Page 72 of Dangerous Pursuit

“I love you too. I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Mia.”

I’m already dialing Eli as I close the door to her room. He answers within seconds.

“Hey, buddy, sorry to do this again, but I need another favor.”

“Don’t worry, I’m keeping track. Just remember you owe me when I come to collect. What can I do this time?”

“You got it, man. Mia has another game tonight, and I need you to track it down and see if you can get me in. It’s a three-thousand-dollar buy-in at seven o’clock. Think you can find it with that?”

“Shouldn’t be too hard with that dollar sign. There are only so many to choose from. But I thought you guys were in Montana this weekend. What’s going on?”

“Yeah, we’re headed back early. Long story, but basically Mia’s wrapped up in some shit she shouldn’t be at no fault of her own. I can’t go into details.”

“Sounds like trouble to me. Speaking of, how’s your sister?”

“She’s doing good. Seems to like it here, although personally, I couldn’t handle the small-town vibe for long. She was right, though—there is some great potential here.”

“Really? Maybe we’ll have to take a look.”

“Back off, man. You can have my sloppy seconds. I’ll let you know when I’m done. Then you can look all you want.”

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t knock you out. We’re more into commercial shit anyway. It’s a completely different ballpark.”

“Yeah, well, I’d offer to pass on Cici’s number, but something tells me you already have it.”

He laughs. “Not sure she’d accept my call, but maybe I’ll have to check Bozeman out sometime if it’s as ripe as you say it is.”

“I’m not wishing you luck on either count, but I do hope you find my game tonight. Anyway, I’ve got a flight to switch and a sister to piss off, so I’ll talk to you later.”

“Oh fuck. I’ll wish you luck with that one, man. I’ll get to work on this and text you when I’ve got something. Talk soon.”

“Thanks, Eli.”

With that out of the way, I do a quick flight change on the app and then steel myself for the call I’m not looking forward to.

“Hey, Jackson, what’s up? You guys about ready for me to come grab you?” Cici asks.

“I have some bad news. Mia got a call this morning, and something came up that she needs to head back for, so I switched our flights to early this afternoon. I’m sorry.”

“Seriously? Can you send her back without you?” She’s not asking maliciously since she likes Mia, but I know she was looking forward to spending time with me.

“Mia’s caught up in something and needs me right now.” I sigh. “Christ, she’s needed someone in her corner for a while now. She means a lot to me, Cici. Hell… I might as well tell you—I’m in love with her.”

“Yeah, doofus, I know. I saw it on your face the minute she opened the door. I’m happy for you, Jackson. She’s sweet. I like her a lot, but I’m not happy you’re leaving.”

“I know. I wish we didn’t have to either, trust me. But I’ll make it up to you somehow. Maybe if we end up with a couple properties here, I’ll have to show up more often. Speaking of, I told Eli about the place, and he might be interested in checking it out.”

“What? Why would you do that?” I hear the panic in her tone. I’d love to know what went down with those two.

“He knew I was in town, scoping stuff out, and mentioned taking a look since I said you were right about the potential here.”

“Ugh, thanks a lot. Whatever, I’m sure he’s all talk. Anyway, can I come over and hang out until you catch your flight and give you a ride to the airport?”

“Absolutely. Get your butt over here so I have time to remind you why you don’t want to live in the same city as me.” We laugh together.

“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten. It doesn’t mean I don’t like you visiting every so often, though.”

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