“I asked you all here because tomorrow is the big day. This town is going to have a lot of fresh faces walking around, and I’ve assured Mike and Judge Tomlinson that the Sons of Hell will be on hand to help maintain security. Therefore, Mike deputized every brother except Trip and Scribe for the next three days,” King stated, throwing out badges to all the brothers.
“What the hell, King?” Scribe whined.
“I have a special assignment for you.” King smirked as Scribe narrowed his eyes. It didn’t take a fucking genius to know what, or should I say who his assignment was. And when my brother turned and glared at his bestie, Bailey smiled and wiggled her fingers at him.
“Why not me?” Trip asked.
“Because, sleeping beauty, you’ve spent the last ten months in a coma while we’ve had to do all your work,” Banks snarked as Trip punched him in the shoulder.
King groaned and looked at Trip. “You haven’t been medically cleared yet, Trip, and until George tells me I can beat your ass for taking ten years off my life, I want you taking it easy. No shenanigans, no drinking, no girls, nothing. I mean it. And to ensure you behave and don’t start shit, Priest will be your parole officer.”
“No drinking!” Trip gasped. “It’s a wedding!”
Gunner snickered. “I would have balked at the no girls bit.”
Enigma nodded.
“Josie?” King said as my woman looked up.
“Yeah?”
“How is everything at the lodge?”
“Um.” My woman gulped, sitting up straighter. “The wedding planner has everything in hand. The guests should start arriving around noon today. The chef has the menu and the head count, and the wait-staff are ready to go. My dad has hired extra security for the lodge to help keep the peace, considering who will be attending. I would like to say one thing, if I can?”
“Go ahead.”
“This is the ski lodge’s biggest season. Winter tourism for Rosewood brings in millions to this community. Now, although the wedding and reception will be in the two main ballrooms, please be mindful that there will be vacationers here to have fun and enjoy the sights.”
“So what’s she’s saying is mind your damn manners,” King forcefully added then sighed quickly, looking at Banks. “Another reason you’ve all been deputized is because there’s been a sighting of Martin Williams.”
Banks growled as Laurel stiffened in her seat.
Martin Williams was a former deputy at the sheriff’s station who spent his brief career tormenting Laurel and Nash while he molested and raped his sister, then a female high school student. It was Principal Williams, Martin’s dad, who caught Nash and two of his friends spying on Martin and made their lives a living hell. Even going as far as whipping Nash across the back, leaving scars he would have for the rest of his life. But that wasn’t good enough for Martin because shortly after, he framed Laurel for the murder of his father. Only to find out later it was Martin’s own mother who killed her husband, unable to deal with what her son and husband had been doing. While Mrs. Williams was currently awaiting trial, her son Martin was a wanted criminal and considered extremely dangerous.
“Where was he spotted?” Banks snarled.
“Down by the old mill. Mike’s got out a warning to the farming community, so they know to be on the lookout and to call for help. I want everyone carrying. I don’t care if you have a badge on or not. This man is still at large and I’m not taking any chances that he’d use LeeAnn’s wedding to create a scene.”
“Be real stupid if he did, considering most of Nana’s family will be here from Rickett Creek.” Nash chuckled, then added, “Plus, I heard those New Orleans boys are something else.”
King groaned. “Speaking of the Bourbon Kings,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Henley, I hate to do this, but I need you to call Devlyn and ask her to—”
Henley’s eyes widened as she held up her hand. “I know you’re not about to ask me to pimp out my sister?”
Bailey, full on belly laughed. “Oh, that is exactly what he’s asking.”
“Uh, King,” I piped up. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Devlyn has something important to deal with at the moment. Compounding her problem with Gator will only stress her out.”
I tried to be as discreet as I could without breaking Devlyn’s confidentiality. The fact was, the woman was dealing with a life-altering decision and putting her face-to-face with the cause of her problem wasn’t the best idea. Even if I thought it would help. Devlyn was rather adamant she didn’t want Gator to know anything, and I had to respect her decision.
Even if I felt it was the wrong one.
“What the hell does that mean?” King glared at me.
“Yeah.” Henley perked up, frowning. “What’s going on with my sister?”
Groaning, I shook my head. “I can’t say.”
