Page 37 of Stone Cold Sinner

“Heart of gold…” He said to himself. “You got one too, Kenz.”

And he walked outside to join his family around the fire pit to make a memory despite the day he’d had, too.

13

“I thought this would be a good time to go over Mama’s will since we’re all here and playing the waiting game on other… matters,” Devyn said, handing out packets to each of her siblings. “Unless you’d rather wait for Nora, Cut?”

Cut looked back at the house from the firepit where they were all gathered, and the rest of the group followed his gaze to a couple of lit second-story windows that were open just enough to let in a cool breeze and let an orchestra of tiny giggles escape.

“She’ll be a bit. Sounds like the little ones are taking their time going down for the night. Sugar before bed will do that.” He chuckled. “I’ll fill her in on the details unless you think she needs to be present.”

“Not at all.” Devyn forced a smile, the day’s events still heavily weighing on her. “It’s all pretty standard and what you all probably already know or assume. I thought it would be a good time to get it in before… Well, let’s call it a distraction while we wait…”

Devyn was stumbling over her thoughts and words, clearly seeking a distraction so she wouldn’t have to face the lingering trauma. Coy looked to Dillon, who nodded with understanding. They would need to keep a close eye on their little sister because she was about to crumble, and someone needed to be there to pick up the pieces and protect her from further harm.

“We got it, Dev,” Coy said, letting her off the hook. “Something to keep us busy while we wait for answers and something to think about other than that which requires answers.”

Devyn let out a deep sigh as if Coy’s comment had just lifted the weight of the world from her shoulders, “Exactly. Anyone else? Any objections or obligations that make this a bad time for anyone?”

“We’re good,” Dillon said, speaking for herself and Ransom.

“I’m fine. Kenzie will be back anytime. Went to check in at the station then grab what she needs to stay out here for a while.”

“Me too. Charlotte went home to grab some things so she can stay on the ranch.” Nash said.

“She left?” Devyn panicked. “I thought she couldn’t leave. I thought no one was allowed to leave the property unless absolutely necessary and with protection. I understand Kenzie being the sheriff and all, but Charlotte?”

“I appreciate your concern,” Nash teased, trying to calm the anxiety clearly plaguing his sister, “But a couple of things you should know about Charlotte. She grew up in a law enforcement family and knows her way around trouble and how to stay safe, and… she packs a weapon.”

“She does?” Coy questioned with shock. “She seems so…”

“Gentle and kind… sweet, even?”

“Well, yeah.”

“She is all those things, but she’s also a good shot with a strong head on her shoulders. Raised right. A Texas cowgirl, through and through. Besides, Kenzie is with her. They went together in her service vehicle.”

“Oh geez. A Texas cowgirl…” Dillon chuckled. “That means Charlotte’s feisty under all that soft-toned sugar. I’m going to like her just fine, Nash.”

“So, pack a gun or carry a badge, and you can go wherever you want? I grew up doing cowgirl shit and can handle a weapon, but I get babysitters?” Devyn defended.

“She’s a tough one, but she ain’t alone. Ran sent a couple of his agents with them… to babysit. One in the car and one in a car following, just in case.” Nash confirmed. “She’ll be okay. Besides, her Daddy’s a little mean. If anyone has been watching her, they know full well who he is and not to mess with his daughter.”

“Forgot to mention this with all of the chaos today, but I know him, Nash.” Ransom chimed in. “I knew Charlotte had been vetted but only knew she was cleared. When she mentioned earlier that her dad was a retired border agent, I did some digging of my own. Owen Bridges was the Border Patrol Chief under my administration until he recently retired. Ex-military, intelligence, you name it, he’s done it. Real mean son of a bitch, but effective. Maybe tuck that little bit of information in your back pocket, Coy. It might come in handy to have a local you can trust and count on. He’s a good guy.”

“Good to know. I’ll do that. Hoping things don’t escalate to that point, but it might be helpful to have access to a local.”

“Well, I’m a little afraid of him myself,” Nash admitted. “He doesn’t like me much. He’s made that abundantly clear.”

“Has he threatened you or something?” Coy asked.

“Not at all. That’s why I’m afraid of him.”

“Make it make sense, Nash.” Dillon chuckled.

“He doesn’t say a word to me. Just… stares. But not a nice stare. It’s kind of a… death stare. Like he’s plotting all the things he’s going to do to me and even picturing it. Then… he smiles. Weird, right?”

“Sounds like a father.” Cut chuckled. “If he’s anything like Coy and Dillon, he’s already had you vetted and found out you’re from a good family, even if you’re the dimmest of the bunch.”

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