Mac was an old Delta Force buddy they’d worked ops with overseas. Now, he owned and operated Eagle Security and Investigations, a security and investigation company with former military as agents. Even he had received an open-ended offer from the guy a few years ago.
“Good,” he said, then cursed as realization hit him.
His dad was a target no matter where he resided.
Dale opened his mouth to voice his concern, but Gabe held up a hand and withdrew his phone with the other.
“I’m on it. Setting up a detail outside your father’s room right now.”
Although he was grateful the sheriff made the call, Dale was also disgusted that it was necessary.
Who knew how long the bastard had been on the property, or what he’d been doing.
“I’d better check the inside of the house and barn, too,” he stated.
As they cleared each structure, the sense of unease lingered. Dale knew they had to act fast. The safety of his family depended on it. He glanced over at Gabe, grateful for his friend’s support and expertise.
“I can’t tell you how thankful I am that you’re the sheriff around here,” Dale said after they exited the house, and he locked the door. “I know there’ll be no stone unturned.”
Gabe smirked. “Don’t forget about ESI. This town is full of your military buddies, and I know they’ll be all over this. We’ve got your back,Delta. We’ll get to the bottom of this, whatever it takes.”
Hearing his call sign andChief’sreassuring words brought a sense of calm he readily embraced.
“Hooyah!”
Gabe echoed the battle cry and cupped Dale’s shoulder. “When’s the last time you ate?”
He blinked. “What day is it?”
“Thought as much.” His buddy shook his head. “Come on, I’ll buy you a burger and fries, and if I’m not called out, I’ll even spring for some Boston Cream donuts at the local bakery that Dean and RJ’s wives own.”
Not at all surprised Gabe remembered his favorite donut, he nodded. “Roger that.”
He’d heard all about the bakery from several of his former SEAL buddies and a few Deltas. Maybe he’d grab something for his dad before heading to see him later.
Dale wondered briefly if he should grab something for Sadie too. An image of the beauty rushed through his head of her confessing her crush on him and the resulting blush deepening the warmth in her brown eyes, sent an answering wave of warmth through him.
But that wasn’t good.
There was danger around him and his father right now. He wasn’t about to expose her to any of it.
No. He was going to have to keep his distance, but after this threat was neutralized, then, oh, yeah, then he was very interested in exploring that crush.
Chapter Four
Sadie entered Champion Bakery with a spring in her step, the sweet aroma of fresh pastries and coffee immediately lifting her spirits. It was her favorite spot in Harland County, a cozy haven where the cares of the world seemed to melt away like butter on a hot croissant. Today, she was meeting her friends, Loni and Lori, the twin sisters who owned and operated the bakery. The two were also herchildhood friends, even though they hadn’t grown up here.
But they had spent their summers in Harland with their aunt, who was the cook at the McCall ranch. The three of them used to wander to the corrals and watch some of the local boys helping the cowboys.
And she wasn’t the only one who used to drool.Well, she drooled over Dale, they drooled over everyone else. A smile tugged at her lips.
Good times.
The bakery was bustling with locals picking up their early afternoon dose of caffeine and sugar. Sadie spotted Loni and Lori at their usual corner table, both already sipping their lattes and animatedly discussing something. Waving on approach, she grinned at the sight of their matching apronsthat Sadie had made them. The violet aprons were embroidered with“Champion Bakery”and a three-tiered cake logo.
“Sadie! Over here!”Lori called, waving her hand enthusiastically. Lori was the more outgoing of the two, with a penchant for bold fashion and a laugh that could be heard clear across the room. A stunning beauty with face-framing bangs, she wore her dark hair in a messy-type bun like Sadie’s.
Loni, the quieter and more reserved twin, smiled warmly as Sadie sat down. Her long, dark hair was tied back in a neat ponytail. She was the yin to Lori’s yang, providing a calming presence that balanced her sister’s exuberance.She was also going blind, thanks to ajuvenile form of macular degeneration her sweet friend hadn’t even known she had until recently.
