Sissie didn’t care that Jack hadn’t shown up like he’d promised he would. She had her answers. Probably more than what she would’ve gotten from Jack. That didn’t mean she liked the fact he blew her off. He’d committed to discussing what was going on in Honeywell. It wasn’t like him to break his word.
She got it. Jack might be the sheriff, but even he was reporting to Mark. Honeywell’s dynamics were changing, and it broke her heart. It was happening from the top, but eventually, the people of the town wouldn’t be blind to it.
Right now she was thankful for what Ryan had shared with her. For now, she had the information she needed. The time would come when she’d require more. Then she’d hunt Jack down and give him a piece of her mind. He wasn’t that hard to find. Goodness knows he’ll be around when he gets hungry.
Sissie looked around the saloon. The lunchtime rush was over, and people had headed back to work. The few who remained weren’t going anywhere for a while. It was their day off working as ranch hands, and there really wasn’t much else to do but spend it at the Wild Sass. Good for me, sad for them.
Sissie walked over to one of her favorite patrons. He hadn’t been around for the past week, which was unusual. She placed a cold beer in front of McLean and sat beside him. “Thought you’d forgotten your way here,” she teased.
“Ma’am, you know better than that. Things on the ranch ain’t what they were before.” McLean picked up the beer and downed it.
Sissie knew Mark had his people all around, on the Nash ranch as well. McLean didn’t like strangers hovering around, and by the irritated look on his face, it was getting to him. Things would be different if they’d told McLean what was going on. If I could, I’d update him, but I don’t know what’s happenin’ there any more than he does.
Sissie knew that was why Mark and Jack didn’t share much with her. She didn’t have a big mouth. What she said were things that needed to be said. They just don’t understand that. “Nothin’ will stir things up like a baby on the way.”
“Damn straight. Derrick’s never been an easy man to be around, but right now he’s a complete jerk. If he’s this protective over Casey, I hate to see what he’s going to do with his new daughter.”
Sissie’s eyes widened. “Is she here?” She needed to hear some good news right now. Casey having a healthy baby was exactly that.
“Yes, ma’am. Early mornin’ and Casey and the baby are going great. I’m surprised Jack didn’t tell you.”
Jack? Nice. He was deep in trouble with her now. Jack knew what Casey meant to her. The entire town was going to want to know the details. Getting the pertinent information from McLean wasn’t the way to go. He was great if you were asking about a new filly, but a human baby, that was another story. Guess it’s up to me to do some diggin’ and spread the good news.
“So who’s watchin’ the ranch while you’re gone?”
McLean called Lou over for another beer. “Bubba and some guys Derrick took on temporarily. These guys are as useless as a . . .”
Sissie knew McLean wasn’t lost for words, but he seemed to be distracted. Looking over her shoulder, she noticed why. Ryan and Donna had entered and were talking to Lou. Ryan turned to her briefly and gave her a wink before turning back to continue his conversation. She loved that he sought her out, even if only with his eyes.
“Who’s that?” McLean asked.
“Lou, my new bartender.” Sissie knew exactly who McLean was inquiring about, but she was gonna make him work for it.
“Not him. The one he’s talkin’ to.”
“Oh. That’s Ryan Watson.” McLean was a great guy, but in town he was known to be a ladies’ man. He was not Donna’s type at all. That didn’t mean she wasn’t going to enjoy watching him try. God knows I’ve seen all the other guys strike out with her. What’s one more?
McLean shot her a warning look. “Is there a reason why you ain’t tellin’ me who that stunnin’ woman is?”
Sissie laughed, “Nope.”
He got up from the table and said jokingly, “Y’all know better than to mess with a man on his only day off.”
“I find it more fun that way.” Sissie watched McLean make his way over to the bar and pull up a seat close to Donna. Just as she thought, Donna didn’t give him a first look, never mind a second. She was still chatting with her father, and it seemed their mood was as easygoing as earlier.
Sorry, McLean. I tried to save ya!
There were times lately that seeing and knowing what others didn’t pick up on was more of a curse than anything else. But at times like this, she didn’t mind her little gift. Of course, Donna and McLean would actually need to look at each other before I can make my final assessment.
From what she saw, that wasn’t going to happen today, which probably was a good thing as Ryan and Donna needed this time for them. A man showing any interest in Donna right now would only ruin that. That’s why I’m not over there.
While everyone was playing catch-up, Sissie was going to continue doing what she did best. Look out for the people of Honeywell. Usually, that only meant listening to people’s problems and giving them advice. Now it was so much more. It was more about what she didn’t say as opposed to what she did.
The weight of it was building, but she couldn’t let anyone see. Not only for her sake, but for Ryan’s and Donna’s. Sissie had made it her business to be involved, to know everything that was going on. The lighthearted town she’d hidden in for years was being invaded by the number one killer of people in America. Stress. Her natural ability of reading people was heightened by the recent events, and she couldn’t shut her mind off. Normally that wasn’t a problem, but if anyone knew what it was doing to her emotionally and physically, they’d stop. In this case, ignorance wasn’t bliss. The more she knew, the better prepared she could be for what was to come next. Not that I’m a great defense, but I’m better than nothin’.
Until then, she was going to see if she could obtain more from Mark. Picking up her cell, she called his number for the second time that day. It instantly went to voicemail. He was the one in charge, and it left her feeling uneasy, to say the least. But Ryan told her he was in a bunker, which would explain no response from him. If there was anything more, I’m sure Jack would be here to tell me.
At least, she hoped Jack would. Maybe that’s why he’s avoiding me. Because he won’t be able to hide the truth from me. Sissie knew not to let her imagination run rampant. It could be the worse or the best scenario. With Mark, anything was possible. What she knew was if things were going bad, she’d want him on her side.
She slipped her phone back into the pocket of her shorts. With Ryan around, Sissie was off babysitting duty and didn’t need to keep a watchful eye. That left a lot of time on her hands with nothing to do.
Sitting idle wasn’t her cup of tea. Looking around, she noticed the pink baby shower decorations were still up. It wasn’t like her to miss something so blatantly staring her in the face. She walked over and pulled down one of the balloons and was about to pop it. Letting it go, it floated back up. This place could use the color one more day.
She’d never thought the Sass was dull or drab. Even though pink wasn’t her color, it was a lot more cheery than the regular décor. Not sure the guys like it, but after a couple beers they won’t remember they are there.
“Ma’am, can I talk to you please?” Lou asked softly from behind her.
Sissie hadn’t even heard him approach but was used to his stealth movements. There wasn’t anyone close by, so she took a seat. “What do you want to talk about?” With Lou, it could be something major or him giving her advice about Ryan. He was like Mark, nearly impossible to read. Guess you need to have emotions for me to read them.
“Not here.”
If he was trying to instill panic in her, he was doing a darn good job. She wanted to grab him by his T-shirt and tell him to spill it. Instead, she nonchalantly headed to the pool tables in the back. Lou followed close behind.
Once inside she shut the door and asked firmly, “What’s happened?”
“There’s been an issue, and I need you to make sure you do not leave the Sass for any reason.”
Her heartbeat increased, and her hands trembled. “Before I agree, I need to know why.”
“Ma’am, these are orders from—”
“Mark. Yeah, I get it, but I’m not in the military, and I don’t answer to Mark or anyone else. Now if y’all want my cooperation, y’all better tell me what’s goin’ on.”
Lou peered at her but said nothing.
“Does it have to do with Mark and the bunker, ’cause he ain’t returnin’ my calls?” Sissie knew how much Hannah loved him. If anything happened to Mark, Hannah would crumble. He’s her life. Her love, and outside of me, her family.
She could tell Lou was surprised she knew where Mark was, but he didn’t provide a status on him. Instead, he used his authority on her. “That is information that can’t be mentioned again.”
Sissie said what he needed to hear, so she could learn whatever horrible news he was about to deliver. It’s not lyin’. It’s playin’ your game. “Understood. So tell me why I can’t leave. What happened?”
“While on patrol before daybreak, some of the men were ambushed.”
She reached out and touched his forearm. He tensed but didn’t pull away. “I’m sorry. Was anyone . . . injured?”
Lou nodded. “There was heavy gunfire. One of the assailants was killed, and three others were taken into custody. We believe there are more who got away.”
That was a darn good reason to stay put, but she knew there was more to come. Something he didn’t want to say. Something I might not want to hear. “And your people?”
“We lost two on our side.”
It couldn’t be Mark because he wasn’t here yet, Lou was hesitating to tell her the names. It could be the two men who helped out at the baby shower. Although she didn’t ever actually speak to them, she knew their faces. She’d been worried about Jack earlier, but with this development it was totally understandable why he’d blown her off. There were much more important things for him to attend to. “Is there anything I can do?”
“We can’t let the people of Honeywell know. Not yet.”
Now she was confused. They didn’t know these guys were here in the first place. So how could they find out? “I won’t say anything.”
“That’s not what I mean. We need you to back up a story.”
“Lou, this is Texas. No one is goin’ to question hearin’ gunfire at night. They’ll think it was drunken ranch hands like usual.”
“Ma’am. You might want to sit down.”
Those were words no one ever wanted to hear. But they demanded to be heeded. He walked her to a bench, and she sat nervously while holding her breath.
“The sheriff was one of the casualties.”
The room spun. Jack? “God no. Please tell me . . .”
Sissie knew it was true. That’s why he never showed or called. He was much more than just the sheriff. He was a dear trusted friend who at times seemed more like a younger brother to her. She nagged him, and he watched out for her. The thought that he was gone was more than she could bear. The entire town was going to be crushed. Her heart was breaking into a million pieces, and she felt she was going to be sick. She knew she had to be strong, keep her composure, but right now all she wanted was to run to her room, throw herself on her bed, and cry until she had no more tears.
She felt lightheaded, and Lou reached out to her. “I’m sorry,” Lou said gently.
Suddenly filled with panic, she thought of Casey and Derrick. Fighting tears, she said, “I thought he was at the Nash ranch.” It was difficult enough to lose Jack, but that didn’t prevent her from worrying about all her other friends as well.
“He was. On their way back they came upon a group of men who didn’t belong there. They questioned them, and they said their vehicle had broken down. When Jack radioed in, the first shots were fired. The second team was close by, and within seconds they were right there with them. Unfortunately, they were too late. Jack was gone.”
Jack. You promised me you’d be here for lunch. You never break your promises. Her heart was heavy. You promised me you’d be safe and nothing was going to happen to you. Sissie couldn’t think clearly. Her emotions were all over the place. The sadness was overwhelming, yet she was filled with anger. The thought that people so evil could coldly take another person’s life without the slightest care. Someone as good natured as Jack. She’d never thought of harming another individual, but right now she wanted them to pay for what they’d done.
“What about the men who killed my friend? Are they dead?” She didn’t even try to hide the bitterness in her voice.
“That isn’t clear yet. Our guys are still piecing together the details.”
She knew it was going to take a forensic team to determine who shot who. Sissie wanted someone, anyone, to blame. Right now the enemy was nameless and faceless. Unfortunately their ice cold hearts were something all too familiar. This is why she had a degree and didn’t use it. The pain associated with dealing with evil people on a daily basis was more than she could bear. She gave credit to the brave men and women who could. That didn’t mean she wasn’t going to do everything she could to help. Hiding under a pillow is no way to honor Jack’s memory.
Clearing her throat, she pushed aside the heartache and concentrated on what needed to be done. “What story do you need my help with? It sounds crystal clear to me already.” Ugly but clear.
“We can’t let anyone know what happened.”
“When you say no one can know, what exactly do you mean?”
“That there was a shootout, and Jack is dead.”
That word dead echoed in her and her stomach turned upside down. Lou could say it over and over, but she’d never get used to hearing it. Lou wasn’t trying to be cruel, and Sissie knew that. His experiences were different from hers. She knew not long ago they had lost a friend and SEAL team member to this same group. It’s just they are better at hiding their emotional distress than I am.
“I don’t know how you expect to pull that off. Jack’s the sheriff. There’s not a day he doesn’t make his rounds here. He didn’t sit behind his desk. Jack visited the stores, people’s ranches; he made his presence known. Not because he had to, but because he wanted them to know he was always . . . there.” She choked on the last word. Lou couldn’t understand how much Jack was going to be missed.
“Ma’am, I know that, and that is why we need your help.”
“I can’t promise anything, but what do you need?”
“We need you to back up a story that Jack left town on a family emergency.”
That was believable because Jack’s family wasn’t from Honeywell, but Lou didn’t comprehend the Honeywell dynamics; he couldn’t see that wouldn’t work. “And when he doesn’t answer his phone when his friends try to check on him? I don’t think you know how Honeywell functions. If one of us is hurtin’, the others jump in and do what we can to ease the pain. No one here is gonna let him go through a struggle alone.”
Lou ran his hands through his hair. “What do you suggest?”
She couldn’t believe he was asking her opinion. I can’t believe I’m having to do this. Jack shouldn’t be dead. He should be alive, ready to walk in and expect a beer like he does every day. She’d do what she needed to, but once this was over, she was going to find some way to pay tribute to Jack. The way it should be. “My first choice would be the truth.” Sissie raised her hand before he could object. “I know that’s not an option. So, I’d say he went up north huntin’ with his buddies from college. One thing we all know is y’all don’t call when someone’s huntin’.”
“Hunting. That’s plausible.”
“And since he had just left Derrick and Casey’s ranch, I’ll say I know this because . . .” She wracked her brain. Lying was bad enough. Doing so to all her friends about someone they all loved really sucked. Yet, she knew Lou wouldn’t be asking for her help if it wasn’t critical. It wasn’t about her; it was about what was best for everyone in Honeywell right now. “Because he stopped for me to pack him meals for a couple days. Everyone knows he loves . . . I mean loved, my cookin’.”
“This is your town. You know what they’d believe better than I do.”
“You ain’t gosh darn kiddin’.” Sissie got up from the bench and headed toward the door.
“Ma’am. Remember, absolutely no one.”
Lou didn’t miss much, and Sissie knew who he was talking about. She nodded as she left him alone in the pool room.
As she made her way down the hall, she recalled her conversation with Ryan last night on the porch. They had shared so much more than she’d expected. He’d even opened up regarding what had transpired around Janet’s death and the cover-up for Donna’s sake. They’d promised each other not to fall into that trap again. And not even twenty-four hours later, here I am, the one breakin’ it. That shocked her because when they made that promise, she was sure it was going to be Ryan who let her down.
All she wanted to do was run into Ryan’s arms and cry. She needed to grieve the loss of a friend. Instead she was building walls around her emotions so no one would see what was truly taking place inside. Pure and utter sadness. And she had to face it alone.