Page 57 of The Heartbreaker (Chandler Brothers 3)
“No friends in Yorkshire Falls to speak of either.” Kendall added her knowledge, trying to help prod for information.
“That’s ’cuz he’s got me ’n’ Ernie here.” Earl tapped himself in the chest, proud of the connection to his friend.
Ernie nodded in agreement. “He don’t need nobody else.”
“And that’s all we’s saying until you drink some more.” Earl followed that pronouncement with a shot of his own. There was no way she could drink any more and Sloane eyed Kendall across the table. The other woman waved a hand, indicating she wasn’t drinking another shot either.
Before Sloane could think of a way to extricate herself, the Chandler brothers appeared by their table. Rick cleared his throat, but Sloane only had eyes for Chase. Tall, dark, and handsome, he was every inch her savior.
She rose, intending to tell him so. She took a step forward, tripped, and fell into his arms.
* * *
“Shit.” Chase grabbed Sloane and wrapped his arms around her, supporting her weight with his body. Soft and warm, she also smelled good despite the alcohol she’d consumed and the smoke in the bar. She affected him on the most basic level, the need to protect and care for her stronger than he’d ever experienced before.
“I think I drank too much.” She giggled and leaned against him.
“Really? I’d never have guessed.” He silently cursed the fact that he’d allowed this situation to go on as long as it had.
Rick hauled Kendall out of her seat and into his arms. Chase figured his brother wouldn’t be speaking to him for a good day or so till he cooled down.
Chase turned his attention to the old men. “Okay, boys, your fun’s over for the night. If you hear anything from or about Samson, call me.” Chase handed both Earl and Ernie a business card. Hopefully, one of them wouldn’t lose it.
“Who’d have believed Samson would have people looking for him? I didn’t think anyone ’cept us liked him enough.” Earl shook his head and Sloane was now clinging to Chase, too out of it to realize the importance of Earl’s words.
Her lips began snuggling against Chase’s neck, nipping right below his ear. Keeping his mind on the search for Samson wasn’t easy when she’d aroused him in an instant. Her moist lips against his skin inflamed his senses, and just the feel of her in his arms set off fireworks he couldn’t believe.
“Is someone else looking for Samson?” He somehow managed to ask.
Ernie rose from his seat. “Some man was in here a few nights ago askin’ questions.”
“You didn’t say anything about that.” Sloane perked up and lifted her head off Chase’s shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me?” She stepped forward but he held her tight. Her balance wouldn’t be good right now.
“’Cuz we were playin’ twenty questions and you didn’t ask.” Earl shook his head, rolling his eyes.
“What’d he look like?” Rick asked in his cop’s voice.
“Samson’s ugly as sin, just like Ernie here.” Earl pointed to his friend.
“There’s no call to be rude.” Ernie pouted like a girl but squared his shoulders, bracing for a fight.
Chase gritted his teeth, while Sloane attempted to stand up straight and pay more attention.
“Let’s start over. What does the man who was asking about Samson look like?” Chase clarified his thought before he had to step between the men and break up a brawl.
“I can’t remember. You?” Earl asked Ernie.
He shook his head. “Nosiree. He wasn’t friendly like and didn’t want to play a game of pool or buy drinks.”
“Which meant you didn’t share information with him?” Chase guessed.
“Correct.” Earl grinned.
Fishing into his pocket, Chase withdrew a hundred-dollar bill he’d put aside earlier. “Listen, boys.” He held out the money. “I’m trusting you to call me with any information on Samson. Anything, do you understand? That means the minute someone comes sniffing around, you pick up the phone.” He waved the greenback by Earl’s face.
“Woo-wee!” The old man snatched the money. “I’ll call you if’n Samson shows up and just picks his nose.”
“I’m thrilled,” Chase said wryly. “But if I find out you knew something and didn’t call, my cop brother here will arrest you for obstruction of justice,” Chase said in his most threatening voice. Neither Earl nor Ernie would realize that jurisdiction probably prohibited Rick from doing any such thing.
And Rick, who was now holding on to his wife, discreetly displayed his holster before letting his jacket slip back to cover the gun.
Earl shoved the bill into his pants pocket and nodded his understanding. “We’ve got a game to play,” he said, obviously wanting to get as far away from Chase and Rick as possible.
Which was fine with Chase. He’d only resorted to threats now to make sure the old men didn’t inadvertently omit information.
At this point, he wanted only to get Sloane sobered up. He’d overheard some, but not all, of the conversation, and he hoped she’d remember the rest in the morning. He’d already covered their bill.
