Page 40 of Seized by the Lawman

Dizziness made her weak. His heavy weight on her body made it difficult to breathe. She sipped at sweet air. “What do you want?” she pushed through trembling lips.

“Your man and I go way back.” He loosened his hand from her hair, shifted slightly, taking some of his weight off her, but not entirely. “I wanted to pay him a personal visit, but you and your situation fell into my lap, like a precious gift from karma. Then I saw a much better plan. I sat down and tapped in some numbers on the calculator and came up with a number.”

“A number?” Although her body ached, she wanted to keep him talking and hopefully one of the hands, or Nix, would show up.

“How much serving seven years in prison for a crime I didn’t commit is worth? Fifty grand is a nice, round number. You shouldn’t have any trouble coming up with that amount.”

She blinked. “You didn’t do your homework. I don’t have that kind of money.”

He threw back his head and laughed profusely. “I did do my research. You were the chick who won the grand prize on that hokey reality show. You were in all the rags after that, an “overnight success” was what they called you. And your Pa, well, he’s a big-time cop. As far as I see it, no matter which way you turn, you can get your purty little hands on money,” he slurred.

“And why would I want to give you a dime, let alone fifty grand?” she forced through clenched teeth.

“Oh, let’s see. I know how much my time away is worth, but what is the going rate for secrets these days? A little birdie told me all about your daddy holding this ranch over your head. That sucks, sweet thing. I think if my old man tried a stunt like that, I’d bury him. Wonder what the old man would think of the seed of his loins being knocked up by one of his men? I have a feeling there’s an unspoken rule against men fucking with the boss’s daughter and getting her knocked up might just ruin Cade’s career. Sad, sad shame.”

“Nix doesn’t work for my father! Good try,” she spat.

“Wow. Let me count the secrets. I’m sure you being the daughter of an award winning officer, you should be able to figure this one out for yourself.”

“I’ll tell my father and Nix myself. I’d rather tell them both than give you one dime.”

“Hmm…well then,” his scowl deepened. “Back to plan A. I can’t say I hate the thought of seeing the bastard’s blood run. Hell, I’ll enjoy watching him take his last breath. Better yet, maybe I should wait until the kid is born and see how the lawman feels when someone he loves is in harm’s way.”

She bucked her hips and tried pulling her arms from underneath him, but it was no use. “You fucking bastard! You touch my child and there’s no place in this world where you can hide from my wrath.”

“Tsk. Tsk. Let’s not get yourself all heated up. We wouldn’t want to harm the precious wee one, now would we? I think you’re starting to see things my way.” He brushed the tendrils of hair from her moist cheeks. “It’s just easy. Pay up and you’ll never see me again. You and the bastard can be a happy family.”

“Fine! I’ll pay you the money, but if you dare show your face around here again, I’ll tell my father and Nix what happened here today. You won’t get far before they hunt you down and make you pay. I don’t have that kind of cash laying around. I’ll need some time.”

He was silent for a good five seconds. “You have twenty-four hours. And if you decide to betray our little bargain, just remember that I’ve taken down bigger, badder assholes than Cade. You don’t want to have to spend each and every day of your little rag-a-muffins life looking over your shoulder, now do you? What sort of childhood would that be?”

“I’ll get you the money.” When it came down to it, she didn’t care about the money. She cared for the safety of those whom she cared for, and that included Cade.

“I’m going to get up now, little lady. I know you’re itchin’ to lash out but keep that baby’s wellbeing in mind. One little itty-bitty accident could take away the future of the unborn.”

He stood and she stayed still, wishing she could reach up and punch him in the balls.

“I’ll be back for the money.”

“One question. Why did you lock me in the shed and slit my tire? If I would have died you wouldn’t be getting your money.” She wasn’t sure why, but she needed to know the answer now.

“In my line of work, it sometimes helps to paint a clear picture for a target. I wanted you to see how easy it would have been for me to take you out. A defenseless child, well…imagine just how easy it would be to lead the lamb to slaughter.”

“Who’s the woman who caused me to wreck?”

“You can call her my assistant. After all, a magician always needs an assistant. Now make that money appear. I’ll be in touch.”

~~~**~~~

“How did you know?” Nix sat in the chair in front of Carson’s desk. He’d divulged everything and was surprised at the other man’s reaction. There wasn’t even a sliver of anger in his expression. He could be growing softer with age, but Nix doubted it.

“I knew she’d met you while she was visiting.” He sighed and leaned forward. “I had my men watching you the first few weeks before you signed on. Don’t take it personal. Each and every new guy gets the same treatment. We can’t be too risky. I was told that Melly went home with you. I learned about the baby from Randy. After she had the accident, he took her to the doctor and, well, it was obvious. In his defense, he had no clue I didn’t know.”

“You knew about Melly and still brought me on the team?”

“You didn’t know who she was.” He waved a hand through the air. “What matters is that it came to me that she could use a man like you in her life.”

“Is that the reason why you asked me to help her?” Nix slumped his shoulders, feeling like he’d been punched in the stomach.

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