Southern Sass (Southern Desires Series Book 6)

by Jeannette Winters

  “People answering to him, yes. At first, we thought Floyd was having second thoughts. Come to find out, he was getting greedy and wanted to play both sides.”

  He’d thought the pain of losing Janet was bad before. Yet, now he blamed himself. He’d let her go to those meetings alone, never thinking anything could happen. He was busy running his business and she hers. She was strong and confident and highly intelligent. What safer place for her than the Pentagon? If anything, he thought someone had finally recognized her for her brilliance. Guess they did and the price was her life. “So this is a dead-end? She died for nothing?”

  “No, not exactly. If I’m right, what you told me is the link we’ve been searching for.”

  “Are you listening, Collins? She’s dead. There’s nothing she can do or tell you now.”

  Mark reached out and put a hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “I’m really sorry, Ryan. Losing someone is never easy. But she left behind samples for a reason. She must’ve known they did something to her to make her sick, and I believe she was leaving a message. I know the person who’d be able to confirm that.”

  “Who?”

  “The woman Janet went to meet regarding Alzheimer’s testing.”

  “You’re telling me she was killed because of her Alzheimer’s research?” It sickened him that someone would kill her to prevent a cure from being found.

  Mark let out a long exhale and said, “She was killed because Floyd was afraid of what she might know.”

  “Collins, quit talking riddles.”

  “The woman who the terrorists are after is the same woman Janet met with. Floyd must’ve thought that Mar—that Janet was privy to information they couldn’t allow out.”

  “That’s impossible. If Janet had been given any information, she would’ve told me.” At one time he believed that. When they were a young couple they shared everything; there were no secrets. Over time they changed, grew apart, each striving for something different. Although they loved each other, they were no longer in love. All she would’ve had to do was trust him and he’d have been there. But she didn’t, and it had cost Janet her life. There was no going back. All he could do was protect her research and honor her memory.

  “Watson, I’m not accusing her of anything. She may not have known what she was involved in. We won’t know until we take a look at her notes and the lab. I can have a chopper ready for takeoff in ten minutes.”

  Ryan had given Collins the information, yet he still didn’t have much in return. Just more orders, and Ryan wasn’t about to follow any of them. “I’m not turning a fucking thing over to you, Collins, until you start talking.”

  “The more you know—”

  “Don’t give me that shit. I have the right to know. Who the hell is the woman whose incompetence got my wife killed?”

  “This is bigger than you realize,” Collins warned.

  “Then let’s not waste any more time.”

  “Marina Brimlow is the woman we need to get inside your lab. She’s the only one who will know what Janet left for us. I guess by what you said it’s important enough for her to have refused medical attention and gone into hiding.”

  Collins was right about that. Ryan always knew it was, and that’s why he honored her request. “Everything is as she left it. But from now on, I’m all in or you’re out. What do you do say, Collins?”

  Mark glared at him. “There’s no room for revenge in this. I know how tempting that can be. It’ll only give them leverage to use against you. Trust me. I know how these bastards work. When you’re hurting, they’re happy. The more you hurt, the greater their victory. This is not personal. This is war, and it’s up to us to protect the human race.”

  It was decision time. He’d prepared himself for many types of battles. Never the one that Collins had just described. He thought about his daughter. “What happens to Donna if we go?”

  “I’ll have my men watch her.”

  It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his men. God knows he’d seen them in action, and they weren’t to be messed with. But Donna needed something else. Not just someone hovering over her with a gun. She needed someone invested. It was a short list. If Casey wasn’t about to give birth, she’d be on the top of the list. Next in line was one he never thought he’d turn to, yet here he was for the second time. Sissie.

  “Tell your men we leave in an hour. I’ll be at the Wild Sass. There’s someone I need to talk to.”

  “Just don’t let Donna know what’s going on. If she knows—”

  “I got it.”

  Ryan was out the door right after Collins left. He needed to speak to Donna and feed her a new lie. But he also had to speak to Sissie. He never thought he’d trust someone with his Donna, yet after seeing their connection last night he knew he could. That doesn’t mean she’ll know why I’m leaving either.

  When he walked into the saloon Sissie was sitting at a table, drinking coffee. And let the lying begin.

  “What’s got you up before the cows?” Sissie sure didn’t expect to see him so early. Maybe to tell me how I endangered your daughter?

  “That damn hotel can’t make a good cup of coffee.”

  Sissie laughed. “Damn straight. It’s like water.” She went behind the bar and poured another cup for Ryan. When she handed it to him, their fingers brushed for a second. It was like her fingers yearned to touch his again. Holding hands last night wasn’t sexual, yet it was comforting, and she needed that. Her nerves were on edge with the baby shower today. The thought of all the people here with her in charge scared the hell out of her. What is Mark thinking? Me? I can’t handle this.

  “You look like you need a second cup,” Ryan said.

  “Oh, I’m already on my third. You here to help set up?”

  “Actually I’m here to ask another favor.”

  Sissie looked at him. She wasn’t very successful at the last one. Why on earth would he ask for another? “Haven’t learned your lesson yet?”

  “You haven’t let me down.”

  “Well let’s see if I can be two for two. What do ya need this time?”

  “I’ve been called back to the office. After what I saw last night, I think Donna should stay here with you.”

  “Until after the party?”

  “Until I tell you otherwise,” Ryan said plainly.

  What aren’t you telling me, Ryan? “That’s very vague.”

  “It’s all I have.”

  Sissie knew right away this was no business meeting he was attending. This had Mark’s doing written all over it. But he wouldn’t send Ryan away without Donna. They must be working together. That worried her. Ryan wasn’t a soldier. And from what she knew, he had no clue what had been going on outside of their brief encounter a few months ago. I hardly know.

  “If you want my help then you need to come clean. What’s going on?”

  “I need you to do this, Sissie. If not for me, then for Donna.”

  Dang it. That’s not fair. She truly liked Donna, and there’s no way she wanted her leaving with Ryan and walking into trouble. That didn’t mean she liked the lack of communication between them. “Speaking of her, are you going to leave without saying goodbye?”

  “No. I just wanted to speak to you first.”

  You mean set the wheels in motion. “I’ll play along. Because I know whatever it is, Mark wouldn’t be leaving at a time like this either if it wasn’t urgent.”

  Ryan nodded, reached across the table, and took Sissie’s hand in his. She wasn’t expecting that. I’ve already agreed. What’s this?

  “I wish I could stay.”

  “For the baby shower?”

  He laughed lightly. “There’s more to you than I thought. If I—”

  “You will.” She was afraid he was going to say something stupid like make it back alive.

  He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her fingers. “Yes, I will. And we’ll pick this up where we left off when I get back.”

  Sissies pulse was beating so f
ast it echoed in her ears. There was so much she wanted to say, but this wasn’t the time. He was leaving, and she needed to stay focused on her assignment as well. “I’ll be here.” Really? That’s it? Nothing snappy to say?

  He let go of her hand and got up from the table. “Good. Now if you don’t mind, do you think you could tell Donna I’d like to speak to her? We’re leaving shortly, and I prefer to deliver the news myself.”

  She turned and headed toward the door to her apartment but stopped abruptly. She had no idea why, but something about Ryan Watson pulled at her. Attraction. Need. She had prided herself on her independence, but lately, she had also felt a little . . . lonely. She didn’t think Ryan saw her as anything other than a backward country woman with none of the airs and graces he was used to. She ran a bar. He ran a multimillion-dollar company. Their worlds were as far apart as one could imagine. But the thought of never seeing him again made her heart cold, and she just wanted to . . . she didn’t know what she wanted, but she turned back to look at Ryan. Something in the pit of her stomach bypassed her brain, and she rushed back into his arms.

  Ryan pulled her close, and his lips claimed hers. His lips were hot and demanding. She melted into him and opened hers, giving all she had to him. He tasted of strong coffee. Her tongue toyed with his. She felt his body tense against hers. This was poor timing. He’d just said he was boarding a chopper, and she needed to let him go. As she pulled away, a moan escaped her lips.

  “Like I said, we’ll continue this when I come back,” Ryan said in a husky voice.

  She nodded, not trusting her voice, but internally she moaned, “Please come back . . . for me.” This time when she turned, she didn’t look back. Sissie needed to wake Donna up so she could see her father before he left. And I need to slow things down. Whatever this is, it’s because of all the crazy stress around here. I’m not his type. And once things quiet down, he’ll realize that.

  It was a reality that hurt but one she was going to have to face eventually. Might as well start while he’s gone.

  She closed her eyes and tried to get him out of her mind. While he’s out there in danger. Yeah, this isn’t happening. Sissie didn’t want to admit it, but she was drawn to him, and she knew she was going to get hurt. Her matchmaker radar wasn’t going off between her and Ryan. There’s a connection, but it wasn’t going to last. If he were the one, she’d know. I always know.

  Chapter Five

  When Donna returned to the apartment, she didn’t seem fazed by her father leaving. For that matter there had been no shock at Ryan showing up unannounced either. They had a relationship Sissie couldn’t understand. She wanted to and felt compelled to help. To do so she’d have to understand what was going on; someone had to start opening up. The expression on Donna’s face said she had no idea what Ryan was going to do. Sissie didn’t really know either. There was a part of her that didn’t want to. Knowing would mean having to lie to Donna and hide her concern for him with no ability to help him.

  Sissie had her own set of responsibilities today. I better get a move on them too. People were going to arrive in the next two hours, and there was still much to do. She thought Hannah would’ve stopped in to double-check on everything. When she didn’t, that spoke volumes. She’s worried about what’s going on too.

  There was one person who couldn’t know what’s going on. Casey was about to give birth any day. Having the baby shower today was pushing it. The last time she’d seen her she was struggling to get out of a chair. Sissie was sure the last thing Casey wanted to do was get in a truck and drive into town. A bumpy ride might just be what throws her into labor. Just don’t let that happen during the shower. It’s not one of the party games we’ve planned.

  “I’ll meet you downstairs. I’ve got a few things I need to go do before the party,” Sissie said to Donna.

  “I finished decorating last night. What else can I help you with?”

  “I appreciate it but you just relax.”

  Donna ignored her once again. “Give me a minute. I’m coming with you.”

  Sissie grabbed her purse and shouted, “I won’t be gone long. Why don’t you—”

  “I’m going,” Donna said as she came out of her room.

  Something was weird. Donna didn’t look like she’d finished getting ready, yet she was insisting on accompanying her on errands. Maybe she knows and is afraid to be alone.

  “Donna, you don’t have to come. You’re safe here. Trust me.”

  She arched a brow and said, “It’s not me I’m worried about.”

  Sissie scratched her head. “Then you should stay and finish getting ready.”

  “You’re not going out alone.” Donna’s tone was firm.

  Something wasn’t adding up. Ryan asked her to keep an eye on Donna. She couldn’t picture Ryan informing Donna of this. Yet, here she was refusing to let Sissie go out without her. Maybe she’s picking up on my concerns.

  Taking Donna with her to talk to Jack wasn’t an option. She was bright, and even if they spoke in code, Sissie was sure she’d pick up on something. What else could she do? The party was going to start, and Sissie needed to know the game plan in more detail. Sissie needed a distraction for Donna. One she won’t be able to say no to.

  “I’d love your company, but I need you to set up everything. We don’t want guests to show up and things aren’t done.”

  Donna smirked. “Then we better quit playing this game and go, so we can get back.”

  Before Sissie could plead her case any further, Donna walked out of the apartment and down the stairs. Oh great. She has to take a stand on what she wants, and it has to be with me.

  Closing the door, she followed Donna. There couldn’t be a stop at the sheriff’s office anymore. Now she had to come up with a reason she needed to leave in the first place without it looking too lame. Since Sissie wasn’t one who procrastinated and had everything already on hand at the saloon, that wasn’t as easy as she’d like.

  Sissie went through the list. Food was all set and decorations that Donna had set up looked fantastic. Guests all invited. What on earth do I need so bad that I have to run out for it? As they walked down the street, Sissie saw the pharmacy. She could say she had a headache, but there was plenty of medicine in the cabinet. They entered, and it dawned on her. Casey could use a soft cushion to sit on.

  She told Donna what she was looking for. “That’s so considerate of you.” Grabbing a memory foam cushion from the shelf, she handed it to Sissie. “This should do it. Aren’t you glad I came along now?”

  Oh yeah. Just the help I needed. “Now we have everything.” Except for the security plans. I’d rather know she’s safe. The only bright side was Casey would be comfortable.

  All she could do now was make sure all the guests had a good time. When they entered the saloon, Sissie took one last look around. In a matter of only a few hours last night, Donna really transformed this place into something appropriate for a baby shower without even asking her for help. Under any other circumstance, she’d love having Donna here helping out. But right now it only meant one more person she had to worry about.

  Lou was behind the bar as she expected. There were two other men in the saloon she didn’t recognize. Before she could inquire about them, Lou said, “As you requested, these are the guys who are going to wait tables so you can enjoy the party.”

  Sissie took a closer look at them. They weren’t locals for sure, but at least they had tried dressing to fit in. Mark might not have updated her personally, but he was ensuring their safety by leaving his men here. “Thank you, Lou.”

  Donna’s cell phone buzzed. Sissie could tell she wasn’t pleased to read the text message. Rolling her eyes, she said, “Can you believe it? Dad is checking in to make sure everything is okay. It’s a baby shower for goodness’ sake.”

  “I’m sure it’s his way of showing you he loves you.” And from what I see, he’d do anything to ensure your safety.

  “He wasn’t always like this. I me
an he’s always been stubborn, but this controlling everything only started after my mother died.” Donna shot her a look of concern. “Talking about my mom doesn’t bother you does it?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Okay. Because I wouldn’t want to mess up what you and my dad have. I mean it’s nice he’s found someone again. I worried about him shutting himself off. But when I saw you guys together, well, it was a relief.”

  “I think you misunderstood. We’re not—”

  Donna shook her head. “Don’t waste your breath. I’ve got eyes. And besides, when he told me I have to keep an eye on you and not let you out of my sight, I knew for sure he had it bad.”

  “He what?” That made no sense at all. Why would he tell Donna to watch out for her? Oh, you’re good, Ryan. By her watching me, I don’t have to watch her.

  “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me. Just know that I understand now why you were so nice to me, taking me out shopping and everything. Kind of our bonding time.”

  Oh, this is not good. I can’t let her believe that I’m, that we’re . . . oh shoot. “I did that because I enjoy your company. No other reason.”

  “Then that’s a bonus because I really enjoyed myself too.”

  Donna sat at a table, grabbed the last pile of napkins, and started folding them into the shape of bunny rabbit ears. Sissie watched her make one then sat down and tried doing some herself. They didn’t look at all like Donna’s, but it was a sweet distraction.

  Sissie had no idea what possessed her to bring the topic back to her mother, but the question was out before she could stop herself. “You said your dad changed?”

  “Yes. After my mother died, his trust level went from low to non-existent. If it hadn’t been for the fact I’d moved out a few years earlier, I’m sure he’d have kept me under lock and key.”

  “I’m sorry about your mother. I’m sure it was very difficult.”

  “It was a . . . shock. I was on an assignment for FEMA when my dad told me she’d been killed in a car accident.” In a softer tone, Donna added, “She was killed instantly. It’s hard when you don’t get a chance to say goodbye.”