Page 30 of Rekindled Heart

“I’m gonna go meet her and her sister at the hotel that they were staying at. I want to make sure that they’ve paid their bills. I mean, you really can’t trust people nowadays. Especially strangers.”

Then I stroll off down the street and into the alley, my eyes keeping a wary look out for anything out of the ordinary.

I spot the shadow following me quickly. And then I hear a scuttle of footsteps and a soft rub of shoe leather as he rushes at me.

But he doesn’t even get more than a couple of steps before he hollers wildly, a high-pitched scream, and I turn back to find him hanging upside down underneath a streetlight that’s not lit. He grabs at his feet and attempts to undo the knot that’s looped around his ankles.

I stomp over to him and growl, “Well, well. Looks like I caught myself a rat. Guess Caro won’t have to worry about this guy.”

“I’m not the guy after Caroline. I’m one of the guys that’s trying to protect her sister, Angel.” He growls and swings his arms again. “If I can ever find the damn woman,” he snaps at his feet as he works at the knot.

I pale and glance over at Louise, shrugging and shaking my head. I don’t know whether I believe him or not.

That is, until a pick-up truck roars around the corner and a woman jumps out, gun drawn, Jace Henry one step behind her on the driver’s side.

The woman spies the guy dangling and groans, shoving her gun into her waistband and stalks over. “That’s my man. Not Kirby.”

“Kirby Rohr?” The woman’s eyes dart to me and Jace groans.

“Oh, shit. Margot and Louise? What the hell are you doing here?”

I grin at him. “Can’t stay out of the excitement!”

“I think you can if you really try. I’m pretty sure that Sebastian and Ricky would appreciate it a helluva lot if you would stay out of it.”

I snort. “Well, then, they don’t know me very well.”

“No, I think that they do know you extremely well. They just hope that you have enough sense not to get involved.”

“Hah!” I snort. “It’s sweet that they think that. And they think that their opinion means shit to me.”

“Margot,” he growls. “This guy means business. Stay the hell out of it.”

“He shot Caro. You think I don’t know that means business? But I also know that you boys need my help.” I wave my hands at the dangling guy. “See?”

The dark-haired woman snorts. “Yeah. You caught my man. Who is trying to find the guy who shot your friend.”

I shrug my shoulder. “Sometimes you’ve gotta break a few eggs.”

Jace’s face turns red then white and I’m starting to worry that my grandson’s best friend is about to pass out or erupt into flames. Then he scrubs a hand down his face and grimaces. “Never mind. Can you cut the guy down?”

I grin. “I don’t carry a knife.” With a huff Baker Tate pulls a switchblade out and opens it.

“I’ve got to get home.” He points the blade at me. “Do me a favor and don’t call me for any more shenanigans.”

I roll my eyes but I don’t promise him a damn thing. I turn back to Jace.

“Is Kirby Rohr in town?”

“I don’t know. But if he is, you need to stay the hell away from him. The sheriff’s looking for him. I’m looking for him.” He points at the woman and his mouth twists like he tastes something bad. “She’s looking for him. There are a ton of people who can handle this.”

“Fine.” I cross my fingers behind my back. If I find the asshole, he’s gonna be hurting. I won’t promise not to do something.

“Oof!” The thump behind me brings my head around and I grin at the guy climbing to his feet and dusting off his clothes. He glares at me and I just grin bigger.

“Bet it’s embarrassing to be caught by somebody’s grandma, huh? Well, don’t worry. I won’t tell a soul.”

Jace groans and huffs. “Yeah, right. Believe that if you need to sleep at night.”

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