“That’s absolutely true.”
“But I have to admit, being here is messing with my head a little bit.” Not to mention being with Gibson. “I keep waiting for people to recognize me or to run into… well, you know.”
“They’re not in town, though, right?”
I realized I was tugging on my sleeves. An old reflex. I grabbed my tea to give my hands something else to do. “No. And I’m sure we’ll hear about it if they come back.”
Shelby smiled. “I think June and GT are running surveillance on their house.”
“That’s the craziest part. They don’t have to do that for me, but they are anyway. None of you have to help me. And no one seems angry that I disappeared and they didn’t know what happened. No one’s blaming me for that.”
“That’s because they understand,” she said. “We all do. Even before you turned up, we all realized your father is dangerous. We knew this was a lot bigger than just a girl who went missing.”
I nodded. “I wish there was more I could do. I talked to the sheriff, but like he said, even if I come forward, it’s my word against theirs. We can’t prove anything yet.”
“Exactly.” Billy Ray popped up and she reached down to scratch his head. “I think we’re doing the right thing by keeping quiet for now.”
“I just hope the sheriff finds something they can use.”
“He will,” she said. “I’m sure of it.”
“Can I ask you a question now?”
She smiled. “Of course.”
“How did you wind up in Bootleg Springs?”
“In a way, because of you. After the case was reopened, the media descended on this place like locusts. I found it fascinating the way the town came together to get rid of them. I’ve always been interested in community dynamics, so I came here to do my dissertation research.”
“And now here you are.”
“I met Jonah, and those Bodines are hard to resist.”
You’re telling me. “I’m glad Jonah found his way here. Jenny, too.”
“So am I,” she said. “He belongs here, even if he didn’t always realize it.”
Billy Ray jumped up and put his front paws on my leg. I scratched between his ears and his tongue lolled out to the side.
“Sweet boy. Who’s a good boy? You are, aren’t you, buddy?” I cupped his cute little dog face in my hands. “He’s so handsome.”
“I’m kind of stunned that Gibson got a dog,” Shelby said. “Was that planned?”
“No. He told me just this morning that he’s not cut out to take care of another living thing. But I guess I put the notion in his head and when he saw Scarlett with Cash, he took the leap.”
“I think it’ll be good for him,” she said. “He’s so…”
“Grumpy?” I asked with a soft laugh.
“Okay, I have to ask,” Shelby said, straightening her glasses. “Is he like that all the time? Or just around other people? I mean, you’re another person, but maybe he’s different when you two are alone.”
“No, he actually softens up when we’re in front of other people. He’s very closed off when we’re alone.”
“Are you kidding, or do you mean that?”
I laughed again. “I mean it.”
“What was he like when he was younger?”
I took a sip of my sweet tea. “The same in a lot of ways. He did that brooding bad boy thing well.”
“How did you become friends?”
“We knew each other by sight, of course. I’d been spending summers and holidays in Bootleg for years, and this is a place where everybody knows everybody else.”
“Very true.”
“One afternoon, I took a walk by myself down the beach. I found him sitting alone, quietly strumming his guitar. He was so intimidating—older than me with a reputation for being mean and causing trouble. But he just looked at me without saying a word. Didn’t stop playing. Just kinda watched, like he was curious to see what I’d do. So I sat down next to him.”
“That was brave.”
“Yeah, I suppose so. I’m not even sure why I did it. I didn’t usually feel very brave back then, but there was a spot on the log next to him, and I just sat. He started playing a Johnny Cash song, so I sang the words. We both kind of lit up. He came in on the second verse and I tried, and failed, to harmonize. We got a lot better after that. But that was how it started.”
“It’s so sweet,” Shelby said. “And so un-Gibson-like.”
“I keep wondering where that guy went. He was just as surly back then, but when we were alone, he was different. His edges weren’t so hard.”
“I think he’s been through a lot.”
“I’m sure he has.” And how much of it was because of me?
“So have you,” she said quietly.
“It hasn’t all been bad. I learned to let go and be happy. And I’ve been all over the world, working with amazing people.”
She rested her chin in her hand. “That does seem really exciting.”
I nodded and took another sip of my tea. “Life on the road has its disadvantages, but it works for me.”
The door opened and Scarlett came in. She smiled and Shelby waved her over.
“Hey, y’all,” she said, pulling up a chair. “I’ve got food out in my truck, but I think Cass is still waiting on June. Katherine got out again.”
“Katherine?” I asked.
“June’s pet pig,” Scarlett said. “She’s real sweet.”
I decided it didn’t surprise me that June Tucker had a pet pig. “Oh, of course. I saw her at your bonfire.”
“We were just talking about Maya’s glamorous life,” Shelby said.
“I wouldn’t call it glamorous,” I said. “But I do travel a lot.”
“Do you know anyone famous?” Scarlett asked.
I lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Yeah, I’ve worked with a lot of artists over the years. Some are well-known.”
She grinned. “Ever had a fling with a hot rock star?”
“Sure.”
“That’s all you’re gonna say?” Scarlett asked. “Sure?”
I laughed. “I don’t stay in one place very long, so yes, I’ve had flings with guys. Some were musicians. A couple were famous. Or they’re famous now. They weren’t when I was with them.”
“Have you ever gotten serious with one of them?” Shelby asked.
“Not really. Like I said, I don’t stay in one place. Long-distance is hard, especially in this business. I never wanted to get attached.”
Shelby regarded me with interest, and I wondered what she was thinking.
“Sounds like someone else I know,” Scarlett said, giving Shelby a pointed look.
“You never know,” Shelby said. “Maybe things will change.”
Scarlett looked me up and down and I got the distinct impression that she was sizing me up as a potential match for her brother.
I didn’t want either of them getting the wrong idea. I made sure to keep my voice quiet. “We’re just friends, ladies. This whole Gibson’s girlfriend thing is just a story.”
“Uh huh,” Scarlett said.
“Trust me,” I said. “He’s not interested.”
“He’s just too damn stubborn for his own good,” Scarlett said. “It’s a solid Bodine trait.”
“She’s not wrong,” Shelby said.
I glanced at the door as it opened again and felt a sudden rush of irritation. Misty Lynn Prosser came in, dressed in a bright pink tank top over a leopard print bra, with cut-off jeans so short they were basically underwear. Her bleached blond hair was teased high and she snapped a piece of gum between her teeth.
“Oh, lovely,” Scarlett muttered, rolling her eyes. “Don’t make eye contact. Maybe it’ll go away.”
Shelby snickered behind her hand.
Misty Lynn’s gaze swept the café, then landed on me. Her eyes narrowed and her gum chewing slowed. She sauntered over to our table and put her hands on her hips. “Hey, y’all.”
>
“What a shame, our table’s full up,” Scarlett said, her tone full of mock sweetness. “Guess you’ll have to be on your way.”
Misty Lynn glared at Scarlett, then turned her attention on me. “So you’re the famous Maya.”
“And you must be Misty Lynn.”
Her eyes traced up and down my face and for a second, I wondered if she’d recognize me. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
I gave her a fake smile. “And I’ve heard plenty about you.”
She snapped her gum. “Really. Well, I hope you enjoy your little moment with Gibson. It won’t last.”
“What’s it to you?” Scarlett asked. “My brother has made it very clear how he feels about you.”
“This ain’t about you, Scarlett,” Misty Lynn said with a sneer.
Scarlett started to stand up, but I put a hand on her arm to stop her.
“It’s all right.” I met Misty Lynn’s eyes. “She’s not worth the trouble.”
Misty Lynn gaped at me. I stood, slowly, like I wasn’t in any rush whatsoever. Shelby and Scarlett followed while Cash got up and stretched. We were done with our tea anyway, and despite what I’d just said, I had an overwhelming urge to punch Misty Lynn in the teeth. I figured I was better off walking away than starting a cat fight in a coffee shop.
Scarlett gave her a dramatic eye roll and Shelby clicked her tongue for Billy Ray to follow, his leash in her hands.
I tugged on Cash’s leash and walked past Misty Lynn, but paused just before I got to the door and glanced over my shoulder. “I’ll tell Gibson you said hi.”
Misty Lynn ground her teeth together and her face flushed pink. I didn’t wait to see if she’d reply. Just swept out the door with a little toss of my hair, Cash right on my heels.
“Oh my god, that woman makes me furious,” Scarlett said when we got outside.
Shelby nodded. “She’s the worst.”
“She’ll get what’s coming to her,” I said. “People like that always do.”
We started walking down the street, heading toward the lake. Cash got excited, pulling on the leash. Billy Ray tried to outrun him, but Shelby and I reined them in.
“Punching her in the nose is still one of the highlights of my life,” Scarlett said wistfully.
“You punched her in the nose?” I asked.
“Sure did. Bootleg Justice.”
I tucked my hair behind my ear as we walked. Bootleg Justice. God, I loved this place. “Apparently it wasn’t enough.”
“She deserves worse for everything she’s done,” Scarlett said. “I don’t understand why she can’t get over my brother. He didn’t even date her for very long.”
“And wasn’t it years ago?” Shelby asked.
“Yep. He’s told her, right to her face, that he’s never giving her the time of day again. Dumbass can’t figure it out.”
My palm stung and I realized I was clenching my fist, digging my fingernails into my hand. Maybe I should have started a cat fight in the café.
But I had a feeling Bootleg Justice was coming for Misty Lynn. Somehow.
21
MAYA
We got to the lake and sat on top of an empty picnic table, our feet on the bench. A warm breeze blew across the water, making little ripples and eddies on the surface.
It reminded me of the last time I’d been at this beach, sitting with the girls. I’d been looking out over the water, just like this, with no idea my life was about to change forever.
I let Cash’s leash out all the way so he could run around with Billy Ray. Their playful snarls were adorable. The other girls weren’t here yet and the smells coming out of the takeout bags behind me made my mouth water.
“By the way,” Scarlett said, breaking the short silence, “have y’all been reading the book for June’s book club?”
“I bought it, but I haven’t started it yet,” Shelby said. “I have some catching up to do.”
“Okay, because it’s not what I expected when June said we all needed to read it. I mean, it’s Juney. And y’all, this book is something else.”
“Really? What’s it about?” Shelby asked.
“Well—”
“Maya,” Gibson called from somewhere behind me.
I turned and lifted my hand to wave, but he ran toward us like a storm thundering across the plains.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“No, I’m not fucking okay.” He stopped next to the picnic table, breathing hard. “I didn’t know where you were.”
“I’m fine—I’ve been with Shelby and Scarlett. I texted you.”
Billy Ray jumped up, putting his font paws on Gibson, while his tail wagged furiously. Gibson reached down to absently scratch his head, but his brow was deeply furrowed, his eyes intense. Cash caught up, his tail rivaling Billy Ray’s.
“We need to get home.”
“Now? Don’t you want to stay and enjoy some puppy love?”
“No,” he snapped.
Billy Ray jumped back, retreating behind Shelby.
I stared at Gibson. What the hell was his problem? “What’s wrong with you?”
“Wow, calm down, Gibs,” Scarlett said.
He ignored his sister, his eyes on me. “We’ll talk at home.”
His voice was strained, like he was trying to keep himself under control. But I wasn’t sensing anger simmering beneath the surface. Was that fear in his eyes?
“All right,” I said, jumping down from the table. I retracted Cash’s leash. “Thanks for hanging out.”
“Is everything okay?” Shelby asked.
I slipped my hand into Gibson’s and he squeezed back—hard. “Yeah. I’ll text you guys later.”
Shelby nodded, but eyed Gibson like she wasn’t sure what to think. Scarlett looked worried. I was, too. There was something wrong. He wasn’t just irritated that he’d had to look for me. He was upset about something.
We walked back to his truck in silence. Cash trotted next to him rather than trying to rush ahead, as if he could tell something wasn’t right. Gibson kept glancing over his shoulder, like he thought someone might be following.
Maybe someone was. Or had been. Had he seen someone? The Kendalls? Who else would have him so on edge?
Cash and I got into Gibson’s truck and I locked the door. He got in and did the same. My heart beat rapidly and a trickle of fear worked its way down my spine. I wanted to know what was going on, but I seemed to have lost the ability to speak.
He didn’t take the shortest route back. We detoured on side streets, taking a crisscrossing path until we finally left town and made our way up the winding road to his house. The truck bounced on the long gravel drive, the crunch of the rocks the only sound. The silence between us was disconcerting, but I couldn’t bring myself to break it.
We parked and went inside. A tired Cash went straight for the couch, curling up in the corner and putting his head on his paws. Gibson locked the door behind us, but I compulsively checked it several times before I felt like I could walk away. I checked the lock on the back door while Gibson closed the curtains.
“You’re freaking me out right now,” I said, finally. “What’s going on?”
“Some guy in town started asking me questions,” he said. “I think he was trying to find out why I’d been brought in by the sheriff before you came back.”
I could feel the color drain from my face. “What did he say?”
“A bunch of stuff about how people talk in towns like this, and how Bootleg can’t let shit go. But it was the last thing he said. Something about how we live in a dangerous world and some things are meant to stay buried.”
I swallowed hard and when I spoke, my voice shook. “What did he look like?”
“Probably in his late forties or so. Blond hair. Plain clothes. Almost forgettable. His nose was crooked.”
“Crooked nose…”
“Do you think you know who he is?”
I nodded. “I might. He sounds like a guy who worked for my
father when I was a kid.”
“Why do I think you don’t mean he was your dad’s gardener?”
Memories ran through my mind, like a film reel. “No. I remember him. He was like a cross between a private investigator and a thug. I’m pretty sure he was one of the men doing my father’s dirty work. He’d give him jobs and talk about how important they were. I can’t think of his name.”
Gibson waited while I struggled to remember.
“Lee Williams,” I said suddenly. “That was his name.”
“I’m pretty sure he was carrying a gun.”
“Oh god,” I said. “I’m not sure why I know this, but I think if he let you see it, he wanted to scare you.”
“Well, it goddamn fucking worked,” he said, almost shouting again. “Jesus, Callie, this fucking guy shows up asking questions and then I can’t find you. I was losing my mind.”
“I’m sorry. I texted you to tell you what I was doing. I didn’t know he was here.”
“I know, it ain’t your fault.” He raked his fingers through his hair, the veins in his forearms sticking out. “I didn’t have my phone, and I just…”
“Do you think he knew I was here?”
He let out a breath and dropped his arms to his sides. “No. I think he was trying to figure out if I knew something, or if I’d brought in new evidence.”
“If the judge’s lawyer couldn’t get information out of Sheriff Tucker, they’d send someone to poke around. It makes sense.”
He nodded, but none of the tension had left his body. He had a groove between his eyebrows and his arms were flexed, veins bulging.
He took a step toward me and I took a step back. “You need to be careful.”
“I know, but what do you want me to do?” I asked. “Stay tethered to you all the time?”
“No.”
“Then what do you want?”
He moved closer, the intensity in his eyes making me feel raw and exposed. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
I backed into the wall. “Why do I feel like you’re mad at me?”
He put his hands on the wall on either side of me, caging me in. His imposing presence made me feel tiny by comparison, and his eyes never left mine.
Highball Rush: Bootleg Springs Book 6 Page 16
