Southern Sass (Southern Desires Series Book 6)

by Jeannette Winters

  “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.

  Chapter Nine

  Even though he spent the entire day yesterday with Donna, Ryan had watched Sissie out of the corner of his eye. She had a smile on her face, but he wasn’t buying it. Something had changed. For him to find out, they were going to need time alone. Time away from here.

  Ryan tried calling Jack, but it went directly to voicemail. The scuttlebutt around town was he went up north hunting. For the people of Honeywell, that sounded as though he was taking a much-needed vacation. With everything going on, Ryan knew Jack didn’t go anywhere. What happened to him is a different story.

  As he left the hotel, he debated heading right to the Wild Sass and confronting Sissie before Donna awoke. It wasn’t only that she was keeping something from him, but she needed him. She looked tired. He knew he was partly to blame for that since they’d spent the entire prior night talking, but this wasn’t just physical exhaustion. I never should’ve involved her in all this.

  Standing in the middle of the road, he turned toward the sheriff’s office. It wasn’t going to get him the truth, but he hoped he could sort through some of the lies.

  When he opened the door, he found one of Mark’s men sitting behind the desk dressed in a deputy’s uniform. Ryan shut the door behind him, walked over, and took a seat. “I could call Collins, but I’m hoping you can shed some light. Where’s Jack?”

  “He was killed with one of our SEAL team.”

  Ryan could only imagine what the impact of losing someone like Jack Bullard would have on Honeywell. They were a tight-knit community. Actually he was envious of what this place had. It was something special and definitely something worth fighting to keep. He wasn’t sure that would be possible when they found out about Jack. From what he’d observed, the man knew everyone, and they all leaned on and trusted him. His thoughts rushed to Sissie. He knew she and Jack were good friends. She was a strong woman, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to be there for her. She must be so shocked at what was happening to her sweet little town. “Where did it go down? Here in town?”

  “No. Outside of the Nash ranch.”

  Ryan didn’t want anyone to be in harm’s way, but these guys knew the risk. And some paid the price. “What’s Mark’s take on this?”

  “He’ll be returning later today.”

  “And what about what they were working on?” When he’d left the bunker, it was apparent the research needed to continue. He hoped it wasn’t going to stop now. If it did, Janet died for nothing.

  “I don’t know what they’re doing, but his brother is staying. That’s all I can say.”

  Ryan believed that. Collins wasn’t very forthcoming with information. Not even with his closest team members. Seemed to be the one who knew the most around here was Lou. He’s not much of a talker either.

  “Why’s Mark coming here? Are things heating up?” That sounded like a stupid question since two men just lost their lives.

  “They’re searching for something. He’s coming to ensure they don’t find it.”

  Something or someone? Ryan couldn’t afford to stay in Honeywell any longer. He was in a hotel that was nearly impossible to secure. Of course, when they built it they probably never thought a terrorist group would invade their town. The Wild Sass had even less security. People were in and out all times of the day.

  “Collins knows how to reach me, but I’m out of here today.”

  The deputy nodded. “Let Lou know, and he’ll make sure you get off safely.”

  Ryan wasn’t sure Lou held that power anymore. If these guys wanted him or Donna, he believed they’d do anything to get what they wanted.

  He got up and headed for the Sass. Before talking to Lou, he needed to have a discussion with Sissie. Leaving her behind wasn’t an option, but forcing her to go wasn’t likely to happen either. She was stubborn and independent. He needed to charm her not force her. Charming isn’t what I’m known for.

  When he entered the saloon, Lou was standing behind the bar. Even from a distance, Ryan could see a gun on the counter. If he had any doubt about what he was about to do, it vanished that moment. Shit was about to go down, and he needed to ensure Donna and Sissie weren’t caught in the crossfire. Dammit. Where is it safe?

  Before he made it through the door to Sissie’s stairway, Lou called out, “It’s not that easy.”

  Ryan stopped and turned around. Lou had something to say, but Ryan already knew it was going to be like speaking to Collins. He figured the deputy had already talked to Lou and delivered the news.

  “Getting the ladies up?” Ryan joked, hoping to avoid a lecture from him. Why they bother when I’m not going to listen anyway is beyond me.

  “They’re up.”

  “Good so what’s the problem?”

  “They’re not here.”

  Ryan’s heart stopped. In just a few strides, he cleared the distance and was face to face with Lou. “Who the hell let them leave?”

  Lou must’ve been used to being yelled at because he didn’t blink an eye. “I did.”

  “Do you have a damn death wish? Because if anything happens to either of them, your ass is mine.” Ryan didn’t care if Lou was a SEAL or not. Nothing and no one would be able to stop him. Not even Collins.

  “They’re safe.”

  “And you know this how?” Ryan’s fists clenched, waiting to strike.

  “It’s what I do.”

  “How did that work out for Jack?” Ryan knew that was a low blow, but he needed to make his point.

  Ryan saw Lou’s jaw twitch ever so slightly before he answered. “Like the rest of us, we know the risk.”

  It was something they all seemed to say so easily. Ryan tried to equate it to how he handled business, but the loss of life made that impossible. “That’s not what Donna and Sissie signed up for. They’re—”

  “Safe. Trust me. My men will not let anything happen to either of them.”

  Ryan understood. Sissie was one you couldn’t hold down. But Donna leaving early didn’t make any sense. What did you talk her into, Sissie?

  Donna was a lot of things, but she’d never been a morning person. “Where did they go?” Ryan couldn’t think of anything that important for either of them to leave. Not after what I told them yesterday.

  “To the Nash ranch.”

  The baby. “Was there a problem?”

  “Casey’s father. Guess the baby was crying, and he tried to
get up to check on her. He fell and needed to be rushed to the hospital.”

  Ryan never met Greg Collins, but he knew that ALS was a disease that didn’t discriminate. From what Donna had told him, Greg’s health had deteriorated quickly over the past year. From a man who was up and active to someone confined to a wheelchair and needing oxygen. Even with all that, he still wanted to take care of his family. His new granddaughter.

  He understood why the ladies needed to go to the ranch, but he didn’t like it. Lou said they were safe, but no one could guarantee that. Ryan wanted to be with them, hold that control, yet deep in his gut he knew the tighter he held, the less control he’d have.

  “You should’ve told me before they left,” Ryan said sternly.

  “They asked me not to.”

  Ryan shook his head. “I don’t give a damn what they want. Neither of them understands the magnitude of this situation.”

  “And we’d like to keep it that way.”

  “How is that with your guys guarding them?” Ryan knew Sissie would question that immediately. Donna didn’t know everyone here, so it was easier to keep her in the dark.

  “A local guy took them,” Lou responded.

  Ryan wasn’t keen on that. Jack was one of the only local men he trusted. Even that was too strong of a word. “Who?”

  “McLean.”

  That name meant nothing to him. Which was just another red flag, as far as Ryan was concerned. “Who the hell is that?”

  “He’s Nash’s foreman.”

  “And he came here to pick up the ladies?” That didn’t sound right. He knew there was more to the story.

  “Nope. He spent the night here last night. Drank a bit too much, so Sissie had him sleep it off on the cot in the back room. Derrick called really early, requesting McLean return right away. Sissie was already up and heard their conversation. The rest is history.”

  That sounds just like Sissie. Can anyone contain that woman?

  He couldn’t tell if Lou was intentionally trying to stress him out more than he already was, but he couldn’t have done a better job. The last thing Ryan wanted was his daughter out with some half-baked ranch hand. Come hell or high water, nothing will stop me if Donna gets hurt.

  “I need to talk to Collins,” Ryan barked. He was done dealing with Mark’s men. Collins might have faith in their ability, but he didn’t. There’s no way Collins would’ve let them leave. Not without one hell of an escort.

  “He’s at the ranch.”

  That was news to him. At least with Donna and Sissie there, he knew they were safe. For now. “When did he get back?”

  “About ten minutes ago.”

  “Because of his father?”

  “That too.”

  Ryan felt better knowing Collins was taking over, but as far as he was concerned, their location had already been compromised. It wasn’t safe for them any longer. The bunker isn’t an option either. He was going to need to pull some strings and find someplace their hand can’t reach. If that’s possible anymore.

  This was going to take some planning. His security team was reporting to Lou and Mark so there would need to be some reshuffling of resources. Ryan couldn’t leave Honeywell unprotected either. He knew Collins would do everything he could to protect them, but Ryan knew he’d protect his family first. With Jack gone, he wasn’t sure who would be thinking of Honeywell first and foremost. The only one I can think of is Sissie, and I sure as heck ain’t leaving her here alone.

  He’d planned on speaking to Sissie first. Now he figured it’d be best not to give her so much information. Keeping things from her would eventually bite him in the ass. He enjoyed the Southern sass, but she was a firecracker, and he had a feeling when she blew, it was going to be a big bang. There wasn’t anything he was going to be able to say to get her to leave. I might have more leverage with Donna.

  He hated manipulating Donna to intercede on his behalf. Even though Donna had only known Sissie for a few days, he wasn’t blind to their connection. It was more than Sissie taking Donna under her wing. They were building a friendship, and he was going to use that friendship for his benefit. He already knew neither of them was going to leave without the other. And they sure as hell aren’t going to do it because I said so.

  Ryan never went to anyone for help; he needed someplace that would be enticing to both women and still meet the need for security. “I have some calls to make. If they’re going to leave the ranch for any reason, I want to know about it before it happens. Understood?” he warned.

  Lou nodded before Ryan turned away. There was nothing for him to do here at the Sass but there weren’t many places to sit and think. He opted for the porch as it provided the privacy he needed.

  Ryan scrolled through his phone. He knew a lot of people in power, that wasn’t the problem. He couldn’t forget the warning Collins had given. Corruption hit the highest levels. If a US general was so deep he had Janet killed, who can I trust?

  It wasn’t fear of who was after them. He’d dealt with some unscrupulous characters in the past. In big business one makes enemies. The power in fighting back was in the understanding of what you were fighting over. Ryan never went into a business meeting unprepared. He prided himself on anticipating a competitor’s concerns and/or weakness, so he wouldn’t leave the room without the result he wanted. He was cognizant of the players, the rules, and how to win. Collins provided little information, and that left Ryan blind as to what the best course of action was. Collins handled all the moving parts. That might work on a battlefield, but this wasn’t soldiers in the trenches. This was his daughter and a woman he cared about. To protect them they needed to keep them in the dark. But leaving them blind to the actual threat left them defenseless if attacked. What the hell should I do?

  Ryan’s eyes were wide open to the greed that plagued this country. He was sick and angry that he hadn’t noticed it before. I’m not going to be ignorant any longer.

  Lou wasn’t going to shed any more light on what was going on than he already had. He was Mark’s second-in-command for a reason. He appreciated loyalty and trust. But in this situation, it wasn’t working for him. He needed answers now, and with Collins being pulled in even more directions, talking with him wasn’t the answer either.

  Why didn’t I think of this before? Kevin was still at the bunker. That’s his turf. He had the right to know what was going on there and show up anytime he chose. Of course, I pretty much turned it over to Collins. Although Mark and Kevin were brothers, Ryan picked up on their differences immediately. He hoped he’d be more forthcoming with information.

  There was only one problem. He didn’t have any way to contact Kevin or Marina. Mark sure as hell wasn’t going to give him the number. He needed it, and getting it meant going to the Nash ranch. He dashed off the porch and leaped into the Jeep Jack had provided when he arrived.

  “Where are you going?” Lou shouted.

  “To get the answers.”

  Lou was by the driver’s side of the Jeep when he said, “You have all the information you need.”

  Ryan turned toward him and said angrily, “I have what you want me to know, not what I need.” Lou didn’t say anything, but he wasn’t happy with Ryan’s comment. Good, ’cause I ain’t happy either.

  It wasn’t as though he could back out of the situation. Whether he wanted to or not, he was involved. What he needed was the others to recognize that.

  “You can’t go there,” Lou finally said.

  Ryan shut off the engine and asked sarcastically, “Do you think you can stop me?” He knew it was stupid. Ryan was about to turn fifty-five, and this guy might be in his early thirties. Besides being a highly trained weapon. Ryan didn’t back down from anything or anyone. Physically he’d probably get his butt handed to him on a plate, but he wasn’t going to lose.

  Opening the door, he got out of the Jeep and stood, challenging him to make a move. Lou glared at him and Ryan swore he noticed his hands clench. “Well?”

  �
�You’re an ass, Watson.”

  “And your point?”

  “You have no idea what we’re up against.”

  Lou was right, and that only ticked Ryan off more. “That’s my point. I need to rectify that.”

  “Collins has his reason for what he does. You need to trust that.”

  Ryan turned to get back into the Jeep. Lou was a waste of time. Lou must’ve read his mind.

  “I’ll tell you what I can.”

  “How about answer my questions?” Ryan asked.

  Lou nodded. “Agreed, but not out here.” Ryan headed back to the Sass. “Not there either. Follow me.”

  Ryan couldn’t see anyone around at all. At this time of day, the stores were closed, and ranchers were doing their jobs. They were the only ones on the street. Since he wanted to hear whatever Lou was about to say, he followed.

  It looked as though they were headed to the sheriff’s office, but they walked past it. “Where are we going?”

  Lou didn’t answer. He turned down an alley and went to the back of what he thought was a clothing shop. He knocked twice, waited, then knocked once more. The door opened, and Lou waved Ryan to join him.

  This better be good. He entered, and Lou shut the door behind them. Looking around, he realized it was a storage area filled with boxes of clothing and accessories. “Not in the mood for shopping, Lou,” he said snidely.

  Lou walked over to the far wall and turned on what looked like a light switch. Instead, the wall slid open, and a new room appeared. It was a high-tech surveillance room. When Lou entered the men stiffened to attention.

  “At ease.” They did as Lou commanded. He pointed to the monitors, each with several different screens. “This is our command center. As you can see we have strategically placed cameras throughout Honeywell as well as the surrounding area. Anyone coming or going triggers a warning, which is routed here.” Lou walked over and tapped one of the men on the shoulder and told him to get up. Then he turned to the other men and said, “Give us five minutes alone.”