Page 47 of Wrangled
The house makes a humming sound in my head. “I know you’re judging me right now,” I tell it. Amusement touches me before I’m alone in my head once more. I fight the urge to go out to the barn and do some more potting, knowing I have nothing left to do out there, really.
Instead, I head to the kitchen, pull out my laptop, and start ordering things I’ll need. I don’t think about the amount of money I’m spending; I put it out of my mind, knowing it’s necessary.
By the time I’m done, it’s dark out, making me realize just how far down the rabbit hole I’ve fallen. I return Jen’s callbecause if I don’t, she’ll drive down and strangle me for worrying her.
“Hey, Jen,” I say when she picks up.
“New number. Who dis?”
I snort. “You are far too old to say shit like that.”
She gasps like she’s in some Spanish telenovela.
“Calliope Marie Hart!”
“My middle name is Elodie.” I drawl.
“That is not the point, and you know it.”
I grin, heading into the kitchen and pouring myself a glass of iced water. “I’m just teasing. You know I adore you.”
“Hmmm, you’d better. I found another gray hair this morning, thanks to you.”
I roll my eyes, but don’t say anything else.
“So what have you been up to? I’m assuming you were busy, as it took you ten hours to return my call. A call, might I add, that was answered by a sexy sounding man that I know for damn sure I didn’t order for you.”
“That was Riggs, and how do you know he’s sexy?”
“God wouldn’t put that voice in a weak-ass man. That voice says I’m going to spank you for being a bad girl.”
“Jen!” I laugh, choking on my drink.
“You didn’t deny it.”
“I’m not having this conversation with you.”
“Spoilsport. Anyway, I have things squared away with this David kid. Seems sweet, try not to break him.”
“I’m not you, Jen.” I remind her with a sigh, wondering if I should have opened a bottle of wine instead. I’ve not had the chance to really try much in the way of alcohol before, but Jen has this ability to make me want to pop the cork and chug it like a frat boy at a kegger.
“I’m just kidding. He’s smart. I like smart people, which brings me around to my next subject, Sheriff Shepard. I’vespoken to him. He has suspended two of his officers pending an investigation. I’ll be keeping an eye on it.”
“I know. Well, about the investigation and stuff. He came by to tell me.”
She’s quiet for a moment, and when she does speak, I swear I can hear a grin in her voice. “Oh, really?”
“Yes, really. It was a professional courtesy.”
“One that could easily have been shared over the phone.”
“Either way, he came and said his peace, and now it’s done.”
“I’m sure it is.”
I don’t touch that comment; instead, I move on to the next.
“So, will you be around in the next few days? If not, I can come to you.”
