Page 86 of Wild Mustang Security Firm

“Isn’t that good news?” she asked.

“Yes and no. Yes, because at least we’d know where the bastard is. No, because it means they think our case against him has become weaker. Mac is concerned it’s a ploy to get you out in the open where he can take another shot at you.”

“Mac’s not coming, is he?” she said, suddenly understanding the discomfort of the men on her team.

“He needs to be up there to testify this afternoon and clean up some loose ends. He said to tell you he’d try to be here this weekend.”

“And he didn’t tell me himself because he knew I’d be pissed. Your boss is a jerk,” she said, going to her room and slamming the door.

The agents knocked on the door several times and called her name. She did nothing but wasn’t surprised when there was another knock before the key was inserted, the lock disengaged, and the door opened a crack.

“Willa?”

“I’m here. Just go away. I don’t like any of you at the moment.”

“Both teams are here. How about if we set up a perimeter patrol, then if you want, you can sit out on the porch? I know you’re used to being outside, so being cooped up for almost a week has to be tough.”

Willa stood and wiped away the tears she hadn’t known had fallen.

“Thanks. I’m sorry I blew up at you guys. You’re just doing your job. If you could make it so I could at least sit on the porch, I’d really appreciate it. And while you’re doing that, I’ll make breakfast… but your boss is still a jerk.”

Willa went to work in the kitchen, and by the time breakfast was made and consumed, she had the all-clear to sit out on the porch to sip her coffee. She sank into the rocker. It really was a lovely porch, not as nice as hers but still very nice.

One of the marshals walked out and handed her the secure phone.

“Hey, girlfriend!”

“Hey!” Willa was delighted to hear Mandy’s voice.

“John told me Mac can’t get down there tonight, but he and I could come over and keep you company if you like.”

“No, what happened was Mac asked John to bring you over, so I wouldn’t be as pissed off tomorrow when he does manage to show up.”

“Well, that might have been closer to what happened, but hey, we’re not a bad consolation prize.”

“Wanna bet? When I’m looking to have the Mighty Mac fuck my brains out, you and John suck as a substitute.” Willa giggled as two of the marshals on her detail sputtered and wiped their mouths. “Mandy, I just made my jailors spit their coffee.”

“I doubt they’re used to hearing him and his equipment referred to as the Mighty Mac.”

John grumbled in the background, and Mandy yelped in response to what Willa was sure was a swat to her bottom.

“John’s jealous, you don’t have a nickname for his package.”

John took the phone away from his wife.

“That’s enough out of the two of you. Do you want us to come over or not?”

“Sure, why not? Have Mandy pick up some bourbon, pecans, Mexican chocolate, and whipping cream. I’ll make pie. Maybe Mandy can use some leftover whipped cream to enhance your equipment.”

“Keep it up, Cowgirl. I’ll be happy to tell him what a brat you’re being.”

“I’m not being a brat, am I boys?” She flipped the phone to speaker and pointed it at her detail. A chorus of support could be heard. “So, there!”

“Yeah, you’re feeding them. They aren’t stupid. Usually, they’re stuck with frozen food.”

“Hey, a girl’s gotta make friends where she can.”

John chuckled and agreed to have Mandy pick up the requested items. After he disconnected, she asked, “Any chance I can call my ranch foreman to check in?”

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