Page 6 of Montana Heat

“That’s a nice place,” the lady who’d greeted me at the front counter said, not at all ashamed of eavesdropping.

“Maryann is right.” Charlie nodded. “It’s a secure location and in a safe part of town.”

Now, my eyebrow rose. “Do you have a bad section in a town this size?”

Charlie smiled. “Every size town can have problems, and we’ve had our share. But you’re right. There’s not one section that’s better or worse than another, for the most part.”

“Except for those Resting Warrior Ranch ruffians. At least she’s not on that side of town.”

“The Resting Warrior Ranch Ruffians? Is that like a sports team?” I literally had no idea what we were talking about.

Charlie’s belly laugh was contagious. “No, no. We have a group of former Navy SEALs who run a ranch facility just outside of town, helping people with PTSD and whatnot.”

I looked between Maryann and Charlie. “That makes them ruffians?”

“Oh no,” Charlie continued when Maryann rolled her eyes. “They’re good guys. Although they used to be a little rowdy, which Maryann obviously hasn’t forgiven. Most of them have settled down now and are married or well on their way.”

“Well, I don’t plan on spending much time with Navy SEALs turned ranchers, so I think we’ll be okay.”

“It’s actually good to have them nearby. I’ll be able to reach out to them for an extra layer of protection, if needed. They owe me one…or ten,” he finished with a huge grin on his face. “I may share some details of the case with them, if that’s okay.”

I tried to force a smile onto my face. I hated the idea of having more strangers all up in my business. “Hopefully, that won’t be necessary. But if it is, that’s fine. Meanwhile, I’ll just be lying low. Going to leave here, go straight to the apartment, and hopefully you won’t hear from me again until Detective Watters lets me know it’s safe to come home.”

“How about if you check in each day via text or email on that burner phone of yours, so I know you’re okay.”

I’d already given him the info. “Sure. But beyond that, I’ll be pretty scarce.”

Charlie crossed his arms over his chest. “No need to stay hidden. We’re a friendly bunch around here.”

I shrugged. “No offense, Chief, but I’m not here to make friends. I just want to keepto myself.”

Charlie and Maryann shot each other a look. No doubt it was a city-bitch-lady alert.

I wasn’t trying to be unfriendly; I really wasn’t. Hell, I worked with people day in and day out—real estate wasn’t a job for a shrinking violet. I was known for being friendly.

But not now. Not here. I didn’t have it in me. “I’m just here to lie low.”

Charlie nodded. “Which is a smart idea. Better safe than sorry. But be careful that this place doesn’t grow on you. It’s been known to happen.”

Not a chance. I was a city girl through and through and wasn’t about to become resident 2,519.

I smiled. “I’ll just stay hidden in my apartment so I’m not seduced by Garnet Bend’s many charms.”

Maryann shot me a smile now that I wasn’t disparaging her beloved town. I waved goodbye and headed out. I really just wanted to get into my apartment and get settled. I already had the key.

I looked around before leaving the safety of the doorway, unable to walk the few feet to my car without ascertaining if threats were afoot.

Even though, I’d learned the hard way that I could look all I wanted and still not see the threat about to attack me. I had some scars to prove that.

I finally forced myself to go, gritting my teeth the whole way. Sliding in the driver’s seat of my beloved Subaru eased some of the tension. I always felt safer in here.

“Okay. No more people. No more anything. Let’s just get settled.”

I turned the key. Nothing.

Again. And again. Nothing.Damn it.

“Oh, come on.”

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