Lori Foster (26 page)

“No problem.” He leveled a look on Reese. “But be careful so it’s never necessary for me to do more than be around, taking part. Got it?”

“That’s the plan.” He reached in his pocket for a piece of paper. “In other news, I got a name to go with those plates.” He flipped open the paper and looked at it. “Fisher Holloway. Know him?”

“Yeah, sorry. It’s old news.” He’d totally forgotten that Reese was checking on things for him. “I know who the bastard is and I’m taking care of it.” Rowdy started out of the room.

Reese caught his arm. “No.”

Looking at that hand on his arm, Rowdy raised his brows. “’Fraid so.” He freed himself from Reese’s hold and walked away.

“Damn it, Rowdy.” Reese kept pace with him. “You can’t always do things your way. There are laws.”

Rowdy laughed. What did Reese expect him to do? Murder and mayhem?

Fuming, Reese asked, “Who is it?”

“Avery’s ex.” Though that wasn’t accurate since, according to Avery, they’d never really been together. “Don’t worry about it.”

“You involved me,” Reese insisted. “I’m here. If she’s having problems with some bozo, tell me. I can—”

“Not happening.” Rowdy got out the whiteboard to write up the day’s specials.

“Fine. Have it your way.” Reese pulled out his phone. “I’ll call Pepper. And Logan.”

Rowdy frowned at him.

“Might as well tell Alice, too.”

Of all the idiotic...

“I assume Avery knows what you have planned?”

Temper sparked, Rowdy set the board aside. “I don’t know what the fuck you think you’re doing, but—”

“Rowdy?” Her gaze going back and forth between them, Avery approached. “Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine.”

Reese snorted.

Avery smiled at him. “I couldn’t help but overhear you guys bickering.”

That annoyed the hell out of Rowdy. “We weren’t bickering.”

“Actually,” Reese said, “I was trying to convince Rowdy not to be so pigheaded.”

“Good luck with that.” Avery laughed at his expression. “I’m just teasing. I’m sure you’ll be entirely circumspect and cautious in all you do.”

“Avery,” he warned.

Grinning, she took his hand. “My mother is busy for the entire week, but she said she’d love for us to visit next Sunday. Does that work for you?”

“Whatever you want, honey.”

“Okay, I’ll let her know.” She went on tiptoe to kiss him. “Thank you.”

After she went back to the bar, Reese dropped back against the wall and stared.

“What’s your problem now?” Rowdy asked.

“I’m in shock.” He blinked twice. “Did you actually say you were heading home with her to meet her mother?”

“Already met her.” Rowdy began lowering chairs off the tables. “She’s nice enough. Jury is still out on her stepdad.”

“You’re kidding me.” Reese pitched in with the chairs. “And the ex? Did you meet him, too?”

“Grade-A prick.” The next chair landed a little harder than he meant for it to. “Her folks like him, though.”

Reese shrugged that off. “I’ll take your judgment over theirs any day.”

Rowdy hated to admit how much that meant to him. “He says he followed us out of concern for Avery. You know, just checking up on her to make sure she was okay.”

“Right.” Being facetious, Reese said, “I’m sure he had only altruistic motives.”

Without thinking about it, Rowdy shared another concern. “It’s been a rough time for her. She’s struggling with some things.”

Reese clapped him on the shoulder. “I think you’re doing a little struggling of your own.”

Ready to flatten him, Rowdy said, “Go bug someone else, will you?”

Grinning, Reese pointed at him. “Don’t do anything with her ex. If he bothers her again, let me know. If you murder him, you’ll be the one in jail and Avery will be alone. Then how will she feel?”

Yeah, maybe something to think about. “You made your point.”

“Several points actually.” He waved to Avery. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“The same.” Rowdy walked with Reese to the door.

As long as Fisher left Avery alone, he wouldn’t have to deal with him.

But if the bastard ever thought about hurting her again, all bets were off.

* * *

C
ANNON
ENJOYED
WALKING
. It was good exercise, gave him an excuse to look around the area and check on things and it freed his mind.

Even on an overcast day, he could fill his lungs with fresh air, watch a bird fly by and hear the buzz of the neighborhood.

Hands in his pockets, his stocking hat pulled down over his ears, he checked out every building, those closed up and those still trying to get by.

At a small, family-run pawnshop, Cannon watched an elderly man sweep leaves away from the front door. Cannon knew everyone, at least well enough to wave and exchange a greeting, so he was already aware of the owner’s eighteen-year-old granddaughter, Yvette.

She spotted him and immediately started to flirt. Though barely legal, she was old enough to know how to look at a guy to get the biggest reaction.

Although amused, Cannon kept his nod reserved, polite, but nothing more. Yvette was at the age where she liked attention a little too much, always flirting with danger. Being stacked and really cute, she could find that danger whenever she wanted, but she wouldn’t find it with him.

At the corner, gangly youths hung out, probably because of the girl. They hadn’t yet caused any real trouble, but they were at risk of getting recruited by the real thugs. If he got his gym opened soon, that might help. He’d need another six months or so. Possibly longer, depending on how his next fight went.

When the boys noticed him, they called out. Grinning, Cannon lifted a hand—and his gaze got caught by a luxury sedan coasting slowly toward the bar. Not the silver hybrid this time, but a new model Audi.

Like money on wheels.

Even as the hairs on the back of his neck prickled, tinted windows kept him from seeing inside.

The boys noticed the car and made a big fuss about it. Cannon didn’t want them to draw attention, so with a final wave he jogged the rest of the way to the bar. They wouldn’t open for another forty-five minutes. Why would a slick ride like that be hanging around?

Instead of going to the front entrance, Cannon went down one building more then cut through the alley and around to the back door. He was always cautious, and he didn’t want to let the driver of the car know he’d been noticed.

He tapped once, and then waited until Jones let him in through the kitchen.

Pulling off his hat, Cannon asked, “Where’s Rowdy?”

Always busy, Jones went back to his stove and the massive pot of soup he had cooking. “Last I saw him he was in his office going over some invoices.”

“Thanks.” He skirted past Jones, anxious to reach Rowdy before the Audi took off again.

Rowdy was just stepping out when Cannon reached him. “We have trouble. C’mon.”

Without asking questions, Rowdy followed.

“New car,” Cannon explained. “An Audi. Probably seventy-five thou.”

“Here?” Rowdy asked with a load of suspicion.

“Hanging around, yeah. Watching the bar.” Cannon glanced at him. “Did you scare off the silver BMW?”

“Maybe.” Rowdy’s face tightened. “I confronted the bastard.”

“So you know who that was?”

Full of bad intentions, Rowdy snarled, “I know.”

“Wish I’d been there to see that.” Cannon sensed there was more to the story, but it wasn’t in his nature to pry. “So now there’s a new car. Hell of a coincidence, ya know?”

“Or an outright taunt.”

“Could be,” Cannon agreed as they neared the front window. “If someone wanted to be sly, that is not the sedan to drive.”

Scowling in indecision, Rowdy stood back—out of view from anyone on the street. “Which way out front?”

“I walked up South Street, which brought me up behind it.” Because he knew something was going on, Cannon asked, “What do you want me to do?”

“Stay here with Avery while I check it out.”

“Sure.”

Rowdy had just turned to go toward the back when Avery came out from behind the bar. “Rowdy!”

Her tone stopped them both.

Holding the bar phone, her face pale, she said, “The police just called.”

Cannon watched Rowdy switch priorities in a heartbeat. It was one of the things he respected most about him—how quickly he adapted to changing situations. That bespoke experience and the calm detachment needed to deal with crisis situations.

Admirable traits, as far as Cannon was concerned, traits that would come in handy while working in this neighborhood.

Rowdy reached Avery in only a few long strides. “Logan or Reese?”

“Not them, no.”

“Then who?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think I got a name.”

Going hot around the collar, Rowdy asked, “What did they want?”

Brows pinched with disbelief, Avery shook her head. “I’m not sure I buy it, but they said my apartment was broken into.”

When Rowdy took the phone from her, Avery said, “They already hung up, but, Rowdy, they wanted me to meet them there as soon as possible.”

Wow. Knowing a setup when he heard it, Cannon whistled.

Like a prizefighter, Rowdy bunched up. His killing mood showed as clearly in his physical stance as it did in the black glare he sent toward the Audi waiting on the street outside.

Someone was messing with Avery, and if Rowdy had his way, they’d soon be paying the price for that error.

Cannon wasn’t a betting man, but if he was, he’d put all his money on Rowdy.

CHAPTER TWENTY

S
INCE
SHE
’
D
WITNESSED
Rowdy in defense mode before, Avery recognized the signs. All hell was about to break loose.

“Fuck that,” Rowdy said. “It’s a setup.”

“That’s what I was thinking, too.” Rowdy looked so furious that she hooked her hand in the waistband of his jeans, determined to keep him from leaving. “Could we call Logan or Reese to have it verified?”

Cannon stepped up. “No need. I’m on it.” He had his phone to his ear, and a second later, he spoke to someone. “Can you check on the lady’s place? See if there are any cops hanging around or if it looks like it’s been broken into? Thanks.” He disconnected the call. “I’ll know in under ten minutes.”

“In the meantime,” Rowdy said, “stay here with Avery.”

Avery grabbed for him with her other hand, too. “Where are you going?” Even Rowdy wouldn’t be impulsive enough to charge into a trap.

“Just outside.” He shared a male-inspired glance with Cannon. “I’ll be right back.”

“Oh, no, you don’t.” If he insisted on defending her, then she could damn well insist on knowing the details. “I have a right to know.”

“I just need to check out something. I won’t be long.”

As he started off she kept pace with him, still holding on to his belt. “Call Reese or Logan,” she insisted again.

“Why don’t you do that for me?”

So she’d have something to do other than follow him? She shot his words back at him—sort of—saying “Screw that.”

“I’ve got this, boss,” Cannon said. “Why don’t you stay here with Avery and I’ll—”

“No.” Rowdy caught her wrists and lifted her hands away. “There’s a car out front. An Audi. Does Fisher own one?”

That’s why he wanted to leave? To confront someone? She shook her head. “I don’t know.”

“He owns the BMW. Can he afford both?”

Very aware of Cannon standing there, hearing everything, Avery nodded. “Yes.” She tried to collect herself. “But he also said he was trading in the BMW, remember?”

“I remember.” Stern, Rowdy lifted her chin. “I’m going to see if it’s him hanging around, that’s all.”

“Baloney! What if it is him? Then what? You’ll confront him and—” She looked at Cannon, wishing for a little help. “He’s dangerous.”

“I know, babe. I’ll be careful.” He said to Cannon, “Keep her in here.”

Avery took exception to that. “I don’t need a damned babysitter. And just so you know, I’m calling Logan right now!”

Rowdy either didn’t believe her or he didn’t care. He went down the hall to the back door and Avery started to shake in indecision. What should she do next?

Cannon helped her decide when he asked, “You’ll stay put?”

By way of answer, she gave him a shove. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

With a salute, he took off after Rowdy. Meager backup, Avery thought, but it was something.

Running back up to the front of the bar, she dug her cell phone out of her purse, fumbled through her contacts and found Logan’s number. While the phone rang, she went through the bar to the front window. She could see the car sitting across the street but hadn’t yet spotted Rowdy or Cannon.

Logan answered with an official sounding, “Riske here.”

“Logan, it’s Avery.” The words came out more rushed than she’d intended.

With new awareness, Logan asked, “What’s wrong?”

Of course as a police detective, he picked up on her worry. “Rowdy went outside to confront a guy in a car, but it could be a trap of some kind because police called to say my apartment was broken into, but I’m not sure I believe that and it’s too many things happening at one time.” She sucked in a breath. “I think Rowdy might be in danger.”

That convoluted explanation could have muddled even the sharpest mind, but Logan said only, “Are you inside? Safe?”

“Yes. I’m in the bar.”

“Make sure the doors are locked and stay put. I’m not that far away.” He hung up, leaving Avery standing there with only her rising worry.

Ella touched her shoulder, and she nearly jumped out of her skin.

Giving her a funny look, Ella patted her. “What’s going on, sugar? You okay?”

Avery wanted to shout. Just that morning everything had felt so promising, so fresh and safe and...wonderful. She turned back to the window. How could she explain to Ella something she didn’t quite understand herself?

Jones joined them, too. “What’s going on?”

Knowing she had to tell them something, Avery pointed out the window. “See that car?”

Ella leaned in close. “Ohhh. Fancy.”

Jones cocked a brow. “What’s a car like that doing hanging around here?” He made a wrong conclusion. “Rowdy ain’t selling the place, is he?”

“No, nothing like that.” Where was Rowdy?

“Then what?” Ella asked. “You’re shaking.”

Avery clasped her hands together to calm the nervous movement. “It could belong to...”
A man who wanted to rape me.
No, she couldn’t say that. “There’s a guy who wanted to marry me, but...”
I ran away from my entire life to dodge him.
She searched for Rowdy but didn’t yet see him. “The thing is—”

“There’s Rowdy,” Ella said.

Her stomach dropped. Wide-eyed, Avery watched as he came up behind the car on the passenger side where he’d be less noticeable. There was no hesitation in his stride as he approached. He didn’t hunker down or sneak.

Hand to her heart, Avery waited.

Ella snuggled closer.

Jones wrung his hands on his dishcloth.

They stood there together, collective breath held. Was Cannon close? If something happened, what would she—

Rowdy stepped around to the driver’s side, his head dipped down to see in the darkened window, his hand reaching out for the handle—

The car suddenly pulled away from the curb with screeching tires. Lurching back, Rowdy barely missed being run over. He stood there watching, fists propped on his hips, as the car disappeared around a corner.

Avery wanted to wilt. For now, at least, Rowdy was safe.

Jones pulled out a chair and said, “Here, now, sit down.”

“Thank you, but I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine,” Ella said, and she took the chair. “So what was that all about?”

“A guy I used to know,” Avery summarized. “He’s not a nice person.”

“He’s been bothering you?” Jones asked.

“I’m not sure. Maybe.” She stayed glued to the window until Rowdy headed back in. Rather than have him walk around back, she went to the front door and unlocked it. She wanted to throw herself against him, to hold him tight. And she wanted to smack him for scaring her like that, for taking unnecessary chances.

Since Cannon had come out of the alley and joined Rowdy, Avery didn’t do either one. Somehow she would convince Rowdy that she wasn’t a damsel in distress. He didn’t have to take risks for her.

As soon as Rowdy got close enough to hear, she said, “Logan is on his way.”

“Thanks.” He came in past her and closed the door, then took Ella’s order pad from her and jotted down a number.

“License plate?” Avery guessed.

“Yeah.” He folded it.

Cannon’s cell rang. Everyone waited as he answered it.

Nodding, he gave his thanks and tucked the phone away again. “Her apartment looks as tight as ever. No signs of cops or a break-in.”

Ella and Jones stood there confounded, waiting for an explanation. Avery had no idea what to tell them. She didn’t want the world to know her private past, but now that the past had invaded her present, these people could be in danger.

Rowdy didn’t suffer the same indecision. “Listen up. We’ve had a creep hanging around, making prank phone calls and giving veiled threats that may or may not be real. If you see anyone or anything that makes you uneasy, no matter what, I want to know about it. Got it?”

Jones tugged his graying ponytail. “I don’t see much from the kitchen, but sure. I’ll let you know.”

Rowdy turned to Ella. “You, too, hon. Any customers who seem out of place, you need to tell me.”

Ella patted Avery’s arm. “Of course, sugar.” She gave Avery a pitying look. “Thing is, guys ask after her all the time.”

“They do?” That was news to Avery. Sure, guys talked to her. She was a bartender—it came with the job. But she’d rarely noticed any real interest.

“You don’t see it,” Ella said. “You’re too busy watching Rowdy.”

Oh, good grief. Heat rushed into her cheeks, especially when Cannon coughed and Jones grinned.

“But she draws attention,” Ella continued. “And since no one knows the status...” She shrugged.

Rowdy gathered steam. “What are you talking about? What status?”

“Between the two of you.” Ella hugged Avery. “You two flirt around about it and all, but Avery has that ‘hands off’ attitude and you’ve got the bachelor stamp permanently branded on your head, so the great mystery of whether she’s available or not keeps guys guessing.”

“Great mystery?” Avery choked.

“Does make things interesting,” Cannon agreed, then held up both hands when Rowdy turned on him. “Not to me. I know the situation.”

Oh, God, Avery thought. There was a situation?

Rowdy stood there fuming for no apparent reason before saying, his voice icy calm, “Here on out, if anyone asks, she’s taken.” And with that, he stalked off to the bar.

Cannon watched him go. “I do enjoy working here. There’s never a dull moment.”

Jones beamed at Avery as if she’d accomplished some difficult task. Ella shrugged.

To add to the confusion, Logan arrived.

After greeting him as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, Rowdy sent Ella and Jones back to work.

He tried to do the same with Avery. “We’ll be open in another twenty minutes.”

Not about to be cut out, Avery didn’t budge. “I have everything ready.”

Doing the opposite, Cannon excused himself. “I’ll get to work, but if you need me for anything, just let me know.”

“Keep an eye out,” Rowdy told him.

“For her admirers,” Cannon asked with a straight face, “or for threats?”

Without taking the bait, Rowdy said, “Both.” He turned to Logan. “Thanks for coming.”

In nothing more than his shirtsleeves, his tie loosened and his expression weary, Logan looked around. “Guess I missed all the excitement.”

“There wasn’t much.” Rowdy led the way to his office, and then took a few minutes to explain what had happened.

“You shouldn’t have approached the car. If this guy is crazy enough to keep pushing the issue, he’s crazy enough to be a threat.”

Avery agreed with him there. “Is there anything you can do?”

“I can check the plates.” Logan called it in while pacing the room. “We should hear back soon. Takes less than a minute to run them.”

He looked so tense and tired that Avery regretted involving him. “Would you like some coffee while we wait?”

He went to a chair and dropped into it. “That’d be great, thanks.”

“No problem.” She gave Rowdy a meaningful frown to let him know that she did not want him taking advantage of her absence.

His return look told her he’d make no promises. Blasted stubborn man. “Logan? This concerns me more than anyone.”

Confused, Logan looked between them. “Okay.”

“Don’t let Rowdy make plans without me.” Instead of waiting for his agreement, she hurried to the break room to fetch three cups of coffee. In her haste she almost spilled one, but made it back just as Logan got news.

As he disconnected the call, he said, “The plates don’t belong to the car.” He accepted the coffee with gratitude. “Whoever was hanging around didn’t want to be identified.”

Rowdy seemed to take that in stride, as if he’d expected it. “Old plates?”

“Yup. Probably stolen.”

That made it all seem so elaborate. Not just a random drive-by to snoop, to maybe follow her home, but a deliberate, covert plan to draw her out. She felt a little sick, and a lot afraid. “My apartment?”

“I sent a squad car over to check on things.” Logan sipped his coffee. “No one in our department called you.”

“You look beat,” Rowdy said.

“Busy day, that’s all.” He shot a glance at Avery. “I was in this neck of the woods anyway.”

“I guess we shouldn’t ask?”

“Not yet.” He drank more coffee—and his cell rang.

Avery went to stand by Rowdy while Logan took the call.

Had someone wanted to get her alone? Was Fisher foolish enough to try to grab her right outside the bar? Or had he planned to tail her back to her apartment, where he’d have more opportunity to make his move?

Memories rushed back in on her, how Fisher had grabbed her that night, how ugly he’d been in his anger, his abuse. She remembered the awful choking fear when she’d realized his intent.

No doubt to reassure her, Rowdy put an arm around her, his hand at her waist.

What if she had left and Rowdy had gone alone?

Fisher might have been hoping for that. He was so good at lying, at covering his tracks, that he might have come up with a way to rid himself of Rowdy while blaming others.

She wouldn’t put anything past him.

Near her ear, Rowdy said, “You’re okay, and you’re going to stay that way.” His mouth brushed her temple. “I’m not about to let anyone hurt you.”

That scared her most of all. How far would Rowdy go to ensure her safety?

“Sorry,” Logan said. “The officers looked around but nothing seemed disturbed. The place is still locked up and quiet.”

Same report they’d gotten from Cannon’s friends. Frustrated, Avery rubbed her brow. “What now?”

“Unless you have more to tell me about this past relationship of yours, there’s not much we can do.” Logan waited, brows raised, but neither Avery nor Rowdy had anything else to offer.

A year had passed since Fisher had attacked her. They had no real proof that it was him coming back around now, but Avery couldn’t fend off the memories, or the fear.

What would it take to discourage Fisher? Could she just avoid him until he gave up? And what about Rowdy? He wasn’t a man to sit back while threats existed.

She needed a way to protect him, to keep him from putting himself in harm’s way.

“I wish there was more I could do.” Logan finished off his coffee and crushed the paper cup. “But hanging around a bar isn’t a crime.”