Page 69 of Wyoming Bodyguard
Deputy Sanders cast a hesitant glance at Madden before focusing on Lily. “This won’t be easy for you to hear, but sources shared Jason Simon is a big name in the drug world. Surveillance has shown him around the new resort out by your place, and he has a rap sheet a mile long. Drug possession and distribution, aggravated assault, intent with a deadly weapon. He’s a bad guy, Lily. If your dad pissed him off, he wouldn’t just walk away. He’d make him pay.”
Lily let out a shaky breath. “I should be more shocked than I am, but I knew something put a target on my dad’s back. He couldn’t be an innocent bystander with everything that’s happened. I just wish I understood the connection. I’d hoped when we found the shooter everything would come to light. Looks like Dad’s still the only one who can tell us what we need to know.”
Madden remembered the information Reid had found and grimaced. “Does the sheriff’s department know about all of Mr. Tremont’s bank accounts?”
Lily turned narrowed eyes his way. “What are you talking about?”
He shoved a hand through his hair, hating that he was springing this on her in front of law enforcement. He should have told her sooner. Given her a chance to digest the information before now. But with all the chaos since Reid had shown up, he’d forgotten the papers now folded in his pocket. “That’s why Reid came to the hospital. He brought me account information he’d uncovered that’s tied to your father. Large amounts of deposits quickly followed by similar sized withdrawals.”
“You think these withdrawals were being paid to some drug lord?” Lily asked, doubt dripping from her words. “But what about the cattle tags? And if he paid this guy, why would he want to kill him?”
Madden pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know. I’m not sure how this is all such a mess.”
Deputy Sanders slapped his palms to his thighs then stood. “That’s for the sheriff’s department to figure out. The good news is the shooter can’t hurt you anymore, Lily. Or your dad. It sucks we couldn’t get more answers from him right now, but that doesn’t mean we won’t get to the bottom of things. Hopefully when your dad wakes up, we’ll sort all the details.”
A boulder of reality sank low in Madden’s gut as he waved goodbye to the deputy. The reason he was hired to protect Lily was gone. The person responsible for putting her in danger was dead. She didn’t need him anymore, but the thought of not seeing her every day sucked the air from his lungs.
Lily rested her head against his shoulder and looped her arm through his. “I thought I’d feel more relieved when we found the shooter, but my stomach’s still tied in knots.”
So was his, but it had more to do with not knowing where things stood between him and Lily. He pressed a kiss to the side of her head, and her blond hair tickled his nose. “You’ll feel better when your dad wakes up. For now, we should get you home. It’s been another long day.”
“We should see Reid before we leave. Find out if he needs anything and let him know he’s not alone.”
Her consideration for his friend released a torrent of gratitude so strong, it swallowed everything inside him. “You sure you’re up for that? I can always come back after I drop you off.”
“I’m sure.” She tilted her chin to stare up at him. “After we spend some time with him, will you stay with me?”
“Absolutely. I don’t need to take off right away. I can hang around for a while,” he said, her request lifting his lips.
“I want you to spend the night. I don’t care if the threat is gone and I’m safe. I don’t want to be alone. I want you with me.”
Her unrelenting stare spoke of a million promises that set his core on fire. He cradled her jawline in the palm of his hand. “Baby, I’ll stay with you as long as you want me.”
* * *
Butterflies attacked Lily’s stomach in rapid succession as she unlocked her front door, stepped into the foyer and flipped on the lights. Madden had been inside her home countless times. Hell, he’d already been in her bed. But tonight was different.
Tonight was special. A first step in a new relationship that promised so much happiness she could hardly stand it.
As if sensing her nerves, Madden locked the door then turned to her with a grin. “Dinner was good but how about we finish that pie before heading downstairs?”
She breathed a little easier, steadier now as she led the way to the kitchen. So many words sat at the tip of her tongue, questions about Madden’s expectations regarding a relationship and the future ringing in her brain. But there was no need to move too fast. They’d already started off at warp speed. Nagging him about his feelings and where he saw things going would only scare him.
“Sit or stand?” she asked, carrying the pie to the island.
Madden found two forks and crossed the tile floor to stand beside her. “Stand. If that’s okay with you. Between our visit with Reid and dinner at Tilly’s, I need to stretch my legs.”
She hopped onto the counter. “We can do both.” She grabbed a fork before digging in for the first bite. She’d barely touched her meal, too consumed with the uncertainty of her future, and the burst of apple and cinnamon was exactly what she needed.
Grinning, he stood in front of her and caged her in place with his strong arms. “You’re a problem solver.”
She snorted and rolled her eyes. “Hardly. I’ve had my share of problems lately and still feel like I’m wading through the issues, searching for a solution.”
“I’m sorry about that,” he said, brow rippling in concern. “But things are getting better. Just like your barn. All it took was a little work to paint over the mess and create a clean slate. So what does your clean slate look like? Have you given any more thought to hosting that wedding?”
Not wanting to admit she’d been too consumed with thoughts of Madden, she shrugged. “It still seems like such a tall order. When I spoke about possibly wanting to use the ranch as a venue option, I figured I had months to iron out logistics. To plan and organize. I don’t know if I can pull something like this off all by myself.”
“You’re not alone. You have an entire village behind you. Look at how people have stepped up to help you lately. From Eve who insists on keeping you fed to Charlie who hurried over tonight to handle the horses as soon as you called. Hell, even Reid picked up some slack and painted your barn. Everyone who loves you wants to help you make this place a success, no matter what you choose to do.”
