Page 54 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
It didn’t surprise Sharp one bit that Dante had done his research.“I thought you might like this back.” Sharp reached into his jacket pocket, withdrew the tracking device and laid it on the table.“I debated whether I should take it to the Sheriff and let him handle it, but I thought a chat between us was warranted.”
Dante stretched out on the bed.“Did CaDee send you?”
“No.”
“Oh? She doesn’t know you’re here. Let me ask, how does my wife taste these days?”
So the gloves were off.“Don’t you mean ex-wife?”
“Not when it’s only a matter of time before she comes crawling back,” Dante said smugly.
“I wouldn’t hold your breath,” Sharp said, tightening his hands into fists.
Dante noticed the gesture and chuckled.“Why? Because you think you and my wife and son will live happily ever after in Hicksville ?”
“No, because she divorced you.”
“So you’re here as the jealous boyfriend?”
“I’m here because the moment you made a bad decision by coming into Fin’s Creek you dragged me into this. You might be brave to walk onto a man’s property in the middle of the night, but that badge won’t protect you in these parts.”
Dante leaned back slightly as his gaze narrowed.“Is that a threat?”
“I don’t make threats. I make promises.” The two men glared at each other.
“Do you really think you’re going to keep me from my son? A father has a right to see his child.” His callousness slipped.
“A real father wouldn’t hurt a mother in front of his child or make his ex-wife flee her home.”
Dante’s jaw tightened.“That’s the story she’s telling?” His lips thinned“She started this. The day she took off with my boy she set the guidelines. I will see my kid.”
“That’s between you and the court system, but when it comes to CaDee and Carsen, if I feel I need to protect them I will at all costs.”
“You can have her, buddy. She’s used up and trash anyway. But as far as my kid is concerned, I’ll have a relationship with him at all costs.”
Sharp realized the conversation needed to end before he did something he’d regret.“Do you know his name?”
“What?” Dante roared.
“Your son. His name?”
“Of course. It’s Carsen.”
“Because all I’ve heard you reference him by is kid or boy. Why don’t you ask yourself if you truly want to be a father, or are you chasing fatherhood because of your ego?” Then Sharp walked away, taking a deep breath in an attempt to rein in his anger.
He got about halfway across the parking lot when he heard,“Enjoy that pussy. Just remember I used it up.”
Keep walking, Sharp. He’s only trying to ruffle your feathers.
He heard scuffling of bare feet hitting the concrete. He swiveled on his heels in time to see Dante coming at him, fist drawn. Sharp ducked in time to dodge a punch to his face, and then he straightened, hitting Dante square in the jaw that sent him reeling onto his back.
“Stop writing checks you can’t cash. And stay away from Carsen and CaDee or the next time I won’t stop at knocking you on your ass. Got it, partner?”
Dante sprawled on his back, rubbing his jaw.
The attendant had gathered and was in shock.
Sharp climbed into his truck, started the engine and took off onto the main road. Dante deserved worse.
