“There is at least a half a million dollars’ worth of jewels the Willow family hid and if you help me find it, I’ll cut you in on it.”
“So, that’s the reason you’re claiming to be a relative of the Willow family, to claim a fortune in jewels?” I asked.
“What I’m doing is letting you know there’s plenty of reason why others are trying to get access to the mausoleum,” he said.
“Others?” I asked.
“The guy you found there and got away, then the guy we chased in the woods, and, of course, the treasure hunter professor,” he said. “Join forces with me, you won’t be sorry. Besides, I can satisfy you far better than that fancy pants model you’re with now.”
I laughed, a hardy laugh. In hindsight, it was a mistake.
Stone lurched at me and instinct had me leaning back far too fast, momentum took hold, and me and the chair tumbled back. He leaned over me, his hand reaching to help or retaliate, I wasn’t sure when he was suddenly yanked away.
“Lay a hand on her and you’re a dead man,” Ian warned, shoving him away.
Beau stood behind Ian, ready to fight if necessary.
“Time for you to leave.”
I couldn’t see the face, but I knew that voice. It was my brother Josh and when I caught sight of him, I saw that he was in uniform, which meant the restaurant had called the police.
Ian leaned down to help me and the chair up and stopped dead. “Did he do that to you? I’m going to?—”
He went to turn, and I grabbed his arm.
“What did he do?” Josh asked, before I could explain, and anger flared in his eyes when he caught a look at my face, and he grabbed his handcuffs. “You’re under arrest for assault.”
“I didn’t touch her,” Stone said.
Words flew like rapid bullets from Stone and Amy as they tried to explain what happened.
Ian helped me and the chair up and squatted down in front of me. “How did you get those black eyes?”
I explained what had happened and unlike others, he didn’t laugh.
“You should have called me right away, Pep,” Ian said, not angry with me but looking as though he shared my discomfort.
“I felt foolish,” I admitted.
“When aren’t you foolish, Pep?” Ian asked with a loving smile. “That’s one of the things I love about you. You don’t mind being a fool when necessary.”
I really did love this guy. I mean how do you not love a guy who truly understands you and loves you anyway?
“A rake, Pepper? Really?” Josh said, interrupting Ian’s and my moment. “Wait until Dad hears about this.”
I sneered at his smug smile. “And, of course, you’re going to tell him.”
He grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it. I just want to be there when he gets a look at your face.”
“Excuse me, Officer, but can you move this along, please? It is distracting to the other patrons,” the hostess, said softly.
“Wrapping it up now, Tabby, and I apologize for the chaos.”
Tabby smiled. “It is something I’ve learned to expect when Pepper dines here, which is why, among other reasons, I have your number.”
Josh winked at her and gave Stone a nudge. “Let’s go. You’re out of here.”
“See you around, gorgeous,” Stone said with a smile.