Page 71 of Refuge for Flora

She blushed, and he thought it was adorable. “Sounds fine, young man. I hope you and your family enjoy ‘em.”

“Oh, I’m sure we will. Thanks so much. Good talkin’ to you,” Barrett said as he headed to the truck with a wave.

“Good talkin’ to you too, son. You come back anytime!” the old fellow called back as Barrett slid behind the driver’s seat.

As he drove, Barrett ran through the conversation again. There was nothing said that would help him, but at least he’d confirmed what Flora had heard. He was headed toward Oscar when his phone rang and a quick look told him it was Conor. “Hey! Good news?”

“Yep. I’ll be there by the weekend. My captain said this sounds like something I could help with to stop them from coming into our state, so he’s all for it. He’s writing it up as a ‘joint task force’ and if your captain will sign off on it, everything will be fine.”

“I don’t think CaptainMoss will even blink. He’ll just sign it and tell me to get to work. So as far as I’m concerned, it’s a go.”

“Are there some hotels around there where I can stay?”

“I’ll do you one better than that. You’re welcome to stay with me. I’ve got three bedrooms and only one is in use, so you’ll have plenty of room.”

“That’ll be great!”

“By the way, BudGriffin and his wife were at my house yesterday for a little get together, and he said he’d love to see you if you wind up here.”

“We can definitely make that happen. I would love a chance to see for myself how well Martina’s doing.”

“She really is doing well, and I think she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. So yeah, we’ll all have to do dinner or something. Flora would like that too. Can you bring your girl?”

“Nah. She has to work. But she’d come if she could.”

“So let me know when you’re on your way and I’ll make arrangements to get you here. You’re flying, right?”

“Yeah. Where will I have to come in? Your town doesn’t have an airport, right?”

“Oh, yeah, we’ve got one, but the only flights we have are in and out of Chicago.”

“I don’t need to go to Chicago!” Conor said, laughing.

“No.Nobodyneeds to go to Chicago! So you can fly into Nashville and I can pick you up, or?”

“No. Not necessary. I’ll rent a car and come that way.”

“Sounds good. Keep me posted.”

“Will do. Talk to you soon, Barrett.”

The call ended and Barrett smiled. It was all falling into place. Maybe in a couple of weeks they’d have the murdering asshole in custody and there would be no more alligators. If that happened, there would be no more threat to Flora. Did he want alligators in McCrackenCounty, Kentucky? Hell no. Did he want Darryl to be gone forever so Flora was safe?

Oh hell yeah.

* * *

“I’m goingdown to Barrett’s to help him get ready for company. Is that okay with you?”

“Sure. I don’t give a crap. He got any candy down there?”

Flora chuckled. “I have no idea.”

“If’n he does, will you bring me some?”

“Yes, ma’am. I sure will. And I’ll bring back a plate too. How’s that?”

“Sounds good. I’m gonna sit here and take a nap.”

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