Page 87 of When the Smoke Clears

I readjust my hat, still smiling. “No need to worry about it. Just know you’ll be building the enclosure this afternoon when I get back.”

“Whatever you say, boss.” They exchange glances again as I head to my truck.

It’s an odd feeling to enjoy some peace and also wish it wasn’t so peaceful. Maci and I have independent lives, and I think that’s important. But it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want her with me while I enjoy this whiskey right now.

I’m heading back out to the truck when a familiar voice calls out to me. “Mr. Strickland, how are you?”

I perk up and look left. Detective Porter is almost to the bar and grill entrance. My eyes narrow, and I don’t greet him.

“Grabbing a drink?” He smiles, but it doesn’t put me at ease.

“Business.”

“Good, good. Glad business is good.” He shoves his hands into his pockets.

Once again, I fail to respond. I’m not in the mood for small talk with him.

“Got a couple questions. Have a minute?”

“I have an appointment, but I can give you a minute.” I widen my stance and cross my arms.

“Wonderful,” he says with another useless smile. “How long have you and Ms. McCullough been seeing each other?”

“Long enough.”

He doesn’t balk. “Did you know Colt Young?”

“Not personally. I witnessed him make Maci uncomfortable at The Spur one night, and saw him hold her against her will on Halloween.”

“Shew! That’d make me pretty mad if another man touched my girlfriend.”

I blink slowly. “Sorry, what’s the question?”

“You ever threaten Colt Young?” His eyes gleam like he’s found a thread, but he’s so far from the fucking truth.

“Never talked to him. Thirty seconds.”

“Whose idea was it?”

“What’s that?” He’s really bad at this.

“Whose idea was it to lure Colt to the house on Bluebonnet Cove?”

I’ve never understood smiling angrily until now. It keeps me from grabbing this dumbass by the throat and shaking him. “Let me be really clear, because you seem to be having a hard time with this. Colt attacked Maci at that house, and I didn’t make it in time. I wish I had. I would’ve gladly shot that motherfucker right between the eyes, instead of her having to defend herself.” I point a finger at him. “And if you can’t say the same about the woman you love, then that says far more about you as a man than Maci as a person.”

I drop my hand, and he stares at me so stiffly I’m unsure he’s breathing.

“Time’s up. Have a good day, Detective.”

I’ve hardly been home ten minutes, delivering a few things to Mama inside, when the house phone rings. I shove the orange juice into the refrigerator as Mama picks up.

“Hello?…Oh. Hi, James.” She eyes me.

“She’s out.” I throw my thumb toward the hall as if she doesn’t already know. “He’s welcome, but she’s having lunch with Stephanie.”

Mama repeats the information to James and nods as he responds. “Ok, then. I’ll open the gate.” She presses the star key and hangs up. “He said he’d talk to you.” Her voice is matter-of-fact and she starts moving around the kitchen again, not giving me another thought.

“Wonderful.”

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