Page 116 of Jagger

An entirely different take on a business that could truly rule the world.

The connection was ended. My source had completed his end of the deal.

There would be no further conversations until or unless my services were needed. I breathed a sigh of relief, holding the phone to my head. Maybe the veil of secrecy and fear would be lifted. I took a deep breath before staring up at the sky. The stars were bright. If only I was the kind of man to wish upon one, but in my life, dreams and hopes had never come true.

“You suck at playing the hero.”

Her voice provided a much needed reason to feel grateful for at least a couple of minutes. “Oh, yeah? Well, you suck at playing the martyr.”

“How am I playing the martyr?”

“You sacrificed something terribly important to you. Your career.”

“But careers don’t make a life, Jagger. People do. They are the reason for true happiness. Yes, I loved what I did, but it’s nothing unless you can share it with someone. I was hoping I could do that with some rugged mountain man, but it still seems he’d prefer to keep his distance.”

She wrapped her arm around my waist, joining me next to the railing.

“You can get your life back now.”

The slight tilt of her head added to my continued angst. Without knowing exactly what my source had done, I wouldn’t know if any damage control was needed. But I would protect her with my life.

“I have a life, a new one and in case you haven’t figured it out over the last few days, I love it. I’m not certain if I’ll be welcome in Danger Falls any longer, but home is where the heart is. You’re my heart.”

Her words touched me more than I should let them. I pulled her close, pressing her face into my chest as I held the back of her head. “You’ll be surprised about the folks living in this town. They won’t let you down.”

I only prayed I was right.

She lifted her head, pursing her lips. “Did you know you have a know-it-all smugness about you?”

“So I’ve heard.”

“I find it desperately cute.”

I wasn’t certain why she’d chosen that moment to tell me, but I had a feeling she was doing what she could to drive away the ugly visions.

“You’re the one who’s desperately cute.”

She clung to me as we remained on the porch. “Joel isn’t going to stop. I contacted an attorney out of Roanoke. I don’t know if they’re a big enough firm, but they acted as if they can help me. I’m going to call them again on Monday and give them the go to ensure the divorce is final, the adoption papers ripped up, and my money returned. I might need to push off purchasing Doc Welby’s place for a little while. But that’s okay. Waiting tables is just fine for now.”

Waiting tables.

Not that the honest job was beneath her, but she’d shrivel up and die at some point without being allowed to do what she wanted.

“An attorney?”

“Yeah, Williams and Mullins. They have an office in Richmond too. I’m hopeful at least.”

“Maybe there’s another choice,” I told her. “Joel isn’t going to bother you.”

“You sound so convinced. Let him. I’ll fight him with everything I have. I’m stronger than I’ve led anyone to believe. I just got caught up in his lies and all the nasty things he said to me.”

“Understandable.”

“Not for a woman like me. I’m better than that.”

“Yeah,” I told her. “You are.”

She brushed her hand across her face and I noticed her entire body was still quivering. “Why did Joel wine and dine me so that I’d say yes to his marriage proposal?”

---