Page 51 of Seized by the Lawman

“Could it be one of the Hawks?”

He stared out the window into the darkness. “I don’t think so. And we know it’s not your dad. That leaves Claire and she doesn’t have access to confidential files, or our desks. Anyway, she’s so timid, she’d probably pass out if someone said “boo’. The guys think she has a crush on me, but that’s not what I feel when she’s around.”

“She could have a crush, but you’re safe. I know she has a boyfriend. Actually, I’ve noticed a lot of changes with her over the months.”

“Like?”

“Breasts implants. A tan. Working out.”

“Okay?”

“Claire changed so drastically, so yeah, I think you shouldn’t cross her off the list of suspects.”

“Maybe your dad needs you on the team because men don’t think of things like boobs and tans as suspicious behavior.”

“Sure you do, but you allow the wrong part of your body to respond to big boobs. I do agree, the Hawks need a woman on the team.” She winked. “And I need to run Shy Brooke. It’s in my blood.”

“And you have your dad’s DNA. It’s time you two settle your differences.”

“Is that right?” She turned her cheek to look at him.

“Hell yeah. You’re not the only one with secrets.”

“Are you going to tell me what that means?”

“No. You’re a bright woman. You’ll figure it out.”

~~~**~~~

Melly stared at her father who was sitting in his leather recliner nursing a sweet tea. A cigar had been snuffed out in the ashtray on the table. She’d tried to convince him many times to give up the habit, but she decided it was a waste of breath. He looked almost frazzled with deep set wrinkles around his thin mouth and eyes. At first, she thought his uneasiness was because she’d brought Nix along, but once they were settled in the office and the tension could still be cut with a knife, she knew there was more and her stomach lurched. If he found out about the baby, would he pull the plug on the ranch? Would he be happy that he was going to be a grandpa?

“Do you have something you’d like to tell me?” Carson had a look, one she’d learned well growing up. Each time she was late, dated a new boy, or dressed a certain way he didn’t approve of, he gave her a certain look. Back then she’d squirm, but there came a point when a child needed to stand their ground. Although she felt sweaty, she held her chin high.

“No, dad. I’m sure you’ve Googled everything you need to know about me.” With the lifting of her father’s brow, she dropped back into the cushion of the couch. “Sorry.. Maybe I do have a few things I’ve kept secret, but…well, for good reason.”

“Are you in trouble, Melly?” Concern etched new lines around his eyes.

“I-I…no.” She hid her shaking fingers clutched in her lap.

“I received a call.”

Were all her secrets unraveling? Did the man who called himself Andy contact her father too?

She looked back to Nix who was sitting quietly, maybe even a little green around the edges. He’d attempted to stay in the car, but she’d insisted he come inside with her. “A call from who?” She directed her question to her dad.

Carson leaned his elbows on his knees and said, “Brad called.”

And there it was. The bat to the head. Melly was even a little woozy. “He and I aren’t getting back together. Let me just get that out there.”

“That’s not what he said. You asked him for money.”

For the first time, Nix made himself known. He snorted and crossed his arms over his chest. Melly didn’t look at him because she didn’t know what was worse, Nix knowing that she had asked to borrow money or that her dad was about to lecture her. She did know that she had a bone to pick with both. “He had no right to call you.”

“He’s worried about you and I’m glad he reached out to me. For Christ’s sakes, Melly. Fifty grand? Why on earth would you ask your ex for that much money?” Carson’s eyes glittered with confusion and frustration.

Her confidence at the beginning of the conversation dwindled some. “It’s private, but it’s not like he doesn’t owe me.”

“You are in trouble, aren’t you?” Carson spit out, then turned his gaze upon Nix. “You’re supposed to be watching her.”

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