Chapter 75
LILY
My heart is hammering so hard I'm sure everyone at the table can hear it. There’s only one person I’m concerned about though: Cole Turner.
He sauntered over here, pretending to be pleasant, a smile on his face. A person could be taken in—until you look at his eyes and see the cruel coldness there.
I shudder. Thank God Kelly isn't here.
"This is a private party," Jake says, his voice even but firm.
Turner doesn't move. He just stands there with that easy smile, like he's got all the time in the world. Like he owns the room and everyone in it.
"I won't intrude long," Turner says, his tone light and friendly. He grabs a chair from the neighboring table and sits next to Luke. He smiles at Emma. "Now that I’ve finished my business and am back in town, you and I can resume discussions about your ranch."
Emma's smile is polite but strained. "I told you. The Circle H isn’t for sale."
“Everything’s for sale, when you know what you’re buying.” Turner's gaze moves to me next, and everything inside me goes cold.
Mason doesn’t move, but I feel something shift, as if he’s ready to pounce. I put my hand back on his leg, hoping that’ll restrain him.
"Doc Carter," Turner says warmly, lifting his glass to me. "I heard you stopped by this week to help my prize bull. You’ll be happy to know he’s almost all recovered."
He knows. I feel myself pale but I answer as professionally as I can. "I’m happy to hear that."
His smile doesn't waver. "You've made quite an impression here in a short time."
In my mind, the thinly veiled threats confirm it. Mason's hand tightens on mine, and I know he believes the same. I feel the tension radiating off him—coiled, lethal, barely restrained.
"Deputy Garrett.” Turner shifts his attention to Harper. “How's your father doing? I heard the sheriff's been under the weather lately."
Harper's expression flickers—just for a second—before she recovers. "He's fine. Thanks for asking."
“Is there any new information regarding my brother’s disappearance?” Turner asks like he’s inquiring about the dinner special.
Harper’s poker face is firmly in place. “I’m not involved in that case, but the sheriff will be in the office Monday if you’d like to talk to him.”
"Maybe I’ll go see him." Turner smiles. "Your father's been a pillar of this community for a long time. I hope he’s running for sheriff again next term."
“Hmm.” Harper raises her beer to her mouth.
"Well." Turner stands. "I won't keep you from your party. Enjoy your evening."
He starts to walk away when he pauses and looks over his shoulder. “Jake, that business proposition we talked about. Let’s get together to chat about it again, huh?”
Jake shakes his head. “My answer is the same.”
Turner glances at Emma. “I bet I can change your mind.” Saluting Jake, he walks back toward the bar.
The air in the booth feels like it's been sucked out. Mason's body is rigid beside me. His jaw is locked, his hand crushing mine. I can feel the violence coiled in him, the restraint it's taking not to follow Turner and end this right now.
Jake exhales slowly. "Everyone stay calm."
"Calm?" Luke mutters. "That motherfucker just—"
"I know what he did," Jake cuts him off, his voice low and controlled. "And we're not doing this here."
Harper leans in, leveling a look at Jake. “You’re supposed to handle this.”
What? I blink at her, confused.
“You okay?” Mason whispers into my ear.
I shrug, gripping my beer bottle. Based on what he said, I’m pretty sure Turner knows I escaped his network. He just proved he can touch any of us, anytime. Defensive positioning isn't going to work. Hiding at the ranch isn't going to work.
Mason’s lips brush my ear. "We're leaving. Now."
I nod. “Okay.”
The evening soured, we all get up. As we slide out of the booth, I glance back toward the bar.
Turner is watching us, smiling.