Derek’s blue eyes rolled my way as I leaned back against the wall. “They’re late.”
“Your watch is fast.” According to mine, they had another ten minutes.
“I have things to do, Preston. Do you have any idea how much manpower it takes to do evacuations?”
Nope, and I didn’t care. “Feel free to leave anytime. Bringing you in on this, was a courtesy.”
I didn’t have to tell Derek shit, but I figured things might run smoother if the sheriff knew what was happening. There would be more deaths. I was sure of that, and explaining them away might become a hassle.
That was credit I’d give to Derek Adams. When he took up the position, he’d cleaned up the department. Any people we had on our payroll were fired. Well, the ones he could prove. Hence, the contention in The Order when he took the position. His daughter solved some of those problems but not all. Occasionally, he could be convinced to look the other way, but not every time. He actually believed in upholding the law. While I thought there were better ways to get justice, I admired his conviction.
Marnie was the only other person I knew who couldn’t be bought. Needless to say, I wasn’t surprised when I found out they were working together.
Their teaming-up stopped the day Micha claimed Riley. It didn’t matter how much conviction someone had when their weak spot was pressed. The good Sheriff still managed to keep his distance from The Order. He wanted nothing to do with us.
This situation, however, he couldn’t stay out of. Hitmen were coming to Ashen Springs, and whether I liked it or not, his department would come in handy.
Derek huffed and crossed his arms. “Are you sure they’re coming?”
“Don’t ask stupid questions, Derek.”
Of course, I was sure. I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t.
“Okay.” He clicked his tongue and cocked a brow. “Here’s a better question for you, Preston. How exactly do you know about a hit list?”
I tipped my head in his direction. “You really want me to answer that?”
He did. There was no denying the suspicion written across his face. He’d been itching for a reason to lock us up and throw away the key for years. His precious morals wouldn’t allow him to look the other way, but he wouldn’t pry because that would require hurting his daughter. Can’t imagine Riley would be too happy if her old man threw her fiancé in jail before the wedding.
Speaking of fiancé…
My eyes narrowed on a familiar Jeep pulling into the parking lot.
What the fuck was Micha doing here? Last I heard, he was arguing with Riley when Nikolai’s men came to get her and Shelby. Based on his scowl when he stepped out and headed our way, I’d say his mood hadn’t improved any.
“Something wrong?”
His dark eyes locked on mine. “Don’t get me started.”
Aww, did Riley give him a hard time? Was he really surprised? That girl was a pain in the ass from the moment she was born.
“You didn’t have to come.” I’d prefer it if he didn’t.
“You think I’m going to leave this shit up to you?”
Yes, I did.
Micha was too much like his old man.
I spent three hours on the phone with Lou before coming here. He was not happy about the situation. Guess what? No one was happy about the situation. Lou wasn’t special or in charge, as much as he liked to think he was.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he put the idea of coming down here in Micha’s head. Ah well, it was one less person I’d have to introduce. I might not have to introduce anyone now. Micha could take them to meet Logan, and I could go home to play with my Bird.
“Derek.” Micha eyed Derek, who returned his look with one of his own.
“Micha. Has Riley called you yet?”
“Of course,” Micha growled. “Why did she forget to call you?”
