by Chloe Lang
“And I’m so in love with her, too. And so are my brothers.”
Maude turned to Paris. “There are many similarities between our towns.”
“So I’ve heard.” Paris smiled, lighting up the whole room.
“I’m glad we caught you,” the sheriff said. “You already know Mr. Black, and you just met Austin Wilde, who has helped us on your case.”
Austin was a tall man with steely dark eyes. He tipped his black cowboy hat to Paris. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Cottrell. The whole town has been buzzing since your arrival.”
They all shook hands.
“Sheriff, we planned on coming over to your office at noon to give you our statements like you asked.” Mick genuinely liked Sheriff Champion. He had a kind and warm bearing about him.
“No hurry. We can get those any time today, but I rushed over here after Mr. Black arrived with his information.”
Black was a seasoned CIA agent and led Shannon’s Elite, an anti-cyber terrorism team based in Destiny. “Peter Barkley just got out of prison a few days ago. As you know, he was married to a woman that Doc operated on when he was an intern.”
“Anne.” Dustin sighed. “Yes, I remember.”
“When he walked out of the gates of the prison, Barkley got into a brand new Mercedes with a woman. We got the plates off of one of the prison’s perimeter cameras. When we ran the numbers, we found it was the property of a company based out of El Paso, Texas, that operates vending machines throughout the Southwest.”
“El Paso? Vending machines?” Dustin shook his head. “I’m confused.”
“So were we, Doc. My team did some digging and with the help of Austin and his contacts, we discovered the business is owned by a holding company that is a money laundering front for a powerful Mexican drug cartel.”
“Let me guess. The woman that picked Barkley up from prison was Cindy Trollinger.” Paris knew how to cut to the chase.
Mick’s gut tightened. Is it happening again?
Lunceford had rained down hell on Destiny for a long time. He was dead, and no one mourned his passing. It was clear now that his sister planned revenge.
Austin jumped in. “The cartel is run by Ricardo Delgado, someone the sheriff and I are looking for. We got a hit on him turning up in Chicago about two months ago. He met with Anton Mitrofanov and Trollinger at a hotel. Shortly after that meeting, we got another hit on him turning up in El Paso with Trollinger. Using some of Easton’s facial recognition software, we got a match on Trollinger leaving El Paso in the Mercedes. We think she found out about the connection to Dr. Ryder and Barkley and used that to her advantage.”
Mick curled his hands into fists. “She is just like her psychotic brother.”
“No doubt about it.” Easton’s eyes narrowed, and Mick could almost see the weight the man carried in his intense stare. “Every Destonian has a target on their chest as long as Trollinger is out there. You three just happened to be the first shot.”
Dustin took a deep breath. “Do you think she’ll try again, Easton? I want to make sure Paris is safe.”
“We’ve already put Destiny on red alert. Cameras are working and the sheriff has reactivated all the volunteer deputies.” Easton paused, obviously considering the current situation. “I doubt she’ll go after you again. That hasn’t been her normal M.O. Unfortunately, Cindy strikes when you least expect it, always shifting her targets. But we’re as ready as we can be for her. She’s gone underground again, but once she pops up into the daylight, we’ll get her. I’ve been given every resource of the agency to bring her to justice.”
Mick patted his side. “Everyone in Destiny packs heat.”
Dustin nodded, and Paris brought out her pistol.
Maude laughed and produced her own gun. “The similarities continue. Everyone in Wilde carries, too.”
Paris holstered her weapon. “I need to go get Dustin’s prescription.”
“We need to leave, too,” the sheriff said. “I’ll see you in my office when Dr. Ryder is rested.”
As Sheriff Champion, Easton Black, and Austin left together, Mick thought about home. The entire town had believed the war was over, but it wasn’t. Cindy Trollinger was bent on continuing what Kip Lunceford had begun. Not only that, but she was recruiting allies.
“Honey, why don’t you go get Dustin’s meds and your dad and I can get him settled in the room.”
“Great idea. I’ll be back as fast as I can.”
“Would you mind grabbing lunch for us, baby?” Dustin gave him a thumbs-up behind Paris without her knowledge, letting him know he was on board with their plan to talk to her father alone. “I’m hungry and I bet you are, too.”
“I am a little hungry.”
“I’ll go with you, Paris.” Maude placed a sign with the words “Be back shortly” on the desk. She returned with a key. “Your room is on the top floor to your left. I’ve upgraded your room to our Gregory Peck Suite. It is quite masculine, so I’m sure your guys will be comfortable. But for you, young lady, I added fresh flowers and candles to bring out some femininity.”
“I’m sure it’s lovely. I really appreciate all you’re doing for us.”
“My pleasure, honey. I’m sure Dr. Ryder needs to use our elevator. It’s down the hallway past the stairs.” Maude turned to Paris. “It’s time for lunch. The Horseshoe Bar and Grill has the best burgers.”
“Sounds wonderful. I won’t be long.” Paris walked out of the hotel with Maude.
Dr. Cottrell turned to him and Dustin. “Okay, boys. What’s this all about? I’ve known you both your whole lives and can tell when you’re up to something. You obviously wanted everyone to leave, especially Paris. Why am I so lucky to be allowed to stay?”
Dustin laughed. “Can’t put anything past you, can we, Doc?”
“Not in this lifetime.”
Mick pointed to the lobby’s seating area. “Let’s go have a seat over there.”
“This is a sit-down talk. Oh boy.” Paris’s dad grinned. “I feel like I’m a young child in trouble.”
“Quite the opposite, Doc.”
He and Dustin sat on the sofa opposite Dr. Cottrell.
“Well? Spill it, guys.”
Mick liked his directness, which he’d clearly passed on to Paris. “We did things a little backward, sir.”
“Oh, so you’re the ones in trouble. I feel better now.”
They laughed.
“That’s one way of putting it.” Dustin leaned forward. “We asked Paris to marry us before we asked your permission, but the time was just perfect. I understood everything so completely, and I just couldn’t wait. And Mick had already waited too long because of me. Paris, too.”
“I think you forgot, boys, but we already had this conversation years ago. I already gave you my permission. Don’t you remember?”
Mick sighed. “I’m sure that expired a long time ago.”
“Don’t think for one minute I ever changed my mind.” Paris’s father smiled broadly. “Even though I did wonder when it was going to happen, I never doubted that one day you would ask my baby to be your wife. Just to ease your mind, you still have my blessing. You three belong together.”
“Thank you, Doc,” he and Dustin said in unison.
“I think it’s long overdue for you to call me ‘Dad,’ boys.”
Chapter Eighteen
Paris sat at the Horseshoe Bar & Grill’s long counter with Maude. The place had a rustic vibe. The bar top was solid wood and the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were actually wagon wheels with bulbs affixed to the end of every spoke.
“I’ve scooted a boot with my guys many a night here, Paris,” Maude said. “The Horseshoe booms on Fridays and Saturdays. More dance hall than grill those nights.”
“Sounds fun. I think I’ll have to come back and see for myself.”
“You better. And bring Dustin and Mick. I can tell they know their way around the dance floor, don’t they?”
“We haven’t been dancing
in a very long time, but yes, they are wonderful dancers.”
She glanced over at a table with a woman and three men who were clearly her boyfriends, fiancés, or husbands. The foursome seemed to be deeply in love. Wilde had so many similarities to Destiny.
“Maude, as owner of the Hotel Cactus, maybe you can answer my question.”
“What question?”
She grinned. “What’s it like for newlyweds to have their honeymoons here?”
“Wonderful. If you let me know when, I’ll make sure to throw out the red carpet for you three.”
“You don’t have to do that, but I would be honored if you could attend our wedding. We haven’t discussed a date yet. It’s been quite the whirlwind, you know.”
Maude grabbed her hand. “The honor would be mine. Besides, I’ve heard so much about Destiny, I can’t wait to get to see it with my own eyes.”
“I think you’ll love it.”
“I’m sure I will. A place that produces a lovely angel like you has to be a little slice of heaven on earth.”
The waitress who had taken their order came out from the back. “Your lunch will be ready in about five minutes.”
“Thanks, Colleen. Paris, you’re going to love the cheeseburgers here,” Maude said. “They are delicious.”
“I’ve seen a few plates already come out from the back and they do look mouthwatering. I’m glad you talked me into onion rings.” She motioned to the two men and woman sitting in a booth to their left. “I can’t believe how big an order that is.”
Maude smiled. “One will definitely be enough for you and your guys, I’m sure.”
“Me, too. More than enough.”
Another trio walked into the Horseshoe.
Paris’s jaw dropped, seeing the woman between the men. “Oh my God, Maude, that woman looks just like Gya Gaynor.”
Maude laughed. “She is Gya, Paris.”
“You’ve got to be kidding. Not the real Gya Gaynor. The superstar singer?”
“The one and only.”
“I have all her songs.” Being a bit like a silly fan girl, Paris continued to stare at Gya, unable to look away.
The two men with the singer led her to a table in the center of the room. Several customers waved at them.
Paris couldn’t get her head around the fact that her favorite singer was in the same room with her. “What in the world is Gya Gaynor doing here?”
“When she’s not on tour she calls Wilde home. Would you like to meet her? She’s a dear friend of mine.”
“Now you really are kidding me.”
“No, I’m serious. She’s a sweetheart. You’ll love her.” Maude stood. “Come on.”
“I’ve never met a celebrity before. Do I look all right?”
“You look beautiful, young lady. Let’s go.”
They walked over to the table.
The man to Gya’s right looked up at them. “Hi, Maude. Who’s your friend?”
He and the other man had the same deep blue eyes. Clearly, they were related, likely brothers.
“This is Dr. Paris Cottrell, Kyle.” Maude motioned to both men. “This is Kyle and Aaron Strait. Clearly, their beautiful wife needs no introduction. This is Gya Gaynor.”
“I’ve been to several of your concerts in Denver, Ms. Gaynor.” She grabbed the blonde singer’s hand and shook it. “I even bought a poster from your True Love Tour. I have a T-shirt, but I washed it in hot water so I can’t wear it anymore. Too small. Oh my God. I can’t believe I’m actually meeting you. Your song ‘Little Secrets’ is one of my favorites. Oh, and I also love ‘I’ll Never Forget You.’ I love all your songs. Oh my gosh, I’m rambling, aren’t I? I’m not acting like a professional woman, but as you can see I’m very excited.”
Aaron put his arm around Gya. “Our girl has that impact on most people, Doc. She’s very special.”
“Thank you, Dr. Cottrell.” Gya smiled. “We heard about the shooting at the hospital last night. I’m glad your guy is doing well.”
Maude nodded. “Thanks to Paris. She is quite the surgeon.”
Even though she had decided to use her medical license going forward, it still felt strange hearing people refer to her as a doctor.
Kyle grinned. “I’ve heard through the Wilde grapevine that you might be moving to our fair town.”
“Nope,” Maude answered for her. “There are two nice-looking men over at my hotel that have Dr. Cottrell’s heart. One of them is the man who took a bullet for her, and his brother is just as heroic. They all live in Destiny, Colorado. I’m going to have to get my husbands to take me there for a visit. Sounds like a wonderful place.”
Gya grinned. “I can see in your eyes how in love you are, Doc.”
“Same with you, Miss Gaynor.” Seeing how happy the three of them were filled Paris’s heart with joy. My future with Dustin and Mick is just beginning. “Please call me Paris.”
“And you call me Gya, okay?”
She could see the woman was as down to earth as anyone. “Of course.”
“Why don’t you and Maude sit down with us and have lunch?”
“Oh, I couldn’t. I mean…thank you. I just can’t, though it would be amazing. Dustin and Mick are waiting for us to bring back burgers. Would you mind taking a picture with me?”
“I wouldn’t mind at all. Aaron, can you move so Paris can sit by me?”
“Sure, and I can take the picture for her.”
“Thank you so much.” She brought out her cell and handed it to him. “This is so great of you, Gya. I never dreamed you would be like a normal person.”
Gya laughed. “I’ve been accused of worse.”
Paris slid into the booth next to the superstar.
“Smile, ladies,” Aaron said. “Let’s take a couple more to make sure we get a good one.”
After he snapped the rest of the pictures, Paris stood and took her cell back. She looked at the photos. “These are wonderful. Thank you.”
“Maude, your order is ready,” the waitress behind the counter told them.
“We’ll be right there, Colleen.”
“We better go. Hungry men are waiting on us,” Paris told Gya and her guys. “It was very nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Paris,” Gya said. “I don’t tour as much as I used to, but I’m going to do one more tour. I promised my fans I would. I don’t know the Denver date yet, but when I do I’ll be sure to get you and your guys backstage passes. Maybe we can all have a late dinner together after the show.”
“I would love that. Thank you so much.”
“Let me give you my number and my e-mail, Paris.” Gya wrote down the contact information. “Call me when you get back to Destiny, okay?”
“Oh my God, yes. Of course. Dustin and Mick are not going to believe this.”
Gya handed her the paper. “I look forward to seeing you again.”
“Me, too.”
She and Maude paid their bill and took their lunch bags across the street back to the Hotel Cactus.
She rushed into the lobby and saw Dustin, Mick, and her dad sitting on the sofas. “You’re not going to believe who I just met. Gya Gaynor. I just met Gya Gaynor.” She held up her cell. “I got my picture taken with her and she’s going to give us backstage passes when she goes to Denver. And she even asked us to dinner. Can you believe that?”
Maude laughed. “I guess it’s obvious your girl is a bit starstruck, fellas.”
Dustin took her phone. “This is a great picture, baby. Everyone loves Gya’s music. Why is she in Wilde?”
“She lives here with her two husbands. Isn’t that amazing? She is just like me.”
Mick put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close. “Oh, you mean beautiful, baby?”
“Well, my girl is the prettiest, though Gya Gaynor is quite an attractive young woman.” Her dad took the lunch bags from her and Maude and placed them on the coffee table. “I don’t know about you all but I’m starving.” He looked at the writi
ng on one of the bags. “Extra cheese. This is yours, Dustin.”
Paris frowned and glared at all three men. “Wait a second. What are you doing in the lobby? When Maude and I left you were supposed to take Dustin up to the room and get him in bed.”
Dustin shrugged. “Oh boy. I’m in trouble now. My doctor just showed up.”
“You bet you’re in trouble. I left expecting my instructions to be followed. You three are all in trouble. What do you have to say for yourselves?”
“We can explain, sweetheart,” Dustin said. “Besides, I feel great.”
“Yeah, I know how great you feel, mister.” She grinned, folding her arms over her chest. “Let me hear your excuses.”
“Well there’s really only one, baby.” Mick placed his hand on her shoulder. “We just asked your dad’s permission to marry you.”
“And I said ‘yes.’” Her dad kissed her on the forehead. “They have my blessing. I know they will make you very happy, honey.”
“Thank you, Dad. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too, little girl.”
She turned to Mick and they kissed.
Dustin started to stand.
“Don’t move. I’ll come to you.” She sat down next to him and they kissed, though she was careful not to touch his side. “What a day this is turning out to be. The best day of my life.”
Dustin teased, “Because you met Gya Gaynor?”
“That was absolutely wonderful, but it’s my best day because I get to marry you and Mick. This is a dream come true.”
“This calls for a celebration.” Maude smiled broadly. “I’ve got a bottle of champagne in the back we need to open.” She left in a rush.
“Burgers and champagne? That’s quite the combo meal.” Mick laughed, taking a seat beside her, which placed her between him and Dustin.
Dustin grabbed her hand. “The lunch of champions.”
“And lovers,” her father added, grinning broadly.
She kissed Mick again. “I love you.”
“I love you.”
She turned to Dustin, and smiled. “And since you’re on pain medication, Dustin, you may only have a sip of champagne, understand?”