Page 48 of Shades of Mercy
“I’ll be right behind you,” Jag muttered, flexing his hands.
“Do you see what I mean, Bones? He’s so uptight and overbearing.” Mercy wrapped her arm around Bones’ elbow.
Jag wanted to drag her over his knee and treat her like the spoiled brat she’d been since she came to the ranch. If he didn’t have to be careful and walk on eggshells for fear that she’d let something slip, he'd have already hauled her over his shoulder and carried her to his truck.
He followed the two outside and got about halfway across the parking lot when he was stopped by the “jukebox blonde”.
“Excuse me,” she said, pressing her hand into the center of Jag’s chest.
Frustration sped through him. “Excuse me,” he started to walk around her, but she wasn’t allowing it.
“I know you tend to walk away, but this time it won't happen,” she said bitterly.
“Pardon? Do I know you?” He glanced at Bones’ truck as it pulled out of the parking lot onto the street.
“No, you don’t, but I know you.” She slammed her hands to her hips.
“Ma’am, I’m sorry, but I’m in the middle of something. You’ve mistaken me for someone else.” He got as far as two steps when her words penetrated his preoccupied mind.
“I thought you might want to know that she’s twelve, and although she doesn’t call you daddy, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re her father.”
Jag spun on the heels of his boots and faced the woman. “You have the wrong man.”
“Oh, I wish I did, but the bartender pointed you out. I’m here because I want this to be easy. If you fight me, I’ll have to involve my attorney, and you can tell her why you were never a part of your child’s life or never paid a dime for her expenses.
He glanced onto the street and saw Bones’ taillights fading quickly.
Rubbing his forehead, he asked, “Who are you?”
“I can be your worst nightmare if you don’t cooperate.” She narrowed her gaze on him.
“So, let me get this straight. You show up here accusing me of fathering your baby, and yet you admit that I don’t know you, won’t give me your name, but you swear you’re going to bring some attorney down on me if I don’t answer why I haven’t been a father to your child. Lady, at this point, I don’t care who you are. I’ve never seen you before in my life. It’s hard to make babies that way.”
“I’m not the mother. I’m the aunt.”
“Where are you going, Jag?” Atlas came barreling out of the bar. “We’re getting ready to play pool. You coming?”
“Wait, what’s your name?” the woman said, suddenly looking a bit out of sorts.
“Jag.”
Her mouth thinned. “I-I thought you were Bear.” She rubbed her temples. “I-I only had a blurry picture to go by and the bartender pointed you out—at least I thought he pointed at you.”
“Like I said, I’m the wrong guy.”
“Look…” She blew out a long breath. “You can be mad at me, but a little girl’s life is at stake. I need to speak to Bear.”
Jag looked her up and down. She looked harmless.
“Atlas, I’m leaving. Will you show the lady to Bear? I think they have some business to discuss.” Jag strolled to his truck and climbed in.
He wouldn’t be the only one having a serious discussion with an intolerable woman tonight.
Good luck, Bear.
Chapter Twelve
Mercy was stripped down to her bra and panties when she heard the front door open and close so loudly it rattled the windows.
