Page 50 of Dairy and Deadly

“Providing a security detail for Farmer Monty,” Johnny repeated. “Off the books, of course. The only reason I’m telling you is because I’m gonna need you to cover my back around here while I’m away.” He’d never seen his even-tempered brother-in-law get so worked up over something before. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

Clint waved away his attempt to bring up the topic of pay. He marched to the bench by the door and tossed his Stetson on it. “Are his kidnappers getting out of jail early?” He ran his hands through his hair, disheveling it.

“Not that I know of.” Johnny couldn’t say more. His brother-in-law knew that.

“Well, the only other big change I know about is his decision to hire an events manager,” Clint fumed.

Johnny shrugged instead of answering. Clint’s response to his request was a far cry from what he’d been expecting.

“Really, bro?” Clint started pacing again. “Where’s the trust?”

Johnny stared at him, aghast. “In Caro?”

“Yes, in Caro!” Clint rounded on him. “You didn’t hesitate to roll out the red carpet for Ashley, hiring her without so much as a courtesy notice to me!”

“Didn’t think you wanted to be bothered about stuff like that.” Johnny fisted his hands at his sides. “You’ve shut me down every time I bring up the topic of going into business together.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have,” Clint ground out.

Johnny’s eyes widened. Then he gave a whoop of delight that shook the ceiling rafters. “If you’re saying what I think you’re saying, the answer is yes!” He’d have an attorney draw up the papers as soon as possible to make it happen.

Instead of looking happy about it, Clint’s jaw hardened. “The only way a partnership between me and you will ever work is if you trust me.”

“Of course, I trust you!” Johnny had no idea what had gotten into the guy. “With my farm, my cattle, my life!”

“Just not with my opinion about Caro,” his brother-in-law shot back.

Johnny gaped at him. “Are you two…?” Then he shook his head. “No way! You said it yourself. She’s not your type.”

“She’s not.” A gleam of humor returned to Clint’s gaze. “Not even a little.” Which in no way explained the goofy grin stealing across his features.

“Wait a sec!” Johnny’s gaze narrowed in suspicion on him. “Are you trying to tell me…?” He couldn’t quite make his mind go all the way there.

“We kissed, alright?” Clint burst out laughing. “You should see your face right now.”

“You’re just messing with me.” Johnny wanted to throttle him for it.

“And if I’m not?” Clint’s expression was impossible to read.

“You want me to believe you two are dating?” Unfortunately, he wouldn’t put it past the flirty southern belle to use his brother-in-law to get back at him — all for refusing to turn the rumors about their relationship into something real. What he didn’t understand was Clint’s compliance in the matter.

“It’s nothing that official,” Clint scoffed. “We’re gonna keep it between us for now.”

“Between the three of us, you mean.” How could Clint be such a fool? “Please tell me you see what she’s doing!”

“I know how it looks, bro, but you’re wrong.” Clint’s voice was emphatic. “I only told you about our kiss so I could warn you about Ashley.”

“Warn me!” Johnny felt like he’d fallen into the Twilight Zone. “Why?”

“It’s a long story.” Clint ran his hands through his hair some more. “Short version is that Ashley and her dead partner might’ve been on the take.”

“Did you just call her a dirty cop?” Rage flooded Johnny, making him see red.

“I believe the term Caro used was alleged,” his brother-in-law returned evenly. “Just so you know, the way you’re feeling right now is the same way I felt when you suggested Farmer Monty might need protection from Caro. It’s no fun having the tables turned on you, is it?”

They’d never argued like this before. Johnny didn’t like it.

“While you’re deciding if the way I feel about Caro is gonna be a deal breaker for our partnership,” Clint’s voice grew sorrowful, “there’s something else you should know. It’s about Ashley’s ex.”

---