggested. “Why don’t you walk into the lion’s den and ask what the hell they want. Settle this with your mom. Will she be satisfied if you set her up with an allowance? Surely, anything you give her is better than what she’s getting now.”
Garrett swiped at his chin, not relishing seeing Bernice. “My mom won’t be happy with anything, but I’ll go if it means they leave Riley and Tara alone.”
“If you give them a single clue you have feelings for them, they’ll pounce,” Julio insisted, passing the bottle to Jameson.
“I say we cover your ass and find out what they want,” Jameson said, pouring another glass and downing it in one swig.
“They want the money. Mr. Cofield taught me how to invest. My mother knows I received three million dollars. It’s since grown to over five.”
“Damn, Mr. Moneybags. Why didn’t you tell me? You can buy the next bottle and get the good stuff,” Jameson said, toasting him.
“I have to speak with Riley,” Garrett said, rising from the table.
“No, man. It’s not a good idea,” Julio ordered. “She’s upset and won’t listen to anything you have to say. Plus, Kenny saw you coming out of the jewelry store. You need to keep your distance.”
“I hurt her. I want to explain, and we’ll keep it quiet,” Garrett reasoned.
“Anyone who sees the two of you together can tell you’re head over heels. It’s best if you keep away until you get this settled,” Matthew advised. “Let her simmer down, and tomorrow, we’ll pay Kenny a visit. I’ll wire you in case he says anything incriminating.”
“Where will they stay?” Garrett asked about Tara and Riley.
“Rachel and Rebecca offered her a job training some greenhorns. They’re survivors who want a job until they figure out their next move. They set her up in a cabin there,” Julio supplied. “Will this be a problem for you to keep your distance?”
“No. I’ll watch over them, and as soon as I get the chance, I’ll apologize,” Garrett said resolutely. “I don’t like Riley thinking I believed Kenny.”
“But you did, bro. It’s what got you into hot water to begin with,” Jameson said, gazing into his glass. “When you find a woman you love, you treat them like a queen. You never know when you’ll lose her and never get her back.”
Matthew placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We’ll find Caroline. I’m already reviewing the encrypted files you gave me. According to you, she’s a smart cookie. Maybe she left us a clue. She knows you weren’t like the other men. It’s not a far guess she thinks you’re law enforcement.”
“Every day she’s out there…” Jameson murmured, lost in his own thoughts.
“When I get through with Kenny, I’ll help you. Jameson, I can’t imagine how you feel. At least I know Riley and Tara are safe, even if she wants to castrate me,” Garrett vowed.
“I appreciate it, man. It tears my soul apart to think they hurt her because of me. Maybe they found out she gave me one of the locations she believed Rebecca might be. I try to sleep at night, and I see her face with those damn green eyes,” Jameson said, with tear-filled eyes.
“You didn’t give up on Rebecca and went into the underbelly of the trafficking ring while I ran the leads. I’ll do the same for you,” Julio offered.
Jameson played with his glass. “No. Before they took her, I promised her I’d get her out of there. I’m keeping my vow.”
“And we’ll help you,” Matthew assured him. “What time do you want to visit Kenny?”
“I’ll go to the bar tonight and leave a message,” Garrett said, “Will one of you check on Riley?”
“The women have her in hand. Give her time,” Matthew advised.
Time. They fell in love within mere weeks. He doubted Riley would forgive him anytime soon. At least he’d ensure she and her sister were safe.