15. Back Me Up
Sean struggled to contain his inner caveman. He wanted to toss Branna over his shoulder and head for the hills. He wanted to lock her up in a safe house somewhere and come back and deal with Hawley on his own.
At the same time, he wanted to respect her wishes and help her deal with the asshole. She didn’t want to hide. Instead, she wanted to stand up to the bully and show him he was nothing.
Brilliant plan. Except it scared Sean shitless.
He was used to working with a team, used to protecting the innocent. Used to being in the line of fire and taking out the bad guys.
He wasn’t used to someone he loved being in that line of fire.
Troy called in the Midnight Security team. Sean and Branna hadn’t met them all yet, but Marcus showed them photos of everyone so they would know who they were. Sam, Joe, Nico, and Flynn were former FBI. Mitch was a firefighter and a paramedic. Graham was former Army, and they already knew him.
The current theory was that Hawley would likely wait for Branna to be off-shift. Trying to snatch or kill her in the diner would be a dumb move, but they couldn’t rule it out. This man was used to running his neighborhood as he pleased.
Waiting in the parking lot for Branna to leave would be smarter. Even if she was with someone, it was easier to target her between the diner and the vehicles. Although most townspeople apparently walked everywhere because the town was so small. Which would be like an urban neighborhood, so maybe Hawley would be ready for that as well.
So far, they had to assume that Hawley wasn’t alone. At some point, he’d been in a car with at least one other person. There could be others in the back that the camera hadn’t picked up, as many vehicles had tinted windows in the back.
The Phail team would hang out in the diner and take up positions around it. There were good spots in the grocery store, with the moniker Phail Phoods, and in a few buildings they were apparently going to demo in the spring. Mitch, the firefighter, would observe from the firehall, as it had a good view of the south road into town.
Troy’s cousin Ginny and the cook, Manuel, refused to leave the diner and would stay to help provide cover and protection.
The offers of help overwhelmed Sean and he could tell Branna felt the same. These total strangers were helping them because they were friends of their friends.
In the end, Shanice decided to drive to Phail along with two more agents. They were all convinced Hawley would show today or tomorrow. Better to have teams in place than regret not having enough people. No one knew how many of Hawley’s herd were traveling with him.
The group had all loved Branna’s word for the gang.
Troy had taken his car when he’d left the farmhouse earlier, so Marcus rode with them to the back of the diner. He sat in the front with Sean because they’d talked Branna into sitting in the backseat where she was less visible. They didn’t think Hawley knew Sean’s face yet, but they couldn’t be sure about that either. They left Jabba at the farmhouse with plenty of food and water. Troy said he’d send someone to take him outside if they stayed late.
Sean parked behind the diner, and he and Marcus checked the area before hustling Branna in the back door. She had her determined face on, but he could feel her trembling under his arm. Once they were inside with the door locked behind them, he pulled her in for a hug. Marcus moved further into the kitchen, giving them a semblance of privacy in the tiny hallway.
Sean kissed her hair. “We don’t have to do this.”
She hugged him tightly, but after a moment, she straightened. “It’s the safest way to capture Prince and get him behind bars where he belongs. I just need him to see me and come inside. Then the team can take him into custody.”
Or kick his ass if the opportunity arose. “You can change your mind at any time. There’s a good chance this would be his first stop, even if he doesn’t spot you through the window.”
She nodded. “But Hawley’s much more likely to incriminate himself if he sees me.”
Damn her smart brain. “You’re going to follow orders, be smart, and stay safe. I couldn’t handle it if anything happened to you.”
Branna smiled, eyes shining. “Same. I need you to be safe, Sean.”
He nodded and kissed her. “Will do.” Although her safety would come first every time.
They moved into the main part of the kitchen, which smelled of peppers and spices. The man cooking sent them a nod. “I’m Manuel. You must be Sean and Branna.”
Sean reached forward to shake his hand. “We are. Nice to meet the genius behind the tacos.”
Manuel’s grin was quick and fierce. “Got more cooking up for everyone now.”
Troy and a woman with his coloring walked into the kitchen from the front. She smiled and extended her hand to Branna, then to him. “I’m Ginny Phail. Welcome to the No Fail Diner.”
After shaking her hand, Branna spoke. “I’m sorry for putting you and your diner at risk.”
Ginny grinned. “Not your fault. I only have the brief version of the story, but from what I gather, there’s an asshole after you because you didn’t cave to his extortion demands after he killed your dad. We’re on your side, and we’ll get him.”
Branna liked this woman immediately. Blunt with a smile and compassion in her eyes. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome. Now, why don’t we let Manuel work his magic while we go up front and make a plan?”
Out front, a few men sat in booths and another at the counter. It was a typical diner layout with booths along the front and side wall and a counter with stools running the length of the room. A huge Phail crest covered one wall and chalkboards provided the menus. Blue and green tartan covered the stools and booths. A large pass-through window opened to the kitchen, where he could see Manuel cooking. With the Scottish decor and scents of Mexican food filling the air, it was a quirky and inviting space.
All the men had taken seats with a view of the front door, which was at the opposite end of the space from the entry to the kitchen. From a quick glance, Sean knew these were exactly the kind of men he wanted protecting Branna.
He would have known they were military or law enforcement from their steady glances and body language. Awareness and readiness practically radiated in the room. “Thanks for helping out, everyone.”
Branna nodded. “Yes. Thank you. I understand if you want to change your mind. Same to you, Ginny and Manuel. If you want me to leave, I totally understand. I’m so sorry for bringing danger to you and your town.” Her voice wobbled, so she clamped her lips together.
A big mixed-race man grinned from his spot at the counter. “Nice to meet you. I’m Sam Young from Midnight Security. We’re happy to help put the assholes of the world in jail.”
He introduced the rest. Joe Cheveyo and Nico Rivera, in one booth, Flynn Walker, wearing a cowboy hat, sat in another.
Sam spoke again and held up his phone with a picture of a couple. “Mitch Robinson and Bella Martinez are at the fire hall, watching the road from the south. They’ll follow anyone suspicious.”
Sam continued. “Graham is across at Phail Phoods. He’s watching the north road, but the most probable approach is south. Graham will follow anyone inside. We’re all armed, and we’re all dangerous. The asshole doesn’t stand a chance.”
Sean hugged Branna to his side. “I’m Sean Falcone. Some call me Falcon. This is Branna O’Dea, who we sometimes call Sally. We’re in your debt. All of you.”
Sam grinned. “No, you’re not. This is what we do for family. You’re part of Troy and Marcus’ family, so you’re also part of ours.”
Branna’s thank you was shaky and full of emotion.
Ginny handed Branna an apron with No Fail Diner emblazoned in white over the blue and green plaid. “Have you ever waitressed before? We want you to look natural if the jerk comes in.”
Branna smiled. “I’ve worked in a pub my whole life. Serving, cooking, clean up, ordering. Everything.”
Ginny grinned, and her eyes lit up. “That’s perfect, and not just for today’s ruse. Did you know we have an old saloon right down the street that’s crying out for someone to love it?”
Troy laughed as he sat in the booth with Flynn. “I didn’t say a word to her, I swear.”
And Sean wouldn’t have minded if he had because the comments had Branna’s shoulders relaxing a fraction.
* * *
Branna was used to quick back-and-forth banter from working at the pub and working with her parents. They’d been the masters of banter with customers and with each other.
The banter that was suddenly flying around the diner was almost the same. Inside jokes with each other. Gentle nudging and silly persuasion to get Branna to start a pub here in Phail.
It was clear they were all on board with having the saloon open up. It was also clear they were monitoring the world outside of the diner.
Flynn exaggerated his Texas drawl when he tipped his hat to her. “Come on, darling. How could you resist the charm of a town named Phail? You start a business here, and the only place to go is up.”
“You could name it Phailed Saloon and open it as a pub.” Joe grinned at her from his seat. Or maybe that was Nico.
“What’s the difference between a pub and a saloon, anyway?” Nico, or Joe, wanted to know.
She didn’t have an answer, but it didn’t matter because the group starting calling out answers.
No Guinness in a saloon.
No cowboys allowed in a pub.
Phail ancestors are Scottish. Is having an Irish pub even legal in Phail?
Would she have to decorate it in Phail plaid?
There could be a secret password for the good stuff that she’d only serve to locals.
You’ll need a set of swinging doors if it’s going to be a saloon.
Despite the situation, she was grinning when she spotted Marcus on the street. She’d only seen the deputy in his uniform, so he looked different in his jeans and padded flannel jacket. He wore a knit beanie on his head and focused on his phone as he strolled.
Manuel called from the back. “Order up, Branna.”
She jerked around to find him grinning at her and handing her a plate. “Enchilada for Flynn, the cowboy.”
Glad to at least feel useful, Branna delivered the meal and then came back to grab a coffee carafe. Walking around the diner had her relaxing a bit into the role.
Sean’s eyes moved between her and the window, ready to spring into action from where he stood like a guard near the kitchen door.
Sam patted the stool next to him. “You’re not blending in, Falcon. Sit here where you can watch the door or have a seat in the first booth where you can stop his retreat.”
Sean nodded and sat beside Sam. “Why don’t you stay behind the counter, Branna?” His voice was a growly rumble.
Instead of the other men laughing at his overprotectiveness, they all nodded and agreed. There was no lack of testosterone in the building.
Feeling both relieved and cowardly, Branna moved behind the counter. “He’s already shot and killed at least one person. What if he shoots through the window and hits one of you?”
Half the men looked at her with raised eyebrows while the others maintained their vigilant watch on the windows. Sean took her hand. “The only person he’s looking for is you. He won’t notice anyone else, and he’s not getting a chance to hurt you or anyone.”
Okay, that was a good point, but it didn’t help her relax. She wanted Prince to show up now to get it over with. At the same time, she wanted him to never arrive in Phail.
Manuel called her name again and handed her a plate of veggie tacos. “Sam. The one who looks like he could fight in Wakanda.”
That made her smile. Manuel kept his voice down so the others didn’t hear, but he was giving her names and ways to remember who each man was. Sam sat at the counter so she didn’t have to go out on the floor.
Ginny moved out from behind the counter, and all the men frowned. She rolled her eyes and grabbed a floor sweeper. “Relax fellas. I’m just going to clean up and act normal. My gun’s under my apron, and I can leap that counter in a single bound.”
Ginny was far taller than Branna and she probably could make it. Branna would have to climb on a stool and flop over the top. Graceful as a walrus.
From the booth, either Joe or Nico spoke up. “I assume we’re going to keep the diner open past your usual time, Ginny?”
She nodded. “We can stay open as long as you like. We’ll just keep making coffee. If this jerk is coming, I’d rather stay open and lure him in than have him wandering the town.”
That thought made Branna a little ill. Prince Hawley could hurt so many people. “Is there any way to keep the rest of the people inside their homes? What if he stops to talk to some kids?” Her voice was shaking again, but she couldn’t stop it.
Sean reached for her and pulled her to his side. “Troy sent out word.”
She turned to Troy. “Did you tell them this man is extremely dangerous?”
He nodded. “It’s a small town, so I sent a text to a few people and asked them to forward it. I told them we have a dangerous criminal headed to town. I explained that we’re luring him to the diner, and that all businesses will be closed. The signs will say open so Hawley doesn’t realize something’s up, but the doors will be locked. I asked everyone to stay inside and locked down.”
“Good. That’s good. You sure you got to everyone?”
He nodded. “We take care of each other here. Everyone knows.”
Sean’s arms tightened around her. “We’ll get him off the streets, then he won’t hurt anyone.”
How did these people handle the stress so well? “I’d have been a terrible soldier. I’m scared right down to my bones.”
He pulled her into his side and ran his hands up and down her arms. “You’re braver than most people, Branna. You videotaped Hawley while he was threatening to have you gang-raped and killed. Then, you kept your head while running through a burning building. You leaped across an alley when you were on the roof of a four-story building. You were smart enough to remember the perfect hiding place, and you kept yourself hidden until I could get there. Trust me, you’re plenty brave enough for anything.”
His words warmed her, and reminded her she wasn’t a complete coward.
From the booth the man she thought was Nico spoke. “That sounds like a hell of a story. I’d like to hear the rest of it someday. It gives us even more determination to get this fucker off the streets. We’ve got your back, Branna, and we’re going to keep you and each other safe. We’ve got this.”
Someone’s phone buzzed, and the room went silent. She could feel the tension rise and Sean shifted her just behind him while he placed his hand on his gun.
Troy spoke into the silence. “It’s Mitch from the fire hall. He’s spotted an unfamiliar SUV. It’s got tinted windows, but he could see two men in the front seat. Could be more in the back. They’re driving slowly down Phail Way.”
Another buzz, and Sam spoke. “Same message from Marcus.”
Ginny kept sweeping but turned her face toward the window. The men continued to act naturally, but Branna knew every eye was trained on the window.
Determined not to be a coward, Branna moved to pick up a cleaning cloth and wiped down the sparkling counter. She couldn’t make her feet move more than a yard away from Sean, but at least she was visible. They wouldn’t shoot through the vehicle’s window, but if she saw the window go down, she’d dive behind the counter.
A silver SUV drove by and slowed as it passed. Branna’s heart tried to gallop out of her chest. When flashes appeared in her eyes, she had to remind herself to breathe. The SUV windows stayed up and she couldn’t see inside the vehicle.
Once it disappeared from sight, her heart slowed down to panic levels. He hadn’t shot anyone. Sean tugged her to his side again and she strengthened her knees so she wouldn’t collapse into him.
Hawley was here in Phail.
No one spoke as they waited for an update. It wasn’t long before Troy spoke. “The SUV is pulling into the lot down the street beside Phail General. Two men are getting out of the front seats.”
Branna’s stomach tightened, and her body trembled.
Flynn tapped his cowboy hat. “As they say in Hollywood, places everyone. Action.”