Page 29 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"That's right," said Deacon."My hackles are up because the break-ins are getting closer to our turf.Stay on the alert, okay?"
"Will do."
"How often is Janey at the clinic by herself these days?"Cash asked.
"I'll make sure she isn't," said Emmett.
"That's probably not necessary.But maybe we should make sure someone's with her if she's going to be there early mornings or late in the evening when you're not."
"We'll work it out," Emmett told him.
"That's okay, bud.You've got enough on your plate.I'll talk to her myself."
Emmett nodded.Cash was protective of all his siblings.Especially Janey.If he wanted to try to restrict her movements, he’d have to take it up with her himself.
Of course, Emmett looked out for her, too.But he knew that one of the things Janey valued most about their partnership was that he treated her as an equal.
Cash winked at him and said, "I know — you're welcome."
Deacon laughed when his cat, Clawson, jumped up onto Emmett's lap and head-butted his chest."I never get why he loves you so much.If I have to give him pills, he gives me the evil eye for two weeks afterward.Youremoved his manhood and he's still your buddy."
They all laughed when Clawson turned to glare at Deacon before settling on Emmett's lap, purring loudly.
"Emmett's just such a likeable guy," Travis said with a grin."Everyone loves him."
Deacon shrugged, looking slightly wounded.But Travis got to his feet, arms outstretched, saying, "Don’t worry, we love you too, Chief."
Emmett and the others laughed as Deacon dodged around the room with Travis hot on his heels trying to hug him.
Trip's phone beeped with a text, and all laughter and movement stopped as the other guys reached for their phones.Cash rolled his eyes at Emmett."See what they've come to?One word from their women and they'll be off like a shot."He checked his watch."And speaking of — I'd better get going, too."
Emmett gave him a puzzled look as they joined the others making for the door."Where are you headed?"
Cash just smiled."I'll see you up there."He turned to the others."Who wants to ride with me?"
Emmett understood why there weren’t more vehicles outside when the others piled into Deacon's truck and Cash's Suburban.Travis hung back, smiling at him."Can I ride with you?"
"Sure.Jump in.We don't want to keep your Retta waiting.I take it you guys all left your vehicles at the restaurant?"
"Yeah, there’s no point in us all driving to Deacon’s and back again later in a convoy."
They'd only been on the road for five minutes when Emmett's phone rang, making him tense.He deliberately hadn't checked on the girls since he left the house because he knew Alana hated it — hated to feel like he didn't trust her.He relaxed when he saw Cash's name on the screen.
"What's up, Cash?"he answered.
"Nothing's wrong.I just wanted to let you know that things have changed.When we get there, I'll take Libby."
Emmett frowned."Why?Is everything okay?Is she all right?"
"Yeah, she's fine.I had a text from Mav, and if you're all right with it, I could do with taking her myself.I need to have a word with her."
"Yeah, sure, no problem.As long as everything's all right."
"Everything's fine, bud.We'll see you there."
"Okay."Emmett ended the call with a sigh.
"Are you okay?"Travis asked.
