Page 112 of For the Birds

“Squawker,” I said. “Blood?”

He remained quiet.

“Did you see Scooter?” Neely Kate asked.

He stayed silent again.

“He doesn’t want to talk to you,” Miss Mildred sneered. “He wants to enjoy our stroll.”

The only problem was that we didn’t have time for a stroll. “You three go on ahead,” I said. “I’m going to hang back and make acall.”

“Okay.” Neely Kate continued walking with Miss Mildred, asking her more questions about the bird and her interactions with him. Witt drove the car all the way to the end of the street and parked at the stop sign to wait forus.

When Neely Kate and Miss Mildred were out of earshot, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called James.

“I was hopin’ you’d change your mind,” he said in a sexy voice.

I tried to ignore the immediate rush of heat flowing through my veins. Just as I was about to chastise him for giving an ultimatum to Buck, I realized I’d never confirmed what Buck had hired me to do, and I wasn’t sure now was the time to reveal it. Which meant I had to change tactics. “I’ve been thinkin’ about Scooter,” I said. “I never asked you how you were doin’ with him missin’. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t you worry about Scooter. I’m takin’ care of things.”

“How exactly are you doin’ that?” I asked.

“It’s not your concern anymore.”

“Did you get another lead? Because I told you that Buck Reynolds isn’t responsible.”

“I don’t want to talk about Buck Reynolds,” he said in a low tone. “I want to talk about when I can see you again.”

“James. This is serious.”

“Rose.” He sounded exasperated. “You want to put distance between us publicly, but you were only partially right. You need to stay the hell away from the entire crime world. So tell Reynolds you’re retiring, and I’ll hire a real bodyguard—one without any ties to me—to watch you until the message gets around that you’re no longer workin’ for me or anyoneelse.”

“You’d hire a bodyguard for me?” I asked in disbelief.

“I can’t very well have Brett or Merv watchin’ you if we’re claimin’ you’re free ofme.”

But he’d do everything in his power to make sure I was safe. “I thought you wanted to see me again.”

“I do. We can meet at my house. No one knows where I live, and they’ll be none the wiser.”

I was tempted, but there were more urgent matters at hand. “How about we meet to discuss it?” I asked. “Let’s say tonight behind the Sinclair station. At eight.”

He was quiet for several seconds. “I can’t. Not tonight. In fact, I need you and Neely Kate to stay home tonight.”

“Why?”

“Not your problem anymore,” hesaid.

Dammit.“What are you doin’, James Malcolm? This is about Buck Reynolds, isn’tit?”

“Rose . . .”

“I told you he wasn’t involved. What are youdoin’?”

I heard voices in the background, and he said, “Hang tight, Merv.”

“Merv?” I asked. “Are you takin’ advice from that hothead?”

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