Page 20 of Tough Justice
A steady beatof hammers dug into Suzy’s dream, keeping rhythm with the red and blue parrot flying around the hotel room in the jungle in some bizarre world her mind had conjured during sleep. The hammering combined with the blasting squawks as the bird stopped mid-flight to slam its head against a wall as if pounding an invisible nail.
Her eyes shot open. She grabbed the extra pillow beside her and covered her face, wishing she could block out the offending noise bleeding into her bedroom. She loved her little apartment, but the walls were thin and any commotion outside never stayed outside.
She groaned and rolled out of her bed. A quick glance out her window erased her irritation. Set up had started for the Winter Rodeo. As much as she hated the abrasive—and dream turned nightmare—wake up, this was one of her favorite times of the year. Later tonight, the town would be a winter wonderland of splendor.
Something she needed after the horrors of the day before.
An image of the blazing fire tearing through Duke’s mailbox took centerstage in her mind, and a chill shook her shoulders. The threat on her car was scary enough, but for someone to come to Duke’s home and destroy his property was another level.
Blinking away the memory, she jumped in the shower and hurried to get ready for work. No matter the disasters ofyesterday, she still had things to do today. Once she got to Lane’s, she’d reach out to Duke and Heather. She wasn’t sure if he planned to work today. At least not until the sheriff’s department had a better grasp on who was terrorizing them. But she wanted to touch base with them to see how they were feeling this morning.
With a fresh face of makeup and wearing her favorite red sweater, she shrugged into a coat and fetched her purse before heading outside. The scent of fresh baked bread made her stomach growl. She glanced at her watch. She was running early enough that she could justify a quick stop in the bakery.
Not like time was an issue. Lane would never give her hell no matter the hour she showed up. But she’d buy some extra goodies to share with everyone just to help ease any high tensions waiting for her.
Stepping into The Cozy Crumb, she inhaled a deep breath of warmth and cinnamon. Round tables scattered over the wide-planked pine floors. Mismatched mugs and old pie tins lined shelves on one buttercream colored wall with a long, oak counter stretching along the back of the space—a glass display case beneath it showing off homemade baked goods.
This was one of her favorite spots in all of Hillmore. A fire blazed in the brick lined fireplace, tempting her to grab a book from next store and curl onto the worn armchair beside it with a cup of coffee and a croissant.
Lane might looked the other way if she showed up thirty minutes late with a box of pastries. Turning up hours late and empty handed would be another story.
She stepped into line, studying the goodies perched on cake stands and tucked under decorative domes. By the time it was her turn in line, she’d made up her mind.
Millie Staples stood behind the counter. Her daisy-printed apron covered her usual outfit of black pants and a white shirt.Her curly dark hair was pulled into a high ponytail, her usual smile pasted on her pretty face. “Morning Suzy. You want your usual?”
“Yes, and I’ll take a box of glazed doughnuts as well. And add a black coffee to go, please.”
Ducking under the counter, Millie found a bright pink box and plucked the shiny circles of heaven from the case and placed them inside. “Hungry today or being a nice sister?”
“I’m always nice,” Suzy said.
The bell above the door chimed, announcing a new customer.
Millie straightened and aimed a grin at the newcomer then chuckled. “Lane might not agree, but he’s always been a fool. Everything going good at that new security business of his?”
“Pretty much.” She stepped down along the counter as Millie found her croissant and placed it in a white bag. “I was a little nervous about working with Lane. I love him, but honestly, we haven’t spent much time together over the last few years. But it’s been nice catching up, and I actually really enjoy the work.”
“And that business partner of his isn’t bad to look at either,” Millie said, handing over Suzy’s order.
Heat climbed up the back of Suzy’s neck. She wanted to agree but also hated the idea of anyone sensing she had more than just friendly feelings for Duke. Gossip spread like wildfire in this town, and there was little she hated more than being at the center of it.
“Duke’s a nice guy. He and Lane make a good team.” She balanced the bag on top of the box, freeing her hand for the coffee Millie passed her way. She’d add a touch of cream at the little station Millie set out for customers before heading out.
She handed over her credit card. “Thanks, have a good day.”
“Same to you,” Millie said.
With her hands full, she turned to find a stunning, unfamiliar blond woman standing right behind her.
A hesitant smile spread on the woman’s full, pouty lips. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but did you say Duke?”
“Yes,” Suzy said.
“Duke Pierson?”
Suzy nodded. “Yeah, do you know him?”
“He’s my ex-boyfriend. I’m Chrissy Philipps. Do you have a minute to chat?”
