Page 21 of Flick

“I agree. You guys coordinate who is where and when. I don’t know why but that appliance place is setting off my spidey senses,” Flick said.

“We have a plan. We’ll get a schedule put together and maybe get a couple more cameras around these places. We only need one little clue to tell us which way to go,” Cowboy muttered, staring at the board of pictures.

“If that’s all, I’m calling council. This place is a pigsty, and I shouldn’t have to drink swill or clean the coffee pot myself,” Bootstrap grumbled.

“Maybe you should hire someone to clean. They could also organize meals every so often if you wanted. You guys have to get tired of fast food,” Beth said.

“Good idea. You all let us know if you need anything else. I’m sorry we’re missing the commemoration this weekend, but we’re where we’re needed. Having these assholes hurting people in our area doesn’t sit well with me,” Bootstrap said.

Beth nodded and finished off her coffee. She stood up and patted Flick’s shoulder.

“Thank you for breakfast. I needed that,” she said.

Flick stood and walked out with her. “Did you sleep better last night knowing no one was going to take us unaware?” he asked.

“Yes, you?”

Flick grinned. “Bed sucked, but I slept like a baby. Bootstrap needs to get this place like Bluff Creek. Regina would throw a fit if our clubhouse looked like this one.”

Beth chuckled. “Oh yes, she would. Hmm, maybe I’ll mention something to her about her baby boy not keeping anything clean.”

“What did Brew ever do to you?” Flick asked.

“Ratted me out a couple times to Dad, so yep, payback is best served cold and when the person has no clue it’s coming,” Beth grinned and giggled, thinking of Brew trying to get out of this one.

Flick slid his arm around her. “Remind me never to piss off my friend.”

Yep, keep her happy, and everything would be fine.

Chapter Fifteen

Beth stood by her dad’s girlfriend, Hope, waiting to see if he’d wake up. The call from her sisters that her dad had been shot had her jumping into a vehicle and driving to Wichita, breaking most of the speed limits along the way.

She’d tried telling him that his favorite car had been messed up, but he didn’t wake.

She was positive her dad was close to waking up because his fingers had moved and he wasn’t breathing quite as deeply. Maybe she’d try something else.

“Dad, some guys beat up Hope,” Beth said.

“Beth,” Hope chastised.

Beth didn’t care. Her dad shifted in bed, and then his eyelids moved—opening a little and then closing. His lips moved, but she couldn’t hear.

“What, Locks?” Hope asked.

“Who did it? She okay?” he asked.

Beth chuckled and then hugged Hope.

“She’s fine. I just needed you to quit with the beauty rest after the shooting,” Beth said.

Her dad’s eyes opened, and Beth was so glad to see he was waking up. He turned toward Hope.

“Marry me. Can’t wait.”

Beth waited to see if Hope was going to answer him. Hope sniffed and leaned over Locks, laying her hand against his cheek and kissing his lips. She pulled away and whispered yes.

Beth patted her dad’s hand and went out to tell her sisters and the family that he was awake and okay. She’d let Hope tell about the proposal.

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