Cash: That’s a long way to go for what you could get at Chico.

Ty: Duh! So, think about it.

Cash: She’s got your head turned around? The one on your shoulders – you’re not thinking from your pants?

Ty: No. We both know I’d take care of it at Chico if I was.

Cash: So, you’re going to treat her right?

Ty: I am.

Cash: You’d better. Alma promised she’ll hunt me down if you don’t.

Ty: Damn! You – the mighty Cash – are scared of her?

Cash: Quaking in my fucking boots, squirt! And I don’t mind admitting it. If you go see the girl, my life is in your hands.

Ty had to laugh. Instead of sending another reply, he hit the call button and waited.

“No, I’m not joking,” Cash answered with a laugh.

“Damn! Shayna told me that she’s awesome and she made her sound like a bit of a badass, but …”

“She is awesome. Second best woman I ever worked with.”

“Only the second? Who …?” Ty bit his tongue. He knew who the first was, but Cash mentioned her so rarely that …

“Yeah. I’ll admit that I’m rattled,” said Cash. “Alma’s great. She’s also the only connection I had to you-know-who over the years.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

Cash laughed. “Just promise me that you’ll be good to this Shayna.”

“I swear it. And not just for your sake.”

“Glad to hear it – and again, not just for my sake. I want to hear all about it. Give me a call when you get back from Salt Lake.”

“Salt Lake?”

“Yeah. Oh, you don’t know about that yet.”

“Fill me in?”

“Eli’s going to make some time to see your girl this weekend. So, Alexis decided that she might as well meet you there – save you going all the way to Summer Lake.”

“Okay.”

“Is it?”

“Yeah. It’s great. I’m not worried about where I meet her. I’m just a bit surprised.”

“Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut and let her tell you herself.”

“Nah. It’s not a problem.”

“Good. Hope it goes well.” Cash chuckled. “And if it goes to shit, call me and warn me so that I can flee the country before Alma finds out.”

Ty laughed. “Okay, I will if that happens, but I can’t see it.”