by Carolina Mac
“Okay, I saw the look. You hate the red.”
“I’m starving. What’s for lunch?”
Cat giggled. “You hate me in red.”
“No comment.”
After they’d eaten, Blaine went over the recap he’d written about the gang investigation. “Tell them we’re doing everything possible, but they can help. Stress awareness and participation. Be aware if y’all see a gang of kids, tell us where and when, and also if you see the stolen van, don’t ignore it, call and tell us where the fuckin thing is.”
“I’ve got it,” said Cat. “I won’t use those exact words.”
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
DOUGIE sat on the patio outside Annie’s master suite and smoked. He could hardly bear not knowing what was going on in Vegas. His club. His turf. Of course, his guys were pissed he’d got caught, but the cartel shot him. He didn’t get in this mess on purpose. And all the money he’d lost in the gun deal gone bad? Sure, a lot of it was club money, but a huge part of it belonged to him. He’d done what he had to do. Pretended he changed sides and ratted out some information about the border crossings. So what?
He’d downed three mugs of coffee and smoked half a pack of Camels trying to gain control of emotions he didn’t know he had. He’d never been afraid for himself in all of his shady career, why in hell was he terrified for Annie? This wasn’t supposed to happen. He was playing her. Taking advantage of everything she offered and not getting involved. He never got involved. Ever. And never with a woman. He was about to lose his mind. He was sure of it.
The garden door opened behind him and he turned to see the big cop come out with something in his hand. “I got you a burner,” the big guy growled, “the only one you can call, or text is Annie. I’ll check the fuckin thing at the end of the day and if there is more than one number on it, I’ll smash it in your face.”
Dougie smiled. The guy was intense. “Thanks a lot. You made my day.”
Magnuson held up a hand. “Don’t ever say that to me again.”
“Got it.”
After the cop left, Dougie entered Annie’s cell number. The only number he’d ever known by heart. What did that tell him? He was a gonner. He pressed call and she answered on the first ring.
“Portia Traynor.”
“I’m glad you didn’t give your real name when you didn’t recognize the number,” said the Dog. “That was smart.”
“I’m a pro, Doggie. How did you get a phone?”
“Magnuson got it for me. Probably so I wouldn’t ask to use his again.”
“Are you behaving?”
“Sure. Did your bodyguard get there yet?”
“How did you know about that?”
“I asked the kid to send somebody. I was nervous.”
“You? Nervous?”
“Hard to believe, but I love you and it’s filling me up and I can’t think of anything else.”
“That’s romantic, and no, I haven’t picked Travis up yet, but he’s here, in the city. He landed a short time ago, and I’m on my way downtown from the motel I checked into.”
“Will you call me tonight?”
“Okay, when I’m done for the day.”
“Is the Travis guy gonna be sleeping in your room?”
“In my room but not in my bed. Faster response time if he has to protect me.”
“I don’t want him close to you.”
Annie giggled. “You sent him.”
“I fuckin know I did.”
“Let me work, Dougie. I’ll call you tonight.”
What the hell is she doing? I can’t think of what it would be and its driving me around the fuckin bend.
Las Vegas PD.
TRAVIS WAITED outside Vargas’s cubicle while the detective finished a conversation on the phone. Then Vargas waved him in and he sat in the only other chair and introduced himself. “I’m Deputy Travis Bristol from the Blackmore Agency in Austin.”
Vargas smiled. “You’re one of Blacky’s boys.”
“Right,” said Travis. “I hope you can help me. I’d like a little info on the B team if you’ve got a minute.”
Vargas smiled. Bright white smile in a dark complexion. Black hair and lots of tats. Maybe he used to be undercover himself. “In the past when I’ve helped your boss, the rewards have far exceeded the time it took to give him information, so sure, I’ll help you. What do you need?”
“Mugs of the top three, the new hierarchy after the shakeup, and any current info that your man inside might have.”
“Can I ask why?”
Travis grinned. “No, and it’s not that I’m not telling you. I’m just the messenger. The project is above my pay grade.”
“Sounds heavy,” said Vargas. “What the hell is coming down?”
“One thing for sure,” said Travis, “It won’t be good for the B team.”
Red Rock Canyon. West Las Vegas.
BEFORE ANNIE headed into Vegas to pick Travis up, she cruised along the canyon highway, the same road she’d ridden so many times on her bike when she’d lived in Vegas. The canyon was such a beautiful, peaceful place that held both happy and sad memories for her.
Trying not to dwell on the unhappy memories, she took a detour down one of the narrow dirt side roads and drove past the B team’s clubhouse. It looked deserted. No bikes and no activity of any kind. No neighbors. Nothing close by. Perfect.
Satisfied with her recon, she left the canyon and drove into downtown Vegas and parked in one of the visitor’s spots at LVPD and waited for Travis to come out. She’d been sitting for about twenty minutes listening to the only country station she could get when he strode out the front door carrying one piece of luggage.
I forgot he’d have luggage with him.
He spotted her in the rental Jeep and jumped into the shotgun seat. “Hey, Annie-girl. This was a surprise assignment for me, but a welcome one.”
Annie reached over and gave his arm a squeeze. “I’m always happy to work with you, Trav.” She winked at him. “Work, play, whatever.”
“Hey, don’t say that. You’ll get me all worked up.”
“Did you get us something to start on?”
“Got the mugs, but the inside guy didn’t have much. He said the club is still reeling from losing the Dog and the other top two—Rice and Bentley. “Their main focus now is mayhem on the Dog. They’re gonna give it all they’ve got.”
“Fantastic,” said Annie. “They have to be stopped.”
And so does the Dog.
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
THE PINK TRUCK stopped at the gate and honked its horn.
A big grin spread across Jose’s face as he opened the gate, then ran to the driver’s side of the truck and greeted Neil.
“Hey, Jose, I’m so happy to be home for a week. I told Mom I was gonna study at school, but then I wanted to come home so bad and see y’all, I said screw it and drove down this morning.”
“Annie went to Vegas,” said Jose with a sad face. “don’t know when she’ll be back.”
“Shit, I should have let her know I was changing my mind,” said Neil. “It’s okay. I’ll see the kids, then I’ll go see Farrell at Blacky’s place.”
“Uh huh. Good plan,” said Jose. “Rosalie will be glad to see you.”
“I miss her when I’m at school. I miss everybody—I miss my family.”
Neil parked his truck in front of the garage, grabbed his duffel bag and tore across the porch into the house. He roared into the kitchen, grabbed Rosalie in a hug and spun her around. “I missed you so much, my Rosalita.”
Rosalie giggled. “Mister Neil, I didn’t know you were coming. You mama said you couldn’t make it.”
“Changed my mind. I thought about your pecan pie and I couldn’t stay away.”
“I better make a batch of pie crust,” said Rosalie.
Neil turned and saw the big guy sitting at the harvest table. He hadn’t seen him on the way into the kitchen, he’d been too focused on Rosa
lie. He walked over and shot out his hand. “I’m Neil Donovan.”
Dougie nodded and shook the kid’s hand. “You’re Dead-Eye’s brother.”
“Dead-Eye?” Neil chuckled. “Is that what they call him?”
“You look a lot like him. You don’t live here?”
“I’m away at school, but I have a week off. I told Mom I had too much studying to do, but then I missed her too much and came anyway.”
“She went away for a couple of days.”
“That’s okay. I’m home for a week.” Neil focused on the man’s face. Hard lines and a set jaw. Tough guy. Biker. “You didn’t tell me your name.”
“Doug Robertson. I’m staying here for a while with Annie.”
“Dougie the Dog Robertson? Race’s buddy?” Neil felt himself stiffen.
“Uh huh. That’s right.”
Neil wanted to put miles between him and this intruder. “I better unpack and call Farrell.”
Dougie’s voice took on an edge. “You got something you want to say to me, kid?”
Neil turned back and faced Dougie. “Race almost destroyed my mother and our family when he came back here after they let him out of Huntsville. I wouldn’t want to see it happen again.”
The Blackmore Agency. Austin.
FARRELL pulled a beer out of the Sub-Zero for himself and hollered to Blacky, “Want a Corona?”
“Yep, I could use one.”
Farrell was juggling the two beers when his phone rang. He plunked the drinks on the table and answered. “Neil, what’s up?”
“I came home for reading week, but Mom is away. I’m coming to stay with you guys until she gets back.”
“Fantastic, we’ll be waiting.”
Blacky set his Corona down and waited for Farrell to share.
“Neil’s home from Dallas. He’s coming over.”
A big smile spread across Blaine’s face. “Bueno.”
West Las Vegas.
ANNIE AND TRAVIS had dinner at a barbeque place along the highway then settled in their room to plan for the following day.
Travis took two Coors out of the six-pack they’d picked up, peeled the plastic wrap off a motel glass and poured beer into it for Annie. “Do you trust him?”
Annie shook her head. “That would be foolish.”
“And you’re no fool, Annie-girl.”
“I have made foolish mistakes, but personal ones—not professional—not in my work. Jesse said the Dog gave up useful information—enough to save his ass, but he’s reputed to know more than he’s telling—a lot more.”
Travis took a long pull on his beer then set the can on the table. “Why’s he holding back if he changed sides?”
“Attaboy.” Annie pointed a manicured nail at Travis. “That’s the answer we need.”
“You think he has an agenda of his own?”
“Oh, yeah. For all his sweet talk and… all the rest of it… I’m sure he’s planning something. I can feel it. He’s a career biker. He would never turn. Not in a million.”
Travis made a face. “I’m not keen on where some of your work takes you, girl.”
“Me neither.” Annie sat down at the table with her beer. “Doubt if I’ll do it again. Let’s see the mug shots.”
ALREADY in bed with her eyes closed, Annie remembered she didn’t call the Dog. Travis was asleep and softly snoring in the next bed as she reached for her cell on the nightstand and pressed the burner number.
He answered on the first ring. “I thought you weren’t gonna call me.”
Annie spoke in a whisper, so she wouldn’t wake Travis. “How could I forget something that important?”
“I’ve never been important to a woman—ever.”
“Never too late, Dougie.”
“What’s going on in Vegas?”
“Nothing yet.”
“You ain’t gonna tell me what you’re doing there are you?”
“That’s right.”
“Your kid came home from school, and right off he didn’t like me.”
“Who, Neil?”
“Yeah, another Donovan that fuckin hates me.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“You’re my only worry, baby. I love you like there’s no tomorrow.”
Jesus, Dougie. Enough.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Monday, February 16th.
The Blackmore Agency. Austin.
BLAINE showed Neil where Carm kept the mugs in the newly renovated kitchen. One of his favorite things were the mullioned glass doors on all the top cabinets. Carm hadn’t been keen on the glass but she gave in when he insisted.
“You’ve done a ton of work since the last time I was here,” said Neil.
“Wait until you see the yard,” said Blaine. “It’ll blow your mind.”
Neil filled his mug and sat down at the table next to his brother. “I met Dougie the Dog while I was at the ranch. Didn’t like him right off. I could feel how violent he was… like from a foot away.”
“You should talk to Misty,” said Farrell. “She gets the vibes too.”
Neil frowned at his big brother. “I’m not shittin you, Farrell. The guy is a walking bomb.”
“I don’t trust him,” said Blaine, “and I’m pretty sure Annie doesn’t.”
“Why is she in Vegas?” asked Neil.
“Not sure,” said Blaine, “but she’ll be back soon.”
“While you guys are working, I’ll go play with Jacks and Lucy for a while, then come back and study. I have to keep my marks up to play ball.”
“When your season opens, bro, I’m coming to all your games,” said Farrell.
“Fantastic,” hollered Neil. “Maybe you can bring Jacks to a game too. He’s always asking me. Can’t wait until spring training starts. I’ve been working out in the gym all winter and I want to see if it makes a difference in my play.”
Blaine’s cell jangled, and he checked the screen. “Fuckin Hammer,” he mumbled then pressed ‘talk’. “Yeah, Hammer, what’s the scoop?”
“Lost her, boss. Don’t know how, but I don’t have a clue where she is.”
“Where are you?”
“Still in Houma. Hate it here in bayou country, it’s so fuckin humid.”
“Houma isn’t a big place. Find her again and keep me posted.”
“Roger that, boss.”
Blaine pressed end. “The guy’s an idiot. Don’t know why I hired the fucker.”
Neil snorted. “Did you make a mistake, Blacky? Ouch. Is that your first one?”
“Shut up, Neil. Eat your waffles.”
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
DOUGIE WOKE early and replayed his conversation with Annie from the night before. What was she doing in Vegas? Something with his club. That was obvious. They tried for him and a few hours later she was gone.
He couldn’t sit around at her ranch and not know what was going on, he had too much at stake. He struggled to sit on the side of the bed, rubbed his leg a couple of times and decided, today would be the day he pulled himself together, took care of himself and did everything on his own. He had to start biting the bullet if he was ever going to get out of the fix he was in.
After a trip to the ensuite entirely on his own, the Dog felt confident enough to use the crutches and have a smoke outside. He stood on one leg like a flamingo, opened the garden door and using the crutches tried to navigate the step down onto the flagstone terrace.
He’d almost made it when a gust of wind blew the door against one of the crutches and knocked him off balance.
Thunk.
He fell on his face on the stone patio and knocked the wind out of himself. He cursed the air blue and still couldn’t get up.
“What are ye doing for your next trick?” asked Declan as he and Magnuson pulled the Dog to his feet and sat him on a chair at the outdoor table.
No thanks or smiles from the Dog. He wouldn’t even look at the two good Samaritans. He lit up a smoke and stared into the pine woods.
/> Las Vegas.
ANNIE AND TRAVIS were tossing items into a shopping cart at Home Depot when Mag called.
“Getting vibes from the Dog, girl. He’s getting antsy.”
“Okay, thanks, sugar. Watch him closely and if he makes a move, let me know. I don’t know how he could go anywhere on his own, but anything is possible. We should be done by tonight.”
“I’m all over him like algae on a swamp.”
Annie giggled.
“Miss you, girl. Stay safe. Please.”
“I will, baby. See you tomorrow.”
The Blackmore Agency. Austin.
FARRELL headed off to work with Blaine and the new guy, Fletcher, and after they left, Neil helped Carm clean up the kitchen. Something he always did with Annie.
After Carm showed him her fish pond and let him feed the Koi, he drove back to Coulter-Ross to spend time with the little kids.
I’ll stay away from the Dog and play outside with the kids. I bet they haven’t caught any fly balls in a while.
Abandoned Trailer Park. East Austin.
BART FILLED his truck with gas for a day of driving the county roads. Driving and searching was all he’d done for the past few days and he was tired. Bone tired. He wanted to find the gang leader, kill him dead and go home. Would he call the Ranger when he found the gang? It might be the smartest thing to do but he hadn’t decided yet.
He’d been circling all of Mrs. Balstadt’s properties, checking them out one after another, day after day, and all he’d seen were those two Harleys. No kids. No boss man. No van. Where had they gone? Had they moved to another area entirely?
Bart returned to the first property the gang had been holed up in and caught a glimpse of white as he drove along the dirt track through the trees.
Are they back here again?
His heart thumped a hundred miles an hour as he drove towards the vehicle to read the writing on the side. Yep, this was it—Hawkins Plumbing. Nobody around. He rolled down his window and listened. Not a sound.
He picked up his cell and called.
Ranger Headquarters. Austin.
BLAINE’S cell rang in the cupholder while he drove into the parking area at DPS. “Grab that, Farrell and see who it is.”