Page 22 of Tempest

“It stings like the dickens, and my arm feels like it’s on fire.”

“A lot of nerve endings get mangled when the bullet cuts across your skin. When did it happen?”

“On Friday. I went to Daddy’s house in Austin after the funeral reception, and as I was standing inside the gate, someone got a shot at me. There is a wooded area across from his place, so there was no way to tell who it was. I guess the reading of the will tomorrow will help me figure out who has it in for me.”

“Who’s got skin in the game?” Ryan asked. “Once we find that out, then it’s just a process of elimination.”

“I have no idea. I have a half-brother, and I’m not sure who else there is. Daddy lived a colorful life, and I’m sure his death is going to be no different. God knows what he’s been up to. I haven’t seen him in at least a year.”

Bea’s voice carried up the stairs, announcing lunch. “You go on down. I’m going to get cleaned up and change. I’ll be down in two shakes.”

Before she could stand up, he braced his arms on either side of her. Lifting her chin, he stared into her eyes. Testosterone and pheromones surrounded her like a cloud and made her hormones sing a song of welcome.

Ryan Cordell was exactly the sort of man who could take care of her. Her pulse raced as his body surrounded her and the only thing she could think about was how much she wanted him to kiss her.

“Thanks for coming, Ryan. I have no idea what’s going on, but I’m happy to see your handsome face.”

“Wild horses couldn’t have kept me away.” He kissed her gently and then stood up. “We’ll figure this out, Ivy.”

“I know.” She scooted out of bed and stood. “Go on. I’ll be down in a bit.”

***

Ivy walked into the kitchen and saw her beautiful mama giving Ryan the third degree. She checked the clock on the kitchen wall and noticed that they’d been alone for fifteen minutes. Mama was probably well into his college years by now. Bea Bellows was a woman who liked to have the full story, whether someone was interested in sharing it or not. She had a way of extracting information much the same way her daddy extracted oil out of the ground. With little mercy.

The screen door creaked open and her grandmother walked in with a shotgun at her side. “Hey, Grams. What you got there?”

“What does it look like, child? It’s not an Easter ham. I don’t care for someone threatening my sweet baby girl, so I mean to protect you in whatever fashion I feel necessary. I just picked it up from Harly. He serviced it for me, and it’s working perfectly.” Her eyes scanned the room and locked onto Ryan. “Who are you?” she barked.

Ryan stood and offered what Ivy now recognized as his best Boy Scout smile. “Hello, ma’am. My name is Ryan Cordell, and I’ve come over to protect Ivy.”

Grams studied him from the top of his head down to his boots. “You seem too pretty to have any real skills. What are your qualifications, young man?”

Ryan held a smile, and Ivy considered that maybe he was smarter than she first gave him credit for. Grams wasn’t someone you wanted to mess with. “I’m a retired SEAL, and I’ve spent the last ten years protecting this country’s interests.”

Sniffing, Grams studied him further. “I suppose that would do. Are you a good shot?”

“Yes, ma’am. I was the lead sniper on all the platoons I was assigned to for the last five years.”

An approving smile crossed Grams’ face, and she patted Ivy’s hand and nodded. “It’s about time you found a man worth your time.” She set her shotgun against the wall and then sat down at the table. “If he proves to be as good as his resume suggests, then I’ll make him my pineapple upside-down cake.”

Ivy glanced at Ryan and shrugged. “That’s not an offer to be taken lightly.” He came over, wrapped his arm around her waist and squeezed.

“Honey, I understand the importance of a pineapple upside-down cake. Believe me.”

Bea started loading the table with sandwiches and then pulled out a bowl of potato salad as well as a relish tray. “Everyone sit down and let’s eat. I have a showing at three for the old Samuels house.”

Ivy poured everyone a glass of iced tea and then sat down. “Mama is the queen of realty in Dripping Springs as well as five surrounding towns. When Daddy left us, Mama got her real estate license, and the rest is pretty much history.”

Grams loaded her plate and nodded. “It’s true. My daughter is a real estate mogul. Had it not been for that sorry excuse for a human, we might never have found that out. God rest his soul.”

Ivy smiled at Ryan as she filled his plate with three sandwiches, potato salad and a handful of chips. “It’s true.”

“Are the local authorities providing any protection or patrols?” Ryan asked before he started on his sandwich.

Grams snorted. “If you call Tommy a local authority.”

Bea covered a laugh and wiped her mouth. “Tommy Harlan is the local sheriff, and this may very well test his current skill set.”

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