Page 24 of Tough Justice
“There is no us. Hasn’t been for a long time. I’m sorry you drove all this way for nothing, but you should get on home now. Nothing’s waiting for you here.”
A single tear ran down her cheek, her eyes big and pleading.
He steeled his heart. She was trouble with a capital T. He couldn’t leave any room for misinterpretation. He started to walk away then stopped, faced her once more. “And I will be checking with The Tumbleweed. If you weren’t where you said you were, we’re going to have an issue.”
The corner of her mouth slid up. “Really? Why’s that?”
“Because if you came to town to hurt me or anyone I love, you’ll regret it.” Without another look, he stalked away. Leaving Chrissy behind him where she belonged.
9
The untouched doughnut sitting beside Suzy had hardened, making it more useful as a paperweight than breakfast.
Not like she could eat anyway.
Turmoil raged inside her like an avalanche, engulfing everything in its path. A hundred questions sat on the tip of her tongue, but she held them back. Asking Heather to divulge information about her brother wasn’t fair.
No matter how tempting.
Sitting at the kitchen table, Heather attacked her doughnut as though it had personally offended her. “She has some nerve. I mean, really? To sit and talk to you of all people?”
Suzy bristled at her tone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Heather dropped the doughnut along with her jaw. “You can’t be serious.”
“Not always, but just now, yeah. I’m serious. What is different about Chrissy speaking to me other than anyone else in this town?”
“You don’t think it’s odd she found the one person who means the most to Duke to question?” Heather tilted her head to the side, eyes narrowed as if trying to see inside Suzy’s mind.
All the moisture evaporated from Suzy’s mouth. She cleared her throat then took a sip of her reheated coffee—now dosed with a healthy amount of cream and sugar. “You think Duke cares about me?”
Heather snorted. “Please. You two are ridiculous. It’s clear to everyone around you that the two of you have the hots for each other. Not sure why you’re bothering to hide it.”
Lane sauntered in and headed for the coffee pot. “Who’s hiding what?”
Suzy widened her eyes and stared at Heather, hoping the other woman understood to keep her mouth shut in front of Lane. She may harbor some personal demons that kept her from wanting to dive in and test the waters with Duke, but Lane was a big reason why she kept her feelings for Duke buried.
Her brother was finally settled, happy. The biggest part of that was Celine and Parker, but the other part was finding his place—his purpose. Getting involved with his business partner and friend could add complications for everyone.
Complications she didn’t want to deal with. At least not until she felt as though she truly knew who Duke was. And after her conversation with Chrissy, she was more confused than ever.
“Oh nothing,” Heather said, sitting back in her seat. “Just having a little girl talk. Where’s that adorable little boy of yours?”
Leaning against the counter, Lane sipped from his oversized mug. “Celine took him to her mom’s today. With everything that’s happened the last couple days, we thought it best to keep him away from any possible danger.”
Heather’s face and shoulders fell. “I’m sorry I brought trouble into town with me.”
Suzy couldn’t be sure if Heather meant Mason or Chrissy, but either way she wasn’t to blame. “Remember what I said last night. This isn’t your fault. We’re all happy you’re here.”
“We’ll be happier when we can catch the sonofabitch who’s causing problems,” Lane said. “No one messes with family and gets away with it. Duke’s family now, so that means you are too. Where is Duke by the way? Figured I’d find him in here with you two.”
“He should be here soon. He stayed in town to talk to his ex, who had cornered Suzy at the bakery.”
Lane tightened his jaw. “Excuse me?”
Suzy sighed. “It was no big deal. She heard me say Duke’s name and asked if I’d sit and talk with her.”
“I don’t like it,” Lane said. “She’s here for a reason, and it can’t be good. Duke hasn’t said much, but he doesn’t have to. If he’s worried about her showing up, we all should be. Did any deputies speak with her after the fire last night?”
