Page 152 of Love Me Reckless

“What’s our plan?”

“I want to try to talk to him.”

“Why? He’s just gonna spew bullshit. We should alert security.”

“No!” I bark. I think about Agent Fisher and the others, armed to the teeth and all too eager to play bad cop. “It’s too risky. What if he—?” My throat clamps shut, and I force a slow breath. “We don’t know what he’s planning.”

“You think he’d hurt her?”

“I think he’s desperate, and that’s what scares me the most.”

“Damn it. Let me at least come to you. We can talk to him together.”

“I won’t let you risk your job.”

“Instead, I’m supposed to let you risk your life?”

I huff a tight sigh. “I have an idea.”

“Sawyer,” he says, his tone urgent. “What are the odds you can actually talk sense into him?”

“I have to believe there’s hope.”

“I don’t like this.”

“Give me an hour. I’ll check in.”

“And if you don’t?”

“Then do what you need to do.”

He releases a long sigh. “Shit. All right.”

Finn River Ranch is a big place. Outside of the village condos, most properties are situated on several acres. I’ve been to Kirilee’s bungalow, but none of her family’s other residences. The wedding invitation had a return address of Grayhawk, which is one of the developments. My gut tells me Sheldon wants Kirilee to take him there. With Birch out of town, it’s the obvious choice.

What’s Shel’s leverage? He’s either spun some wild tale to get her to help him, or he’s threatened her somehow. I need to find them.

Though I’m anxious about talking with Carson thanks to the termination notice in my pocket, I call him as I walk.

“Hey,” he says with a sigh. “There’s this crazy rumor going around?—”

“It’s not true,” I say.

“Oof, that’s good news.” He gives a low chuckle, like he’s relieved. “So, it’s a mistake?”

“Yes. Where’s Grayhawk?”

“Like inside the ranch? Uh, it’s the farthest residential community from the village. You take Larkspur to Creekside, then go up the hill. It’s where all the big dogs live. Most lots are ten acres minimum.”

“Thanks,” I say, unlocking the door to maintenance.

“Wait, why?”

“Someone I need to see is there.”

“I’m glad you’re not a drug addict,” he says.

“Me too.” I try to smile but my face feels ready to crack. Maybe once Kirilee is safe and Shel has turned himself in, I’ll be able to drink in this kindness.

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