Page 95 of Sweet Sin

“To be honest, I’m glad he’s here. I assume he’s vetted?”

“My father wouldn’t have hired him if he weren’t.”

“I’ll go talk to him. Ask him some questions. I’ll make sure he’s okay.”

“Thanks, Falcon. I’d appreciate that.” I herd the dogs into the house, and about fifteen minutes later, Falcon comes in, followed by Earl.

Earl is the size of a tank, of course, and he’s dressed all in black. Not great for the Texas heat.

I should have invited him in.

But who the hell can I trust? I can’t even trust my own father to keep me safe.

But I can trust Falcon.

Falcon will move the earth to keep me safe. He’s already proved that.

“Earl, this is Savannah.”

Earl nods. “Ma’am.”

“Hi, Earl. I’m sorry I didn’t invite you in.”

He shrugs. “Not a problem, ma’am.”

Earl is armed with a gun on a belt holster, and he probably has another on his ankle or strapped to his chest. Falcon no doubt checked.

“You trust him?” I ask Falcon.

“Hell, no. But I don’t trust anyone my people don’t vet. He won’t be staying here. My guy will.”

“Mr. Gallo asked that I—”

“I don’t give a fuck what Mr. Gallo wants,” Falcon says harshly. “He lost his right to have a say when he tried to marry his daughter off to some miscreant. You’re here to meet Savannah. She needs to feel safe here.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Earl says. “To keep her safe.”

“And you can do so from a distance.”

“I need to be near her. What if someone breaks in?”

“I have my own people,” Falcon says. “People my father and I trust implicitly. And that’s not you.”

“Have it your way.” Earl turns toward the door. “Can I get a glass of water, at least?”

“Sure. Follow me.” Falcon leads him to the kitchen.

They continue to converse in low voices. I can’t make out what they’re saying.

I don’t hear a faucet running, and I know Falcon doesn’t have any bottled water.

Interesting.

They return, and Earl heads back out to his car.

“What was that about?” I ask.

“He’s on the up and up,” Falcon says, “but I’m still not letting him stay inside.”

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