“I don’t like this one bit. Sissie was supposed to keep me updated. If it weren’t for the damn pilot, I wouldn’t know she made it to Honeywell.” Ryan was trying to control his temper, but it wasn’t working.
Mark didn’t seem fazed one bit. “Listen, Watson, she’s with Sissie. I have a guy undercover at the bar and one at the sheriff’s office. Hell, I have them scattered all over the place. There are more eyes on your daughter than you know.”
Ryan wasn’t good at putting trust in others, especially with his daughter. “Tell me straight up, Collins, do you have any concerns at all?”
There wasn’t much of a delay in response, but just enough to flag Ryan. “The threat is still out there, but we haven’t seen any activity yet.”
The word yet echoed through him. He wasn’t foolish. They connected the dots when they attacked the bunker. Once Ryan protected Maggie and Wyatt it was as though he drew a line in the sand himself and painted the target on his back. Not just mine either.
“I need to be there, Collins.”
“The last thing I need is another body to watch. Stay where you are.”
Mark barked the order as though Ryan answered to him. I answer to no one. “I don’t recall asking.”
“What are you going to do, Watson? Tell her the truth about what’s going on? Because if you do show up here, she’s going to know something is wrong.”
“She won’t be all that surprised to see me.”
“Why? Do you attend many baby showers?” Mark’s sarcasm wasn’t unnoticed.
“Just let your men know, I’ll be in Honeywell tomorrow.”
“Right now no one is looking at her as a threat or as leverage. You don’t want that to change.”
I sure as hell don’t. “I know what I’m doing.”
“And that is what exactly?”
“Protecting my daughter.”
“Overprotecting you mean.”
Ryan didn’t appreciate being told what he should or shouldn’t do with his daughter. They’d have to be in his shoes to understand what it was like. “I’ll keep my distance so I don’t ruin her time, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“If you do, then Casey will feel it, and I don’t want her stressing any more than she already is.”
“I have this all worked out.” Not really, but I will.
“I sure as hell hope so, Watson. You’re not the only one with someone to lose.”
Collins warning came through loud and clear.
Ryan ended the call and stood from behind his large mahogany desk. Collins made some valid points. He could not let Donna know he was there only to keep an eye on her. What other excuse would ever bring me to Honeywell again? He paced the room several times. Stopping in front of the fireplace mantel, he looked at the oil painting of his late wife. He’d like to think Donna looked like her, but unfortunately, she favored him. What should I do? She’s going to hate me one way or another.
He saw his phone vibrating on his desk. Ryan hoped it wasn’t Collins delivering bad news. Picking it up, he saw it was Sissie. About damn time.
“So much for keeping me updated,” Ryan barked when he answered.
“Well howdy to you too,” Sissie responded.
“Donna’s been there since last night, and this is the first communication I received.”
“How detailed do you want? What she ate and when she went to bed? I mean I do have a business to run and can’t spend all day texting you.”
“You took the job.”
“I did. And I believe my responsibility was to ensure she was safe.”
“And to keep in constant contact with me.”
“I can’t believe she puts up with that bullshit all the time. How is a girl ever gonna have any fun with you around?”
“There is more to life than fun.”
“Says the man who has none. If you want me to do this, I’m doing it my way. If there is anything I think you need to know, I’ll call you. Deal?”
Hell no. “That’s not how I work.”
“There has to be another way besides me calling you twenty-four/seven.”
“There is. I’m going there.”
“If you think I’m gonna let you come and ruin my friend’s shower . . .”
“I don’t plan on it.”
“You might not be planning on it, but that’s what is gonna happen. Donna is here, safe and happy. You showing up for no reason at all will end that.”
“I’ll come up with an excuse for being there.”
“Really? And what would bring Mr. Ryan Watson all the way to Honeywell?”
“You,” he blurted out.
He heard Sissie choke. “Wha . . . what did you say?”
“I going to tell her I came to Honeywell to see you.”
Sissie laughed. “And she’s gonna believe this why?”
Mostly because she’ll want too. “Let me worry about that. I’m arriving tomorrow.”
“Don’t I have any say about this?”
“No.”
Sissie snorted. “You think you can come rollin’ into town and start tellin’ people what to do? You’re mistaken darlin’ if you think I’m gonna for one minute pretend to be—”
“Either that or I’m taking her home with me.”
He heard the frustration through the line. Ryan wasn’t one to mess with in business, but he never spoke to a lady like that. He wasn’t sure what had gotten into him. He was just about to apologize when Sissie responded.
“I’ll do it for Donna and Casey.” The call ended abruptly, and Ryan had no doubt it wasn’t due to a poor network. She was upset and had every right to be. No different than Donna. He had to ignore worrying about who he would upset. He understood most didn’t have a clue what darkness truly lurked behind closed doors these days. But he was all too aware of it. He hated that hiding things was such an important part of his life. But that’s what was necessary to keep people he cared about safe. Even sassy Texans who didn’t know anything about following orders. Or keeping from getting under my skin.
“Controlling ass.” Sissie wasn’t sure if she ended the call before or after that last comment. She really didn’t care. Ryan Watson was no one special. He puts on his boots one foot at a time just like every other cowboy.
Of course, those boots of his probably cost more than she made in a year. Sissie recalled the first time she met him. He’d landed his private luxury chopper right in the middle of Main Street then walked over to the Wild Sass and had dinner. Although she wished it wasn’t true, she knew everything he ate and drank that day. And I was a bumbling idiot in front of him. Thank God I didn’t crumble over the phone.
That was about to change if he was coming to Honeywell again. I know I should’ve agreed to do things his way. Then I never would’ve had to see him again. Was that part of the problem? Something inside her wanted to see him? No other man had been so unforgettable. No one ever got me flustered.
She’d just turned fifty and had spent her life knowing who was meant for who. If a couple walked into a room, she knew if they were going to live happily ever after or not. It didn’t always go over well when she gently guided them in another direction, but she’d been invited to so many weddings later that no one questioned her gift.
That only worked for others. Sissie was a hot mess when it came to dating. She never put any effort into it. Maybe because I knew they weren’t for me.
The saying there is someone for everyone wasn’t true. Some people were meant to be alone. God knew she was pushy, difficult as all get out, and as stubborn as the day was long. Someone like me is meant to be single. Not because she wasn’t loveable. She was very capable of giving love, but she had forgotten what it felt like to be loved.
Owning a saloon meant strong cowboys coming and going all day. She was known for being a flirt. It was all innocent. Just because she wasn’t going to take any of them upstairs to her apartment, didn’t mean she wasn’t going to enjoy the view.
With all this, it only troubled her more knowing Ryan was the one person who got to her. Her confidence seemed to fly out the window. She wasn’t even able to carry a tray of beers across the room without tipping a few over. It was as if she was day one on the job. And I should be fired for breaking all those glasses.
Sissie needed to stop thinking about him. There was enough on her plate already. With perfect timing, Donna came downstairs and joined her in the saloon. It was still closed to patrons, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a lot to do for the day.
“Sorry I slept so late.”
Sissie hadn’t slept much at all, like usual. “Glad you felt at home.”
Donna laughed. “No, if I did I never would’ve slept.”
“I didn’t realize you lived with your father.” Sissie thought for sure someone like Donna would’ve wanted to be out on her own. From what she’d seen in her, there was no reason for her not to be. She didn’t strike Sissie as the daddy’s little girl type. It was possible with all the other activity going on, Sissie was losing touch with her ability to read people.
“I didn’t for a long time, but I had to move back in a year ago.”
Sissie could see Donna wasn’t happy about that move either. “That bad?”
She shook her head. “He means well. Something’s going on with him lately, and I can’t figure him out. Maybe it’s his age.”
Sissie raised her hand. “Hold it right there young lady. I’m just a few years younger than your father. So watch those comments.”
“I didn’t know you knew my father.”
Play it cool. “Everyone in Texas knows who Ryan Watson is.”
Donna nodded. “Yeah. You should’ve been me when I was in school. Any boy I brought home tried to impress my father, but never came back for date number two.”
Yup. Sounds about right. “I think it’s that way with most fathers.” That gave a perfect opening to change the subject. “So do you have a boyfriend now?”
“No.”
Well isn’t that convenient? “Well, you’re in the right place to meet one. There are more single men here than you’ll know what to do with.”
“I’m here for a baby shower, not to meet men.”
Oh, you need my help bad. “That’s right. So why don’t we get going on that?”
“I came down to ask if you’ve seen my glasses. I thought I put them on the table last night, and now I can’t find them anywhere.”
And you’re not going to either. “Do you have another pair?”
“No, but I have my contacts.”
“Oh good. You can wear them.” Maybe the guys will see your face that way. When Donna had taken her glasses off last night before bed, Sissie noticed the girl was pretty. She was working real hard at hiding it for some reason. She couldn’t understand why Donna wanted to look plain when in fact she was far from it. Since she needed something to distract her from Ryan coming tomorrow, Donna’s little Texan makeover was perfect.
“I hate them.”
“You’ll get used to them. How about you and I do a little shopping today? I need a new outfit. Something fun. Sassy. Want to help me pick something out?”
It wasn’t as though Sissie didn’t have a closet filled with stuff already, but it wasn’t her she was shopping for. There was no doubt in her mind that once they were in the store she could convince Donna to buy something fun for herself. ’Cause I bet, you don’t have one fun thing in either of those suitcases.
“I’m not sure I’m the right person to help you pick out something sassy. Maybe Hannah would go with you.”
“Everyone is busy. And besides, I shop better when I see it on someone else. Then I get a clearer picture how it will look on me.”
“I’ve never heard it done like that before.”
Yeah, me neither. “So let’s get out of here before the guys start coming in.”
“I did say I’d help in any way I can.”
Sissie looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost ten. Ryan didn’t say when he was arriving tomorrow, but that didn’t leave her much time to work her magic on Donna. If Ryan arrived beforehand, she knew Donna would never agree to anything Sissie had planned. This might be her only chance to break the girl out of her humdrum attire and get to the matchmaking. I’m good, but I’m not sure I can pull off a boyfriend in one day. Guess I’m gonna find out.
Sissie knew she would eventually pay the price with Ryan for overstepping her boundaries. As far as Sissie was concerned, Ryan was just getting more than what he asked for, and he should thank her instead. Ryan didn’t come off as the man who said thank you often, and this sure as heck wasn’t going to be one of those times.
Donna and Sissie spent the next four hours trying on so many clothes that there couldn’t be anything left in Honeywell to try. When Sissie thought she couldn’t take any more, she found exactly what she was looking for. It was simple but perfect. Donna was wearing a cute pair of jeans that actually showed off her hips with a red cotton shirt with white polka dots. It was off the shoulder and accentuated Donna’s neck nicely. Not too low cut, but enough to make the guys take a second and third look. There was nothing Sissie didn’t like about this outfit. Except for maybe your hair.
Sissie walked up behind Donna and ran her hands through her hair, gave it a twist, and put it up off her neck, securing it with a hair clip. Much better. Donna walked over to a full-length mirror and tried to catch a view of every angle. “I’m not sure this is you, Sissie.”
No, it’s not, but it sure is you. “I won’t know until we get it back to the Wild Sass.” Donna started to unbutton the shirt. “Heck no. You got to wear it there. I need to see others’ reaction to it. If I’m wearing it, I won’t be able to tell.”
Donna shot her a puzzled look. “You do have the strangest way of shopping for yourself. I normally just go online and buy five of what I like. Simple.”
Boring. “We all have our ways.”
The two of them lugged all the bags from their shopping adventure back to the bar. The outfit Donna was wearing now was perfect for what Sissie had planned for today, but she needed something cute for a date when she got asked. And the way she looks right now, I’m sure she’ll have to beat the guys off.
As soon as they entered the Sass, Sissie saw the heads begin to turn. They’d noticed her. In a matter of seconds, guys flocked over and asked Donna if they could help her with her bags. All except for one, Mark’s guy Lou, who stood observing everything and ready for action. Sissie gave him a wink to let him know all was good. It was a signal they devised when she agreed to have him at the saloon. The last thing Sissie needed was her patrons picking a drunken fight with Lou just for the hell of it.
With Lou keeping an eye out for trouble, Sissie had time to watch the interaction between Donna and the fellas. They were all regulars to the Sass, and she’d known them for years, some since birth. All of them were good guys, but none of them were the guy.
Donna smiled but held her bags closer to her saying, “Thanks but I can do it myself.”
Oh, she needs practice. Although none of the guys offered to take Sissie’s bags because they were all caught up in Donna, Sissie thought this would be an opportunity to teach. Stretching out her bags to Bubba she said, “Bubba, can you please put those muscles to good use and take these upstairs by my apartment?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Without hesitation, Bubba grabbed the bags from Sissie and headed across the room. Donna walked behind Bubba still carrying her own. Thankfully another one of the guys grabbed Donna’s and said, “I got these.”
Sissie was worried that Donna would once again refuse the help. But this time she softly whispered, “Thank you.”
It became obvious that Donna wasn’t comfortable around men. From speaking with her last night, she knew Donna was intelligent and confident in so many other ways. But it’s as if she felt she needed to hide being beautiful. Maybe no one ever told her, and now she didn’t feel pretty. Sissie felt annoyed at Ryan Watson because his daughter was amazing. Kind. Thoughtful. Funny. You’re the whole package. You just have to see it so they’ll see it. Sissie knew if Donna worked on it she could own the room. But better work fast because your father’s coming.
Donna looked as though she was going to follow the guys upstairs. Maybe I should add naïve to the list. They were good guys, but men nonetheless. Grabbing hold of Donna’s hand, she said, “Those guys know where to take the stuff, why don’t we sit down and talk about the baby shower?”
Donna nodded, and they headed to a table away from everyone else. “What can I do to help?”
“How’s your cooking?”
Donna wrinkled her nose. “Are we having sandwiches?”
“Not on your life. I have a reputation, you know. Okay, I’ll handle that. How about decorations?”
“Simple. What’s the theme?”
Sissie hadn’t really decided on anything yet. So many ideas had come to mind, but nothing jumped out at her. “I’ll leave that up to you. Just remember, it’s a girl.”
“Got it. Is it still on for tomorrow afternoon?”
Tomorrow? It’s that close already? Darn it! “No pressure, right? You still think you can pull this off?”
“How hard can it be putting up decorations?”
“I like your attitude. It’s shopping for supplies that’s going to take time.”
“Did you want to come with me? This is my first time here and I have no idea where to start looking for anything.”
“I have more than I can manage as it is.” Sissie knew Donna could manage alone, that wasn’t the problem. She was supposed to be keeping an eye on her at all times. “Why don’t you take Lou with you? He’s great at carrying things. Besides, he hasn’t done anything but stand behind that bar since he’s gotten into town. Getting out of here might do him some good.”
She knew Mark wouldn’t be pleased with her reassigning his team, but then again, if anything happened to Donna, Sissie wouldn’t ever forgive herself. And neither would Ryan. Besides, Lou was just standing around. Trouble wasn’t going to walk into the Sass. As far as she was concerned, Mark wasted manpower by having Lou there in the first place.
“Are you sure? Lou doesn’t look like the shopping type.”
Sissie called out to him, “Lou, honey, can you please come here for a sec?” He came from behind the bar and approached their table. Lou needed to learn how to relax. He was as stiff as they come. “I was just telling Donna how you like to shop. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind getting out of there and taking her around town for me now, would you?”
Lou looked a Donna, tipped his tan cowboy hat and said, “Howdy, ma’am.” Then he turned back to Sissie and said, “It’s my shift to bartend. Maybe another time.”
Sissie almost fell out of her chair. Lou’s Texan accent was worse than Donna’s, if that was possible. “Since I’m the boss, guess it’s up to me to clear your schedule. You two go, and I’ll tend bar.”
Lou didn’t seem thrilled with the change of plans, but she hadn’t left him much choice. He turned back to Donna and said, “I’d be honored to.”
“Perfect. You two be safe now, ya hear?”
Lou gave her a nod, which meant he understood his role as her bodyguard. As they headed out, Sissie was shocked to see Donna smiling as she hooked an arm with Lou’s. It was the first lighthearted playful thing she’d seen Donna take on herself. Even though Lou’s expression hadn’t changed one bit, she knew Donna was actually looking forward to the outing. Sissie breathed a sigh of relief. She picked up her phone and texted Ryan.
DONNA HAD A GOOD DAY SHOPPING. ALL IS GOOD. NO NEED TO COME.
WHERE IS SHE NOW? Ryan asked.
Darn. SAFE. HAPPY.
There was a long pause before she received a response from Ryan. The one she didn’t want to see.
I’LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.
Sissie was frustrated with him. Even when she did things his way Ryan wasn’t backing down.
TOMORROW IS NOT GOOD. IT’S THE BABY SHOWER.
There was no further text. Sissie would like to think Ryan had thought twice about it and saw her point. The chance of that was slim.
Well, we better make the most of tonight!
Ryan might win the battle, but Sissie had every intention of winning the war. She was going to bring his wallflower daughter out of her shell. Or at least crack the shell open a bit.
Sissie really wasn’t worried about the cooking. Her part was easy. She was providing her ribs and chili, what she was known for. All she needed to do was make the cake. She could do that with her eyes closed. The women from town never showed up empty-handed, so there would be more food than any of them could eat.
That left her with hardly anything to do today except get together a little shindig at the Sass tonight. She’d perfected the art of gathering people together on short notice a long time ago. All she needed to do was call a few key people, give the time and place, and they’d spread the word like wildfire. Picking up her cell, she made the calls. Within minutes, she knew it was already the buzz around town. All she had to do was sit back and wait for the guests to arrive.
With Lou gone Sissie needed to tend bar for a while. It felt good to be at the helm again. The mood in the bar was light, but that changed the instant the sheriff stormed in.
Jack looked mad as a hornet, and somehow she knew it had to do with her. It usually does. “You look like you could use a cold one.”
Leaning over the bar and keeping his voice low, Jack said, “What the hell is it I’m hearin’? You’re throwing a party tonight?”
Pulling herself up high and confident she said, “You know you’re invited if that’s what’s got your panties in a wad.”
“Did you pass this by Collins first?”
Sissie put her hands on her hips and peered at him. “I don’t recall having to ask permission to have a party. I do own the Wild Sass the last time I checked.”
“You know damn well that’s not the problem.”
“Then tell me, Jack. Because all I know is I’m stuck with a guy working the bar who has the personality of a rock. No one wants to give me any details, but they sure as heck are ready to tell me what I can and can’t do. You’ve known me long enough. That don’t fly with me.”
Jack took off his hat and ran his hand through his hair. He looked around the room then back at Sissie. “You’d need to talk to Collins.”
“I don’t see him here, so why don’t you tell me?”
Jack finally took a seat on the barstool. “Damn it, Sissie. Why do you have to be so darn difficult?”
“I hope you’re not expecting an answer.”
“Honeywell isn’t the same place it was a few months ago. I’ve seen people coming and going that I’ve never seen before.”
Strangers weren’t something they got much of. If someone new came by it was a relative or friend of someone who lived in Honeywell. Everyone knew everyone. That’s what made the place so special. “I haven’t seen anyone except for the guys Mark’s got in place.”
“It’s my job, Sissie, to notice things. Besides, you spend most of the time in here workin’. Who goes into a town and doesn’t stop at the local bar?”
Good point. “Have you told Mark this?”
Jack nodded.
“And?”
“He’d flip his lid if he knew what you were up to. What the heck made you throw a party now anyway?”
“Donna Watson.”
Jack raised a brow. “Ryan Watson’s daughter?”
“The one and only. I’m going to help her meet people.”
Jack shook his head. “Oh, hell. I’m not sure who I should worry about more. The terrorist sneakin’ around or Ryan Watson if you piss him off.”
Sissie dropped the glass she was holding, and it crashed onto the floor. Even the sound of the breaking glass didn’t startle her as much as Jack’s last statement. “They’re really here?”
“Nothing concrete, but very suspicious activity. You need to cancel this.”
Her heart was pounding. Not for fear for herself, but for all of Honeywell. “Jack, what’s happenin’ to our town?”
The look in his eyes matched hers. “The same thing that’s happenin’ all over the country.”
“Is Mark callin’ off the baby shower tomorrow?” Sissie knew that was a higher risk than her party tonight. All the Collins women would be in one place.
“I wouldn’t be surprised. The issue is doin’ so without tellin’ them what’s going on.”
That stirred up anger deep within her. “You guys have no idea how strong and valuable we are. You sit back and think we’re all so fragile. Let me tell you, my cousin Hannah sure can handle more than Mark gives her credit for. I’m sure Casey and the others can as well.”
“It’s for your own safety,” Jack stated plainly.
Hogwash. “We’d be safer if we knew what to watch out for.”
“Exactly, Sissie. This is not some cowboy movie where the good guy wears the white hat or the badge. They play by a set of rules only the sick-minded can relate to. Even I have a hard time comprehendin’ just how evil they are.”
For the first time in her life, Sissie didn’t feel secure in her saloon. She looked around and knew that everyone there was friendly. What scared the crap out of her was who was sneaking around the corner waiting to pounce. Jack was right, having the party tonight was dangerous. It was a mistake. But how do I stop it?
“Jack, what do I do? Obviously, the gossip gazette has already started sharin’ the word, or you wouldn’t be here.”
“Call them back and tell them you broke a pipe or somethin’. You’re very resourceful, Sissie. I’m sure you’ll think of somethin’.”
“If the pipe is broken today, they might think the shower is off tomorrow.”
“Damn, Sissie, this ain’t good.” She had to agree with him. Picking up her phone she began to dial. “Who ya callin’?”
“Mark.”
Jack sat and waited. When Mark answered, she explained what she’d done.
“Why the hell didn’t Lou tell me about this?”
“Oh. He’s not here. I sent him out with Donna to do some shoppin’ for the baby shower.”
Sissie could hear the anger in Mark’s voice. “That is not why he was placed there. I can’t have my family showing up at the saloon without it being watched.”
“I’m watchin’ it.”
“Sissie would you be able to spot an IED?”
Once again her heart raced. The thought that a bomb could be in the Wild Sass seemed far-fetched a year ago. Now, not so much. She prided herself on knowing more than most gave her credit for. This wasn’t something that’d crossed her mind. Oh, God. I’m riskin’ people’s lives.
She was also pissed at Mark. If he’d been honest with her when he assigned Lou, she never would’ve sent him out. I probably never would’ve opened my doors. I sure as heck wouldn’t have brought Donna here.
It was the first time she was glad that Ryan was coming tomorrow. He needed to get Donna out of here. The fewer people she needed to worry about the better. “What am I going to do?”
“We can’t cancel it now, but it is going to be much harder to secure. I’ll have more men brought in. From now on, Sissie, don’t do anything without passing it by me first. Understood?”
Great. Another person controlling my actions. She normally would’ve set him straight, but this was much bigger than her. Her friends were at risk too. Sissie was tempted to call Donna back, but she was with Lou. There really wasn’t any safer place for her to be. For now all she could do was ride this out and pray for the best. “Understood.”
“Sissie Entwistle, you can drive a man to drink,” Jack stated after she ended the call.
Forcing a smile, she said, “Good thing I own a bar.”