Page 58 of Rio's Release

When we’re on the highway, Zig looks over at me. “You’re not seriously considering going to that wedding, are you?”

“Maybe,” I reply, if for no other reason than an excuse to dance with Shelby. Plus, I’d get to see her all dolled up.

“How many pain pills did you take today?” Zig gives me a side look.

“Shut up and drive.”

Zig heads toward town.

“You hungry?” he asks.

I glance at the clock on the dash. “Guess it is lunchtime.”

“Got a preference?”

“Is that diner open on Sundays?”

“Let’s find out.”

We pass Blitzy’s on the way, and I figure it’s a good backup choice.

Zig navigates to the main drag and pulls to the curb. He looks over at me as he shifts into park. “You doin’ okay, boss?”

My hand is on my side. “I’m fine.”

He follows me inside, and we find a booth by the windows.

The same waitress we had last time comes over, sliding two menus on the table. “Boy, have you shaken things up around here.”

“You want to elaborate, darlin’?” I press.

She fills our cups as she gossips. “Well, everyone in town is talking about it—how the cops have backed way off. I got a speeding ticket the other day, and he didn’t even give me the third degree.”

“Have they been around here?” I lift my chin toward the counter and the register. “Lookin’ for any envelopes from Dolly?”

“Not once.” She glances back. “Oops. Here she comes. I’ll be by to take your order in a minute.”

Our waitress hurries off, and Dolly approaches. She slides an envelope on the table.

“Didn’t expect you to be by today. The other guy usually comes on Mondays.” She locks eyes with me.

I take the envelope and set it aside. “We came in for some lunch, that’s all.”

“Well, now you can save your man a trip.”

“I’ll tell him. How’s business?”

“It’s been good. There’s a real change in the air. Everyone in town can feel it. Guess that’s all thanks to you.”

“You had problems?” I ask.

“Deputy Carson has been in. He never leaves a tip, but he hasn’t hassled any of my girls, actually pays for his meals, and never hits me up for a cut of business. I’ll take his glares over what we had.”

“Good to know.”

She leans forward, her hands on the table. “Saw another group of you guys in town, but they had different patches. You know anything about that?”

“Where’d you see them?”

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