Page 120 of Highball and Chain

Tara’s eyes widened as if she hadn’t recognized me until he said my name.

“Take her back to the house.” I handed him the motorcycle key. “I left a black Ducati on the next block. Can you have someone ride it home?”

“Sure thing.” Judging by his expression, he’d be the one taking the bike out for a spin. “What about the others?”

The officer who’d saved my ass in the backyard said, “They’re under arrest for the assault on Jackson Landry.”

Shanna moved to my side. “Why do I have the feeling this was too easy?”

“Because your PI instincts are spot on. This isn’t over. These two were the hired muscle, and not very good ones.” I draped my arm around her shoulders. The damned fluffball pulled a feline ninja move that left the top of my hand bloody.

“Bad kitty.” Shanna might have tried to scold the cat, but her laughter ruined the effect. If anything, the beast took her good mood as permission to plot my demise.

Shanna lowered her voice. “Taking Tara to the house is kidnapping.”

“Only if she presses charges.”

“Is it wrong I like the way you think?” She moved closer but stopped when Mr. Boogerre hissed and gave me the evil eye.

“After everything you’ve been through, not at all.” I reached for her arm, but thought the better of it when the cat growled. “We should go before more cops show up. I’ll drive. You keep that thing away from me.”

Shanna nuzzled the top of the cat’s head. “Who’s a good kitty? Who’s going to get treats and sleep on Mommy’s pillow tonight?”

Like hell.

Sirens blared in the distance as I hurried her to my BMW.

Shanna cast one last look at the house before sliding into the passenger’s seat. “Gabe’s going to have a fit when he sees the broken glass.”

“Not if I have it fixed before I tell him.” Walking to the driver’s side, I nodded to my team as they stuffed Tara into the back of an SUV. I sank into the leather seats, started the engine, and pulled away.

“Are you absolutely sure we should take her back to your parents’ house?” Shanna chewed her lower lip.

“She’s worked for me for years. I need to know who she’s working for now and for how long.” I had no idea what I’d do with her if she refused to talk. My father would have no such qualms. He’d ordered people executed for far less, but I couldn’t do it.

Shanna rested her hand on my thigh. “Are you okay? You seem far away.”

“I realized I made the right decision when I turned down Gabe’s offer.”

“How so?”

Keeping my eyes trained straight ahead, I said, “Because I don’t have it in me to kill her.”

Shanna tensed to the point the cat let out several loud meows. “That’s a good thing, right?”

“Yes. A very good thing.” I couldn’t help but think back to my father criticizing me for being too soft. At the time it hurt, but now, I took it as a compliment. I didn’t want to be the kind of man people feared. I’d earn their respect the right way.

“What happened back there? I thought you were going to wait at the mansion?” She gave me side-eye, but her constant smile belied her effort to look stern.

“Sweetheart, I love you, but I’m through following orders.” I squeezed her hand.

“Even in bed?”

“As long as we take turns, I’ll gladly follow your lead in the sack.” Laughing, I downshifted and hit the gas. “To answer your other question, I spotted one of the mayor’s men in the house playing with the cat, but before I could do anything, the second guy pulled a gun on me.”

“Oh my God.” Shanna’s hand flew to her mouth.

“It pains me to admit it, but one of Jack’s poker buddies saved my ass. Any chance one of them is in the mayor’s pocket?”

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