Page 63 of Jackal

Eagle rolled his eyes but Angie nodded. “Sure. Right this way.”

She walked ahead and pushed the door. The humidity had returned today, so they must have kept the rolling doors closed to keep the temps inside bearable. Plus, it wasn’t a typical day they’d be doing ceremonies.

“Beautiful space,” I said as I walked past her, taking in the open area. The chairs weren’t set up, but the gazebo was still there.

“Thank you. I’d give the spiel, but you were here the other day. Are you and your partner looking for a venue?”

I took a few more steps, trying to ensure I didn’t see or hear anyone outside. Turning back, I looked at the building. Keys didn’t find any cameras to tap into, but I recalled an extra flood light at the front, and there was one on this side of the building, as well.

“Y’all got security cameras out here?” I asked, squinting from the bright sunshine.

She stood with her hands clasped together. “Nothing fancy, but yes. We don’t keep cash on site, though.”

“Sure, but you got plenty of nice things. Makes sense. Closed circuit?”

“Sir, I’m sorry, but may I ask what this is about?”

Stepping further away from the building, I waved her over. “I’m not trying to make you nervous, sweetheart, but I’m wondering if it’s safe to speak to you out here.”

Her chest rose with a deep breath and she fidgeted her hands. “I’m not sure I understand.”

“The day my friend booked with you, did someone come speak to you when we left? Maybe even the next day?”

Her lips thinned, but she didn’t answer me.

“Maybe someone with something like this, but a little different,” I asked as I pulled at my leather.

She still didn’t speak or move, so I took a slow step toward her.

“Listen, Angie, I can’t help if I don’t know anything.”

Her eyes darted around, so I looked around, too. Turning back to her, I put a hand up, taking another slow step. “We can help you.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, her chin trembling. “I didn’t know what else to do.”

“Hey, you’re good. It’s all good. Just tell me what happened so we know how to help.”

She shook her head, tears welling up in eyes. “I don’t know anything. But this guy came in during the ceremony that night. I thought he was with the party and didn’t think anything of it. But he followed me into my office.”

She paused, sucking in a deep breath and dabbed at her eyes as the tears started to roll down.

“Did he hurt you?” The fuckers were unbelievable.

She shook her head again. “No, but he said he would and nobody would hear, since the music was so loud. It was the reception, so the band was going and everyone was loud. He had a gun in a holster and a knife on his belt. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“What did he want from you?”

“He asked for the wedding date of your friends.”

I scratched at my scruffy beard. “How did he know we even booked?” I asked out loud, but was really wondering hypothetically.

Angie shrugged. “When he first came, I thought he was a guest making small talk and mentioned some friends had been by the day before. He acted like he knew them, so I didn’t think anything about it when he said something about them having a wedding here. I thought he already knew. I didn’t tell him anything, I just agreed with him.”

Maybe Butch wasn’t as dumb as I thought. He set her up. “Angie, you didn’t do anything wrong. And I’m sorry you’re dragged into this. Did he say anything else? Ask about anything else?”

She swiped both cheeks with her hands and took another deep breath. “He told me to keep my mouth shut and make sure the day went as planned. Then he took the picture of my parents off the desk and left. He didn’t say anything, but it made it seem like a threat. They’re older and don’t live nearby. I can’t get to them fast and—”

She was spiraling, so I stepped closer and grabbed her shoulders. “Hey, hey, hey. Listen, we’ll figure this out. And nothing will happen to your parents. I’m going to have a couple guys hang around here until we get this sorted out. And if you’re comfortable telling me where your parents live, we can probably have someone check on them, too. Okay?”

---