Page 21 of Jake

“Hey,” he said when Iceman got on the line. “You have plans for this afternoon?”

“Not really, why?”

“You got time to take Heather out for a little target shooting? And possibly have or can get your hands on an extra pistol to let her carry for a while? She’s just let me know she’s unarmed. I don’t like it. Not with that asshat on her tail and especially not if she’s going to drive down here on her own.”

“I’m with you on this one. I’ll make the time and yes, I’ve got something she can borrow. I’m not sure what yet, but we’ll figure it out. She’ll be protected.”

“Good. I’ve got to talk to Lurch and get permission to park on the ranch. I’ll be in touch about that as soon as I get the details. She’s already agreed to wait until tomorrow to hit the road. Did you know she can tow? Will she be okay bringing your trailer down?”

Iceman chuckled. “Yeah. I knew. She’ll be fine, or I would make sure she’d have help.”

That made Jake feel better about her driving down here on her own. Iceman had known her the whole time he’d been out of the picture. If he trusted her with his trailer, who was Jake not to?

The other man continued. “I’m not sure if you’ve figured it out yet, but she does not take being told no well.”

He heard the smack of skin against skin, as if someone had been smacked upside the head, then Heather’s voice came over the line, but not like she had the phone. It sounded more like she was nearby, talking so they would both hear.

“Stop talking about me as if I’m not here.”

“Geeze, stop hitting me, woman. Don’t make me have to sit on you.”

Jake clenched his teeth to keep from saying something he would regret as he reminded himself Iceman was her family. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt her. He was trying to protect her and crap like what he’d just heard was nothing more than a squabble among cousins who’d grown up doing the same thing.

“I’ll take care of it. You get her the details on whether or not she can park the trailer there and I’ll make sure she’s safe to go.”

“Thanks, man. I owe you.” Jake hated admitting he owed anyone but for Heather, he’d do it.

“No, you don’t. Just make sure she stays safe, and you don’t hurt her, and that’s all I need.”

“You got it.”

“I’ll let you talk to her again. I’ll get your number from her and send you a message so we can stay in touch, in case that asshole shows up here.”

“I appreciate it.”

The line went quiet for a moment and Jake couldn’t help but wonder what was happening in Dickenson. Had she muted the line to read Iceman the riot act? He hoped not but he knew if she had, he was likely in for the same treatment. Not that he blamed her, and he’d do it again, to make sure she was safe, but she’d rather have her here in front of him while she did it.

If he had to listen to her tell him how she was a grown woman who could take care of herself, then he would prefer he be able to see the fire in her eyes while she did it. And from the way she’d said the same things in high school, he had no doubt it would be coming, the question was when.

After a couple of minutes, Heather came back on the line.

“So I guess I have plans this afternoon,” she said in greeting.

“I’m not sorry, Lynnie. I want to be sure you’re safe. Knowing your armed and know how to use it will make me feel better about you driving down here alone.”

“I will be fine. I drove myself all the way up here, didn’t I?”

“You did, and I love that. I’m so glad to see you again. Besides, since when do you not enjoy an afternoon at the range?”

“Never, but that’s not the point.”

“Then what is?” He didn’t want to fight with her. He wanted to know that if shit happened, she could handle it.

“That you went behind my back and arranged it.”

“Sweetheart, if I’d gone behind your back, I wouldn’t have asked you to give him the phone. I would have gotten his number and contacted him without you knowing.”

“Then why did you have to talk to him instead having me do it?”

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