Page 46 of Bad to the Bone
Chapter Twenty-Three
“SOwhat are you making me for dinner tonight?” Alex asked as they were cooling down from their run the next morning.
“Don’t know.”
Distracted by the rise and fall of Ricky Lee’s chest as he took deep, steadying breaths, Alex didn’t immediately register his answer.Tonight, he reminded himself, focusing back on their conversation. “Seriously, or is this more ‘You’ll find out when we get there’ stonewalling?”
Ricky Lee squared his shoulders. “The Jennings Kitchen is renowned for its innovative creations based on hand-selected, locally sourced, and spontaneously prepared meat and produce. Its chef’s offerings are inspired by the seasonal availability of the freshest ingredients.”
“Easy to tell you’ve been living on the West Coast,” Alex said with a grin. “Around here, ‘farm-to-table’ means something your momma picked from the home garden, and why would you want to pay a restaurant good money for that?”
“It actually means whatever I can find at the IGA that looks good,” Ricky Lee admitted. “I remember you don’t eat liver, but beyond that I make no promises.”
“I appreciate your restraint.”
“That isn’t what you said in OKC.” Ricky Lee flashed his devilish grin. “But you won’t have to worry about that tonight either.”
A cold shower suddenly became much more imperative. Alex tugged down his T-shirt and said, “I need to open the store. Get out of here before I jump you.”
“Where’s the incentive for me in that?” Heedless of anyone who might be passing, Ricky Lee caught him in a full-body embrace, grasping Alex’s ass with both hands and rubbing against him as they kissed to prove he was every bit as aroused as Alex. “So you know what you have to look forward to after dinner.”
Having removed any doubt that he could leave Alex even more breathless than his morning run had, Ricky Lee climbed onto the Harley and took off.
GRATEFULfor the distraction of dealing with early morning business, Alex found the time passing more quickly than he’d expected. Alanna had just come down to see if he wanted anything for lunch when Sam rushed in, looking more agitated than Alex had ever seen her.
“Ricky Lee’s been arrested,” she broke into Alex’s greeting. “I’ve let Crae know, but I figured you’d want to get over to the station.”
“What the hell for?” Alex asked, trying to imagine what kind of trouble Ricky Lee could have gotten into since he’d left that morning.
“Possession of a controlled substance,” Sam said grimly. “Hankins pulled him over and found a bag of cocaine in the spare-tire well of the Lincoln. I don’t know why Ricky Lee was driving it instead of riding the Harley—”
“He was going grocery shopping to make me dinner. He probably figured he couldn’t fit everything in the Harley’s saddlebags.” Alex shook his head. “I don’t know how the hell coke got in the car, but Sam, you know it wasn’t Ricky Lee’s.”
“Of course not, but it was at least a kilo bag. If he’s convicted of possession with intent to distribute, he could potentially be looking at life in prison.”
Alex stared at Sam in horror.This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening.
“I got this. Go,” Alanna broke in, pushing him toward the door. “Do whatever you have to do to get Ricky Lee out.”
“Should I drive or come with you?” Alex asked Sam as they headed outside.
“Can you pick up Crae and meet me at the station?” Sam asked. “Crae can’t ride the Harley, and the Lincoln’s been impounded.”
“Sure—that way I can drive both Crae and Ricky Lee back as soon as he posts bail.”
“I’m not sure how soon that will happen,” Sam said. “Chief Cowart’s already called the DA’s office in Lawton to file charges. But since possession is a felony, Ricky Lee can’t post bail directly with us. A judge would normally hold a bail hearing within twenty-four hours, but since it’s Friday, there’s a possibility it won’t be scheduled for today.”
“So what happens then?”
“Worst case, we’ll have to hold him until Monday, unless the DA wants him transported up to the county detention center in Lawton before then. And there’s no guarantee a judge will even grant bail, since Ricky Lee doesn’t live in Oklahoma and could be considered a flight risk.”
“Shit!” This was shaping up far worse than Alex could have imagined. “Let me get Crae. I’m sure Ricky Lee must have an attorney Crae can get in touch with, if he hasn’t already called one himself. I’ll get us to the station as fast as I can.”
“Don’t drive crazy trying to get there,” Sam warned. “I’m afraid nothing about this is going to happen quickly.”
CRAEwas waiting outside the hotel when Alex pulled up, and climbed into the truck scowling. “I’ve talked with our attorney, but he’s not an expert in criminal law. He’s looking for someone who practices in Lawton or Oklahoma City he can refer us to. But from what he’s told me so far, this is some deep shit, Alex.”
“Sam told me the same thing.” Alex hit the steering wheel in frustration. “Ricky Lee must be sorry he ever came back here.”
