Page 60 of Wildest Dreams

“Is there any word on Austin showing his face?” Riggs turns his attention to Pacey and he just sits tall, eyes cast down as he puffs his cheeks out.

“He hasn't said.”

“I think he should go,” Dixie turns around after placing Lainey in her highchair, my mom waltzing through and taking over whilst ushering Dixie to sit down next to us.

“And why's that darlin'?” Riggs raises a brow, dragging his own stool out to take a seat, boyish grin tugging at his lips.

“Because if you say he isn't guilty of killing Clay, then by him going surely it would work in his favour?” her blue eyes bounce around the room and my heart drops.

“But then it's like leading a sheep to a pack of wolves,” Pacey eyes her, and she sits a little taller.

“But are you shepherds going to leave him alone with the wolves?” she counters back, and I hear my mom snigger softly.

“No,” he tightens his lips as he shuffles in his seat.

“So, I think he should go.”

Silence fizzles around the table, eyes bouncing between all of us when we hear my dad, “I agree with Dixie. We all go. We're united and we won't let one of our own take the blame for something he didn't do.”

Riggs smirk grows wider, whistling through his teeth.

“Someone better go and get Austin then,” he chuckles.

“Leave that to me,” my dad says as he reaches for his cowboy hat and walks out the door before even giving us a chance to argue with him.

“Where is the wake?” I ask, bringing my cup to my lips and taking a mouthful just as my mom places a fresh coffee down in front of Dixie.

“Across town, some bar called Mules,” Pacey chirps up.

“Never heard of it.”

“Probably run by them or something,” he shrugs a shoulder up.

“Mules is my dad's bar,” Dixie slips out as if it’s not a big deal and all eyes are on hers. “Or was, still is? I don’t know,” she lets out a shallow breath.

“Your dad? He left town years ago didn’t he?” I ask, a little confused by her admission.

“He did... unless he is back?” and I see the fear in her eyes.

“But then if he abandoned it, maybe the Attaways took it over?” Riggs suggests and now it's his turn to have all eyes on him.

“Maybe…” I throw out into the conversation because I am to focused on Dixie again. Her eyes drop from Riggs’ as she plays with the delicate gold chain around her neck.

“Looks like we're going to the wake as well,” Riggs rubs his hands together before standing. “I'll be back at noon, we will ride down to the church,” and with that he walks out the back door.

Pacey and I nod as we push ourselves from the table and place our cups in the sink.

“Mom, will you ride down with us or take a truck?” Pacey asks and I hover close to Dixie.

“I was going to offer to stay home with Lainey, a funeral is no place for a baby,” her eyes slice from Pacey's to Dixie and she gives my mom a soft nod. “Your dad will ride down with you,” she smiles at Pacey, cupping his cheek as she rubs her thumb across it. “Take your guns, you never quite know what will happen once you're in that church.”

I swallow the lump that forms in my throat.

I have no idea who is going to be inside that church. Sure, we have Clay's brothers, uncles, cousins... but he was also in with the big boys from the city.

“I don't think I can go,” Dixie whispers beside me and I turn to look at her, crouching down so I am level with her.

“Why not?” I whisper, eyes focused on her ocean blues.

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