Page 8 of Stalwart Ridge Security: Murray
I reach for the grocery bags.“Come on, let’s get inside.I don’t like having you out in the open.”
Her hand is still petting Hank.“And you out in the open is okay?Besides, you guys keep mentioning how Nolan doesn’t have a good aim.It’s why he had two guns, right?”
“Yeah, it’s why the fucker preferred a knife so he could get close to inflict damage.This is different because we’d see him coming so he’ll go with a gun.Aim or no aim, flying bullets are fucking deadly.Especially since we’re over an hour away from the nearest hospital,” I grit.
She mutters something under her breath, and it takes my mind a heartbeat or two to process.“No need to remind me.The last time bullets were flying I killed a man,” that’s what she said.
At least she listens and walks inside, making sure Hank follows her.I stalk to the kitchen, place the bags on the counter and make another trip to the car.Throwing the bag of dog food over my shoulder, I grab the last few bags and lock up.
“Something smells fantastic,” I tell her and reach for the lid of the pot sitting on the stove.
Elodie bats my hand away.“It needs another hour.”
“Fine.”I reach for one of the dog bowls I bought and clean it before filling it with water.
“Does Ballard want to come inside and join us for dinner?”Elodie asks.
Why the hell would she want to invite Ballard over for dinner?
I turn to face her.“He probably has other plans.”
Pointing at the window, she states, “Other than sitting in the woods staring at the cabin and waiting for Nolan to show up?He can do that sitting with us at the table.It’s warmer here too.”
“He already left,” I lie.“And how the fuck did you know he was out there?The fucker is practically a chameleon, that’s how good he blends in.”
Elodie starts to put away the groceries.“I noticed the shine this morning when you left.The little whistle and nod routine you guys just did was another giveaway.”
“Smart girl,” I murmur, and release a sigh.“Fine.I’ll get him.”
I catch the grin she tries to hide from me as I take out my phone and shoot Ballard a message.“There have been some developments I have to share with both of you.So, I might as well get it all out in one go instead of repeating myself.”
Stalking to the door, I open it for Ballard and make sure to lock it behind him.
“Something smells good, and it isn’t the dog.”Ballard turns to face me.“You got it to get into her panties, didn’t you?”
In one smooth move I smack the back of his head.“What the fuck, man?No, I didn’t do it to get into her fucking panties.Getting an animal for ulterior motives is idiotic.You know damn well how long I’ve wanted a dog, and between me and Elodie we can take care of Hank.It’s a completely different thing when it comes to my horse.If I’m gone Seamus is there to check on her, or I’d drive her to the ranch if I’m gone for more than a week.Something I can’t, and don’t want to do with a dog.”
Ballard bounces his gaze from me to Elodie before he states, “No cock-warming for you then?”
“Weirdo.Do you ever get laid, Ballard?”Elodie mutters.
Ballard smirks.“There’s a long line of chicks who...”
Elodie snorts.“Want to rip your vocal cords right out of your throat?Yeah, no surprise there, buddy.Take a seat and I’ll make you a bowl of stew.”
I gape at her.“You just told me it’ll be another hour.”
She rolls her eyes.“It wasn’t dinnertime then, it is now.”
Hank wanders over to the fireplace and plunks down in front of it.Ballard takes a seat at the kitchen table while I continue to put away the rest of the groceries.Once done, I grab a bowl and sit down next to Elodie and eat the delicious stew.
The things I’m about to share with them are going to ruin our mood, and I might as well give them a few more minutes and myself as well to enjoy a delicious dinner.
Once we’ve stopped eating, I tell them, “Burk’s official cause of death is an animal attack.”
“Oh, thank fuck,” Elodie sighs in relief.
One more heartbeat to let her feel good, before I throw out, “Though, I think Royce is in on shit too.I have no clue how deep, what, or whatever...I just know shit isn’t right.”
