Page 93 of For the Birds

I sat up a bit in surprise. “No. I hadn’t even consideredit.”

His shoulders lost some of their stiffness. “Good. I hate digging holes.”

Neely Kate seemed to freeze in front of the stove at that but quickly resumed her work as if nothing had happened. She’d finished with the bacon and started in on some pancakes.

I rested my forearm on the table. “Look. I know you want to start your own business, so this is just a temporary thing that will help you earn some money in the meantime. It might not take more than a couple ofdays.”

“I’m listening.”

“I know you taught Neely Kate how to shoot and defend herself, but have you ever worked as a bodyguard?”

He started laughing. “Is this forreal?”

“Totally forreal.”

“No, but it seems easy enough.”

“Someone tried to kidnap me last night.”

His eyes finally opened all theway.

Neely Kate snorted. “Tried? They succeeded in the attempt. You just gotaway.”

“Who was it?” Witt asked, concern filling hiseyes.

“I’m not sure.” I shook my head. “I mean, I know the name of one of the men, but I’m not sure why he did it, although I have strong suspicions.”

“You’re wanting me to find out?” he asked, sounding confused.

“No. Neely Kate and I are figuring out that part. We just need you around to help protectus.”

He laughed again. “Neely Kate can take care of herself and you to boot. You don’t needme.”

“Neely Kate’s not always with me,” I said, feeling frustrated. He was right. Neely Kate could likely defend herself and me. But me . . . I’d gotten out of a few scrapes, but I sure as Pete didn’t feel comfortable walking around alone, knowing that someone might try to snatch me at any moment. I needed to change that, but I wasn’t going to figure it out over the next hour orso.

“So I would be your bodyguard?” He took a sip of coffee. “I thought that was Jed Carlisle’sjob.”

“Jed works for Skeeter Malcolm,” I said, figuring Witt wouldn’t know about the recent change in his employment status. “And I’m trying to distance myself fromhim.”

“Why? Malcolm’s your real protection,” Witt said. He turned serious and set his cup on the table. “After you and Neely Kate found that necklace, word’s gotten out that you’re the Lady in Black. You know that, right?”

“I’m quickly discovering it,” Isaid.

“But there’s been some confusion about how you sided with Reynolds. It’s creating a . . . stir.”

“What does thatmean?”

He pushed out a breath and leaned closer. “It means people aren’t sure which side you’re reallyon.”

“They think I’m on Buck Reynolds’ side?”

“No. Some of them think you’re neutral.”

I cast a glance back to Neely Kate, but she was focused on turning the bacon.

“What I’m about to tell you is confidential,” I said to Witt. “It can’t leave thisroom.”

He stuck out his hand toward me, pinky finger extended. “I pinky swear.”

---