Page 156 of Nash Falls
“Yes, it was,” said Mindy in basically a mumble. She eyed Nash. “Rhett said you’re here to protect us?”
“Well, me mostly,” said Rhett. “Trouble seems to follow me.”
“Your father had a team of four,” she pointed out.
“And they still couldn’t stop him from killing himself, could they?” replied Rhett, drawing a dark look from her. “So for me it’s quality over quantity, and Dillon here has proven himself in that regard. When he’s staying here, he’ll be in the room across from yours. I gave you his cell number. Anything seems off, call him. Or just knock on his door,” he added with a smile.
“Is there some specific threat?” Mindy asked. “Should I be worried?”
Nash spoke up. “Anyone with your level of wealth needs to be aware of the threatpotential, Mrs. Temple.”
“Just make it Mindy. I’m not formal.”
“Actually I would prefer Mrs. Temple, if you don’t mind, ma’am.”
“O-kay,” said Mindy.
“Man’s a straight-up pro,” said Rhett. “We’re lucky to have him.”
Mindy stared at the tats on Nash’s head, but didn’t comment. “Is that all?” she said instead. “I want to put Mandy down.”
“Sure, go right ahead with the little cutie,” said Rhett distractedly.
She rose, looked at Nash, and said, “Nice to meet you.”
“You too, Mrs. Temple. And I’m truly sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” She shot a glance at Rhett before hurrying off.
Rhett pointed to the French doors behind him. “My father walked out those doors and jumped off the balcony. Ended his life on the pavers. He was terminal with a nasty cancer. Wanted to go out his way. It was probably impulsive. Think it and then do it.” Rhett added in a resigned tone, “I tend to be a little impulsive, too. Knee-jerk. Maybe it’s in the genes.”
“Can I make an observation, Mr. Temple?”
“Waiting with bated breath,” quipped Rhett.
“If someonereallywants to kill you, and they’re willing to die to do it, there’s not much that I or anyone else can do to truly stop that person.”
“Then why am I paying you?” barked Rhett.
“You’re paying me to keep you out of situations where someone like thatcankill you. It’s all odds and percentages, sir. So the more ‘knee-jerk’ you are, the more opportunities you give suicidal lone wolves to end your life.” Nash said all of this slowly and calmly.
Rhett sat back, all contrite now. “I get that, Dillon. Good call. Okay, I’ll ride with that.”
“Yes sir. Me too.”
CHAPTER
77
AWEEK LATER, NASH WAS INRhett’s office at the Temple estate discussing some security details at the property when there was a knock at the door. It was Colin, the butler. Behind him Nash saw Detective Ramos. He sat up a bit straighter and kept his gaze averted.
Rhett rose and said, “Detective? What can I do for you?”
Ramos planted his gaze on Nash. Rhett said, “My bodyguard, Dillon Hope.”
Nash shook hands with him, then went and stood in the corner, while the detective sat across from Rhett.
Ramos eyed Nash again and said to Rhett, “This is confidential, sir.”
