Page 8 of Wanted by the Lawman

Nixon looked over his shoulder to see if they were still alone. “Now that we’re away from the table, tell me about the murder over at Tattleman’s Farm. The victim had been a dealer, right?”

Giving his brother a nod, Zander adjusted his boots on the spindle. “He pissed off the wrong people.”

“So, was it really just a disagreement between you and the supervisor?”

“Yeah. Just a difference of opinion. How about you? By the way, you still considering that position you’ve been offered?”

“Dad told you?”

“Yeah. He said you are thinking it over. I think you’d be perfect for it.”

“I like being a detective but working with a special forces unit led up by my hero, Carson, well, that’s enticing. Dad said Carson handpicked me for this team.”

“They couldn’t have picked a better man, bro. You’ve earned this.”

Nixon shrugged. “I’m still mulling it over. I’d have to get used to being alone for weeks at a time.”

“Take your time. If Carson wants you bad enough, he’ll wait until you’re sure. It’s important not to jump into anything.”

Cullen opened the screen door and popped his head out. “Mom said to tell you dessert is being served. If you don’t want it, I’ll take your share.”

“Strawberry shortcake? Hell no to sharing mine, bro. Mom makes the best this side of Wyoming,” Nixon stood, rubbing his palms together.

“Who the fuck you kidding, brother? She makes the best this side of the world.” Zander pushed himself up from the chair. “Let’s go get a slice before Kace sneaks away with all of it like he used to.”

~~~**~~~

“Brenda, tell me, has he tried calling?”

“Who?”

Wynn sighed. “You know who. Rory.”

Her best friend’s yelp of enthusiasm rattled the phone line. “You finally left him. Didn’t you?”

“I don’t think I remember you ever getting this excited, not even when you won the trip to Cancun. The answer is yes, I did.”

“So that’s the reason why you haven’t answered your phone. Where the hell are you?”

“I needed to leave everything connected with Rory behind. I truly need to start all over on my own two feet.”

“Oh, please tell me you didn’t leave that pretty silver Lexus he bought you for your birthday.”

“Yes, I did. It’s in his name, and the cell, and he’d bought most of my clothes. All left behind except for what I brought into the relationship.”

“And the money? You left all of it too?” There was obvious disappointment in Brenda’s voice.

“I took some. I had no choice. Anyway, I’m sure when he woke up from his drunken stupor, he got the point that I wasn’t coming back. Don’t tell him anything when he calls you, because he will eventually.”

“How can I tell him anything? You haven’t told me where you’re at.”

Wynn hesitated, not sure how far she wanted to drag her friend into this, at least for now. “Okay, but remember, not one word to him. Okay?”

“Best friend’s honor. I’m doing a happy dance right now. The man is an ass. I can’t believe you haven’t left him way before now. Okay, in all seriousness, where are you?”

“Remember when I told you my grandmother had died?”

“Yes, just a little over a year ago, right?”

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