Stripped Bounty (14 page)

B
adger pulled
his cycle into the parking lot of the assisted living facility his grandmother lived in. She was going to tear into him for not showing up this whole week. But in his defense, he’d been just a little busy. As she always did, she’d say her piece and then move on from it.

After heading through the main entrance, he walked down the long corridor which led to her unit. The place was nice, looked like a damn resort. Cost about as much, too. Badger hadn’t ever wanted her to be in one of these places, but she’d been set on it. Being the kind of man he was, only the best would do for her.

He owed her that much. The woman had taken care of him nearly his entire life, and now he was giving that back to her. He navigated another short hall and arrived at her door. Badger smiled as he gave the door three raps with his knuckles, and then took a step back. She had one of those old-fashioned plastic Christmas wreaths hanging on the door. It was the same one Badger had grown up seeing every year on the front door of her house.

The same house Badger now owned.

“I’m coming! Hold your horses!”

Badger chuckled. She always yelled like that to whoever was there, as if they were outside banging like a lunatic. The door swung open and, as always, he was greeted with a scowl until she saw that it was him and her face softened in a sweet smile. “Well, now! Been wondering where you got off to, young man. Get in here and give me some love.”

Badger stepped forward and bent low for a hug and a kiss on his cheek. “Hi, Nana. Sorry, been real busy this week.”

She pulled away and looked up at him. “All right, come inside and tell me all about it.” He followed her inside her one bedroom unit and closed the door behind them. “Always so busy. Catching bad guys, I’m guessing?” With the use of her cane, she moved into the small kitchen, pulled down a plate from the cabinet, and loaded it up with five chocolate chip cookies. “Can’t wait to hear all about it. Sit.” She pointed toward the stools situated on the other side of the countertop breakfast bar.

Without question, he took off his leather jacket, pulled off his bandana, and, after setting them on the arm of the recliner, did as he was told. By the time he’d planted his ass on the stool, she’d poured him a glass of milk. It was her way, and their thing. She’d put out too many cookies and a full glass of milk for him, and listen intently as he told her the edited versions of whatever bounty hunter adventure he’d been on.

In reality, most hunts were boring as hell, and the majority of his time was spent tracking the skip. Following leads. Staking out apartment complexes or neighborhoods. Of course, all that work came to fruition when he finally got the skip and got paid. That part was exciting, but could also be dangerous. She didn’t need to know those parts, so Badger dressed up the stories, made them less boring and less dangerous and she ate it up while he ate the cookies.

Badger picked up the first cookie as she came around the counter, her cane in hand, and took the stool beside him. “Growing that beard in pretty good. It needs a trim.” She tickled beneath his chin with a bright smile arching her lips.

“Yes, ma’am.” He took a sip of the milk. “Tell me how you been?”

She waved her hand at him. “Shoo. Nothing exciting here. Just the same old bridge games and
Judge Judy
on television. She’s a feisty one. Oh, except that Marilyn Sanchez down the hall.” She gestured over her shoulder with her thumb. “Her great-grandkids were here all week. You can’t even imagine the noise. Word in the dining hall is her granddaughter is getting a divorce. Poor thing.” She inched the plate closer to him. Her way of urging him to eat more. “Anyway. I got my hair colored on Monday. What do you think?” Without pausing for him to answer she went on. “Oh, and since you hadn’t been by and I didn’t know when you were coming, yesterday I convinced one of the volunteers to help me get the decorations out. I got it all set up last night.”

This time she did pause and Badger had to stifle a laugh. “Definitely nothing exciting. Pretty boring stuff, Nana.”

“Oh, you. Don’t be sassy.” She swatted his arm with a laugh. “Well? How’s it look?”

Badger twisted on his stool and looked around her living room. She’d set up the small artificial tree he’d bought her a couple of years ago, and had it decorated with all her favorite ornaments. The nativity scene was displayed on one of the end tables and the coffee table had the decades old poinsettia print table runner on it with her holiday snow globe collection placed atop it. He’d moved her into the home three years ago, but once the first Christmas rolled around, he’d brought her back to her house—which had since become his—so she could go through all her decorations.

Many of the items needed to be thrown out. Too worn from the heat of the Arizona summers or lack of use over the years. Nana hadn’t been real happy to part with any of it, but like the trooper she was, she’d picked out all her favorite things. The items that remained, he stored back in the garage. Seeing as though he’d grown up with all of it, he was happy to keep it all close.

Badger looked back to her. “It looks as beautiful as always, Nana. Sorry I wasn’t here to help.”

She gave him a soft smile. “It’s okay. Tell me all about what’s been happening.”

He took another bite of cookie, stalling as he contemplated what to tell her. Obviously, it hadn’t been the skip work that’d kept him away. He’d been with Rosie and dealing with her mess—and pretty much falling head over heels for the woman. But that was beside the point. Or was it?

From the moment Badger had decided he was coming to see his grandmother that day, he’d wanted to tell her about Rosie. He knew Nana would love her. Rosie would probably love his grandmother right back. How could she not? His Nana was awesome.

She touched his arm. “What’s the matter, Drew? You look like you got something on your mind. Is everything okay?”

He shifted so he could face her. “Yes, and no. Everything’s okay, so don’t worry, but I haven’t been busy on a job.” He blew out a breath at her concerned look. “I met someone, and she’s in a little bit of trouble. I’ve been helping her.”

Her eyes went wide. “She?”

He chuckled. “Yes, Nana. Her name is Rosie.”

“What kind of trouble is she in?”

“I don’t want you to worry about that. But rest assured, I’m making it so she gets through it.”

“Is it legal trouble?”

“Not at all. She’s a good girl, Nana.”

“That’s good. Real good.” Nana broke a piece off one of the cookies and ate it. When she was done chewing she continued. “Aside from this trouble you’re helping her with, is there more to it? I raised you to be an honorable man, so you helping someone who needs it doesn’t surprise me, but do you also care for her?”

Badger’s insides went soft just thinking about his grandmother’s question. There hadn’t been a woman in his life that he’d ever deemed worthy of telling his Nana about before now. Let alone introducing them. The woman might be eighty-eight years old, but she was still sharp as a tack and didn’t miss much. Badger took a sip of milk, then cleared his throat. “Yeah, I guess you could say I do.”

“Wow.” The word came out as a half breath, half whisper. “Oh, my…” She turned her head and tapped her nails on the counter.

“Nana?” She looked back at him and there were tears in her eyes. Panic raced through him and he cupped her elbow. “Holy sh—crap. Are you crying? What’s wrong?”

She sniffled. “I never thought it would happen. You’ve never talked about women. I may be old, but I’m not stupid, Drew.” She gave him a sideways grin and wiped beneath one eye. “Good-looking boy like you? I knew there had to be one or two at some point. Maybe more. But you’ve never mentioned anyone. Ever.”

Relief washed through him. Those tears were happy ones, thank fuck. He could live with that. “I know. But there hasn’t been anyone worth mentioning.”

She cupped her hands over her mouth and let out a little giggle before pulling them away. “Well, now I want to know all about her!”

Badger couldn’t hold back a chuckle at her enthusiasm. He hadn’t seen his Nana this excited in so long that he couldn’t help but feel just as excited. “Rosie’s different, Nana. I don’t know if I can explain the why’s of it. I just know she’s special for sure. I know you’d like her.”

“When do I get to meet her? Why isn’t she here now?”

“Well, I wasn’t just gonna show up at your door with a woman. You raised me better than that.” He bit into a cookie.

“Phooey! The minute I knew she was someone dear to you, I would’ve forgiven the surprise!”

“All right, well?” He laughed. “I gotta see to her trouble and once that’s all taken care of, I’ll come get you and we’ll go out to a nice dinner. How’s that sound?”

“Sounds like you better hurry because I’m not going to wait long. Wait. Are you planning on having her over for Christmas?”

Holy shit, Christmas. Considering, he had no idea how long things with Alvaro would take, Rosie would likely still be living with him once Christmas arrived. But to be honest, he hadn’t even given the fact that Christmas was right around the corner much thought. “Definitely. I guess, if I haven’t cleared up her troubles before then, that’s when you’ll get to meet her. Think you can wait that long?”

“I’ll manage.” She beamed. “Eat your cookies, and tell me more.”

He laughed. “What else do you want to know?”

“You’re such a man!” She swatted his arm again. “What does she look like? Do you have a picture? No wait. Don’t show me. Describe her to me instead! I want to paint a picture in my mind and then you can show me the photo.”

“Nana, you’re kinda cracking me up right now.”

“Laugh it up all you want. Just give me the details.” She grinned.

Badger took another bite of cookie and proceeded to describe his Rosie to his Nana. As he explained each detail of his woman, from her long hair, to her long legs, as well as Rosie’s quick-witted personality, his Nana listened intently, eyes wide, taking it all in. Occasionally she’d ask for more detail and he’d try again.

When he was done, and so were the cookies and milk, he showed her a picture of Rosie on his phone. She’d gasped and covered her mouth with her hands again before declaring how perfectly he’d described her, and how beautiful she thought Rosie was.

His Nana was right. Badger couldn’t help but agree. Rosie was beautiful. Inside and out.

B
adger sat back
from the desk in the office at the club and stared at the screen of his cell phone. After two weeks, the answer he’d been waiting on finally arrived. Alvaro’s court date wasn’t for another seven months. Knowing how the justice game was played, the dealer’s attorney would probably file one continuance after another and it’d take even longer for him to land on the skip list.

No one had to tell Badger that Alvaro had no intention of standing trial. Any idiot with half a brain could figure that shit out. The dealer hadn’t come this far, hunting Rosie down to get his money and prove a point, just to go back and appear before a jury of his peers. As far as the dude being out of the state when he wasn’t supposed to be—well, there wasn’t anyone checking up on the scumbag, and since Badger wasn’t calling that in to the law, it didn’t matter.

He shot a text to Wolf, letting him know the sitch. Badger needed to figure out their next move. No way Rosie was going to just sit tight, all nice and quiet, holed up in his house for the next seven fucking months. It had only been two weeks and she was already getting restless. Maybe they could go away together. Head down to Mexico or something…
Shit.

Badger ran his palm along his beard. Rosie
might
be game for that, but he’d have to leave his grandmother, never mind also work. Deuce would tell him to take her and go, keep her safe, but it wasn’t that simple. Badger had an obligation to the woman who practically raised him, to Deuce and Evie, and to the boys who worked the floor in the club.

The bounty-hunting gig was another sort of obligation. He was the one who handled all the really dangerous skips because no one else wanted to get their hands dirty. There had to be a way to stay in Phoenix and keep her safe at the same time. His phone buzzed with a text and Badger swiped the screen to read it.

Wolf Hendricks:
I’ll catch you back at your place tonight after 10. We’ll discuss plan B.

Badger:
Sounds good.

Badger pushed away from the desk and got to his feet. After sticking his gun in the cabinet, he shoved his phone in his back pocket and made his way down the hall to the bar. The plan was to hang out for a few hours tonight, like he’d done on and off since this all started. Alvaro had been quiet, and every time Badger was in house, the bastard hadn’t shown his face. Maybe tonight he’d show. Maybe.

He exited the long corridor and the familiar sights, sounds, and scents of Deuce’s Cabaret wrapped around him. Booze, perfume, and cologne filled his system. Two strippers were on the main stage, the small birdcage stage empty, off the docket due to it being a weeknight.

Sabrina, or Sage, rather, was one of the girls dancing. Rosie and her had gotten to be friends. In order to keep them both safe, he hadn’t allowed Rosie to contact her. Rosie’d been real pissed at him about it, too. Threw one hell of a drama fit. He understood why, but until Badger knew more about Alvaro and what the guy was capable of, he couldn’t risk it.

He glanced around. Rig was at the door, and Jayson and Charlie had the floor. Sadie was on the bar, and Badger headed that way.

As he stepped in front of her, she looked up from wiping the bar top. “Hey, Badger. Didn’t think you were coming in tonight. You want the usual?”

“Yes, ma’am. Coffee, please. Go ahead and make a second pot. I plan on staying for the duration.” He nodded at her and made his way to Rig.

“Hey, boss. How’s it hanging?” Rig gave him one of his full-of-sunshine smiles.

Chuckling, Badger shook his head. Damn kid was always so cheerful. A smile on his face no matter what was going on. Badger had no clue why he was bouncing instead of working at a grocery store or some sort of customer friendly atmosphere type of business. Hell, even bartending or serving food would suit him better. “A little to the left, kid. Thanks for asking. You good?”

“Hell yeah. Definitely good. Been a quiet night, a lot slower since Rosie’s been gone.” Rig shoved his hands in his pockets. “You heard from her? Everyone’s real worried about her. I guess her grandma died or something.”

“Here you go, Badger.” He glanced away to see Sadie set his cup of coffee on the end of the bar. He thanked her and turned back to Rig. “Yeah, I heard that, too. Hopefully she’ll be back soon.” Badger cringed and stepped away to grab his beverage of choice. He hated lying to the kid, but he had no choice. He sipped the hot brew and waved Rig over. “You seen that guy I asked you all to keep a look out for?”

“Nah. I don’t think he’s been back in the last few days. But we’re all still keeping our eyes peeled.”

“That’s good. Real good.” He nodded and took another sip. “You let me know ASAP if he shows.”

“You got it, boss.” Rig shot him another bright-ass smile and moved back to his post at the door.

Badger looked out over the floor as the first beats of Halestorm’s “Unapologetic” rang out through the club’s sound system. Sage was still on stage so this must’ve come from her. But all Badger could think about was that this was the very first song he’d seen Rosie dance to. The spell she’d cast on him that morning when she’d come in looking for a job had kicked into high gear as he watched her on that stage.

He’d been lost to her completely and totally, though at the time he hadn’t known it. But thinking back, he sure as hell knew it now. Badger focused on the stage, almost able to see her there. He missed it. Her shows, the way she moved and performed, holding the crowd in the palm of her hand.

Shit, she’d wrapped Badger right around her little pinky finger in a matter of one song. Damn, if he didn’t wish she were there with him right then. He’d give anything to see her on that stage. A year ago, if anyone had told him he’d be head over heels for a stripper, he’d have told them they were out of their damn mind. Yet here he was…totally head over heels. Crazy how shit happened sometimes.

With a shake of his head, Badger took his coffee, got off his ass and headed for the front door. It was time for some nicotine. Hopefully the night wouldn’t drag too much. Since Rosie wasn’t able to be here with him, he was eager to get home to her. She’d make him watch some pay-per-view movie with him—some silly chick-flick, he was sure. But he didn’t care. If that’s what she wanted, he’d give it to her.

At that point, Badger would pretty much give his Rosie anything she wanted.