Southern Sass (Southern Desires Series Book 6)

by Jeannette Winters

  “It’s Henri. He’s . . . missing.”

  Henri was Ryan’s go-to man and handled everything while he was away. There was no way he’d just up and leave while Ryan wasn’t in the office. He didn’t want to connect the dots to what was going on with Carl and here in Honeywell, but how couldn’t he? I don’t believe in coincidences.

  “What makes you think he’s MIA?”

  “He didn’t show up at the office yesterday, and when I called his home, his wife said she thought he was here. There’s no answer on his cell phone either, and he never went home last night. His wife called the police, but they said it’s too early to file a missing person report. Can you believe it? They actually asked if he was dating anyone. He’s married for goodness’ sake, and they asked his poor wife if Henri could’ve run off with some . . . floozy.”

  Henri was as straight laced as they come. In all the years he worked for Ryan he never so much as looked at another woman, never mind flirted. He was all about his wife and family. There was no way he ran away with anyone. That didn’t explain why no one called him. There’s still a business to run. “Connie, why are you there right now?”

  “Well, Carl asked me to come in.”

  Carl? What the fuck does Carl have to do with this? He was afraid to ask. “Did Carl give you a reason why?”

  “No. But he was here all day yesterday and stayed the night. He’s very worried about Henri. I’ve never seen him like this. But he stepped right up and said he’d handle everything until you come back. Isn’t that nice of him?” An hour ago I would have thought the same thing and felt thankful Carl had such good business sense. Now I want to kill the man. Thank fuck for Lou trusting me enough to arm me with the right information.

  His blood boiled, and it took everything in him not to tell Connie to transfer the call to Carl so that he could tell him the fuck off. Instead, he needed to keep a level head. Lou was right about one thing, tipping their hand would endanger others. What the hell did you see, Henri, that made you disappear?

  “Yeah, Connie. Carl’s a real stand-up guy.”

  “Did you want to talk to him? He’s in your office now working on some contract he said needed attention.”

  “No. Actually, can you do me a favor?”

  “Of course, Mr. Watson.”

  “Don’t tell anyone we spoke.”

  “Okay. Is there a problem?” she asked.

  He needed to sell this one big. “No. I just don’t want Carl to think I’m checking up on him. You know, it might shoot down his confidence.”

  He could tell by the tone of Connie’s voice that she agreed. “Mr. Watson, I think you’re right. I won’t say a word to anyone.”

  Good. But I plan to. Hanging up the phone Ryan sent a text to Lou and Collins on the SAT phone. He provided all the information he just learned. Don, you better be right about that place.

  He didn’t expect much in a response from those two, but a bit more would’ve been nice. Just a one-word text. “Roger.” Translation. We’re not telling you what we’re doing. Although these guys were nearly impossible to deal with, he knew they were probably his only hope for any of them making it out alive.

  Chapter Ten

  Sissie stormed up the stairs. She couldn’t believe Lou couldn’t handle things for one morning while she was at the ranch enjoying holding Casey’s new baby girl. Just a few hours of forgetting everything. Was that really so darn much to ask for?

  It seemed to be because as she swung the door open, her jaw almost dropped. Lou stood, holding a mop and bucket. She looked at the floor, which was covered in some type of liquid. What a mess. “What happened?”

  “Guess you ladies left so quickly that you forgot to shut off the sink upstairs.”

  Sissie wasn’t going to argue that they’d flown out the door in excitement, but she didn’t make such errors. Actually being an owner of a business, she always double-checked things. Since she was the last one out the door, she knew Donna hadn’t left anything on either. Was someone in my apartment? Left with an uneasy feeling, she resisted the urge to run upstairs and check. Not going there alone.

  With all the recent activity, she’d become accustomed to carrying her gun with her. Knowing she was traveling with McLean, she’d left it behind. In my bedroom where God knows who has seen it or taken it? Darn it! Then she realized Lou would’ve already gone upstairs to shut off the water. He most definitely would’ve noticed someone there and would be cleaning up blood not water.

  Sissie looked above where Lou was soaking up the water. Even though it was a wood ceiling, she knew there should be some sign of moisture on the planks if not actual droplets there. There was nothing except a few cobwebs clinging to the rafters. She made a mental note to clean those later but quickly deduced things weren’t what they appeared to be. What game are you playing, Lou? Why did you need me back here so urgently?

  Since he wasn’t saying anything to her, the urgent matter mustn’t be so important after all. Sissie debated calling him out on it immediately, but she took a second look at the floor. She might as well let him finish cleaning his mess first. If things weren’t already bad enough, she didn’t need her wood floor getting warped, for no damn good reason.

  Although she wanted it cleaned up quickly, helping him wasn’t gonna happen. Instead, she walked around the bar and grabbed herself a cold bottle of water. Coffee was her drink of choice, but caffeine and her wasn’t a good mix lately. Her nerves were jittery enough. I don’t like this feeling, but I’m not sure it’s ever gonna go away. What was troubling her had disappeared briefly when she was at the Nash ranch. Seeing the new baby and thinking of good things for the future had filled Sissie with hope and joy. Now back at the Sass, the weight of the world seemed to be consuming her. Guess Lou’s gonna be pilin’ on more when he’s done.

  Sissie decided to take a seat at one of the tables between Lou and the entrance. It provided her the best view of his work. If nothing else, he’s washing the floor. Pointing to the right, she said, “You missed a spot.” Lou didn’t bother looking in her direction and must’ve picked up on her teasing tone. You take the fun out of everything.

  It took Lou a few minutes to get the remainder of the water mopped up and the cleaning supplies put away. She figured once he was finished, he’d finally make his way to her and kindly provide her with an explanation as to why he dragged her back to the Sass under false pretenses. Instead, he went back to work behind the bar as though she wasn’t sitting there staring at him. Well then. Guess I’m gonna have to drag it out of him.

  Grabbing her empty bottle of water, Sissie got up and was just about to confront him when she heard the door open. It was too early for patrons as they didn’t open for business until eleven. Turning around, she saw Ryan taking long strides toward her. And I think the real reason just walked in. Darn it guys, wouldn’t the truth have been easier than messing with my floors?

  “Y’all couldn’t have come up with something better than that?” Ryan looked at Lou then looked at her. She wasn’t buying his acting any more than Lou’s. Putting her hands on her hips, she said, “Don’t be lookin’ all innocent. I wasn’t born yesterday.”

  Ryan didn’t even try to deny it. Instead, he bent down and placed a sweet, gentle kiss upon her lips. Well, that’s one way to shut me up. She smiled up at him. And I like your tactic.

  It’d be nice to think Lou was just playing matchmaker with her and Ryan. Goodness knows I’d have pulled something like this to get a couple together. Yet, Lou wasn’t that type of guy. I don’t think he knows the word romance. That meant something was wrong, and she needed to find out fast. Just pull the Band-Aid off and tell me.

  Letting go of Ryan wasn’t as easy as she thought. And the conversation she wanted to have, didn’t require an audience either. “Not quite the explanation I was looking for, but it’s a good start.” Sissie gave him a playful wink then took his hand and led him upstairs. She felt even more confident on each step. She knew her chances of standing her gro
und and demanding the truth from Ryan was better on her turf.

  As she turned the knob, she remembered she really should start locking her door. First I’d have to put locks on it. Although she was used to doing everything herself, she wouldn’t mind a handsome man like Ryan taking charge once in a while and doing some of these things for her. What am I thinking? This is not that type of guy. He probably pays someone to do things like this for him.

  When she opened the door, she almost slammed it shut again. What was I thinking? She’d never had him in her apartment before. It wasn’t much to look at, as she really didn’t spend much time up there except to sleep. “Maybe we should talk—”

  “Here sounds perfect.” Ryan nudged her forward so he could enter.

  Sissie looked quickly around and was thankful she’d kept the place neat. Letting his hand go, she walked over to the coffeepot, grabbed a coffee pod and made a cup. So much for staying off caffeine. Without turning she asked, “Sugar and cream?” She could feel him right behind her. Her hands trembled, and she had no idea why. It wasn’t as though they were touching. Just knowing you’re near is enough to throw off my senses.

  He reached around her, took the cup out of her hand, and said softly near her ear, “We need to talk.”

  Ryan’s tone sent a chill through her. It wasn’t seductive like she wished, but the effect on her was the same. Taking a long breath, she slowly turned and faced him. She’d hoped to see the softness in his eyes as well. She didn’t. There was something very wrong, and he was here to break the news. Was he here to tell her about Jack? Because she’d already been delivered that blow. Lou had told her no one would be told. Does he somehow know? How when I’m not supposed to? She couldn’t think of any other reason for his serious expression. She knew it wasn’t Donna because she was with her when Lou called and put this pathetic plan in motion. Leaning against the counter to steady her for whatever blow was about to come her way, she said, “Okay, let’s talk.”

  “Why don’t we sit?” Ryan suggested.

  Sissie brushed past him and took a seat at the kitchen table. She looked up and waited for him to do the same. Instead, Ryan paced the room as though he wasn’t sure what he wanted to say. She was normally good at getting people to open up to her. If someone had something on their mind and needed a sounding board, she was it. She could decipher what they said, opposed to what they purposely left out. Heck, she could even read the impenetrable Mark Collins. It was an uncanny gift or curse, depending on the situation. Ryan, on the other hand, wasn’t as easy as most. It was as though she was picking up her own emotions rather than his.

  One thing she’d figured out about pushing him, it might just do the opposite of what she was hoping for. The truth. The silence was too much. “Please, Ryan, tell me.”

  He met her gaze, and she knew he saw the anxiety building within her. Finally, he took the seat opposite from her. “It’s . . . complicated.”

  She didn’t expect anything less. Her easygoing life was no more. “So why don’t you start, and I’ll ask when I don’t understand what you’re saying?”

  Ryan nodded. “We need to leave here.”

  Well, that’s blunt. She waited, but he didn’t say anything more. “I really thought there’d be a bit more than that to start.” Like why? “Maybe I can ask the questions, and you answer.”

  Ryan nodded, but she could see his hesitation. “There are things I won’t be able to comment about,” he answered firmly.

  “I expect that.” I don’t like it, but I didn’t think I’d get the entire story. Actually, I’m surprised you’re here tryin’ to share anything with me. Sissie didn’t want to guess what that meant, given where their relationship had progressed to. All they had was the here and now. It wasn’t as though they could have anything real anyway. They came from two different worlds. He was a well-known business tycoon, and she liked her simple life. Just stay focused on facts. Dreaming isn’t a luxury I can afford. “Why do you and Donna need to leave? Did something happen?” That provided him with the perfect opportunity to tell her about Jack. He didn’t.

  “Not just me and Donna. You as well.”

  She wasn’t prepared to be included in that mix. Sissie wanted to change the subject and dive more into why he wanted her to go with them. But the look on his face said something big happened. Or was about to. She needed to know what that was first.

  “And once again, why?”

  “There is a threat that makes it unsafe to stay.”

  That wasn’t news to her. That reality was a slap in the face when she learned Jack had been killed. From what she could tell, Ryan wasn’t aware of his death. Then again, he seems to know more than I do right now. “You mean everyone here or—”

  “Donna and . . . you.”

  Me? “Ryan, I understand why they would want Donna. She’s your daughter, and they could use her to get to you.” I’m sure there’d be one heck of a ransom on her. “Why on earth would I be in danger? I own a bar in a town most of the world doesn’t even know exists. I’m no one important.”

  His eyes peered into hers as though touching her soul. “You’re important to me.”

  Her heart almost stopped. They were words she’d dreamed of hearing. If times were different, she’d get off her chair, sit on his lap, and kiss him until neither of them could breathe. But this was a serious conversation and not one about their wants and desires, never mind any feelings they may have for each other.

  Hating to let go, she pushed aside the warm feelings that were flowing through her and focused on the one that needed to be addressed now. The threat. Sissie knew things were bad when Lou told her about Jack. She wasn’t sure how much worse they could’ve become.

  Ignoring his comment, she said, “Where do you think you can go that is actually safer than here with Mark’s team watching us?” There was no question, Honeywell needed their protection. Even then, it wasn’t enough to save Jack.

  “An undisclosed location.”

  The protective wall she held around her heart started creeping up again. “Meaning you won’t tell me.” If he couldn’t trust her, then she wasn’t going to trust him.

  Ryan shook his head. “I can’t tell you because I don’t know myself.”

  Doubt filled her. She knew that might sound plausible coming from many people, but not him. Ryan was someone who controlled everything. Look what he did to Donna. That’s not going to happen to me. “You want me to go with you to a place that you’re told is safe, but neither of us know where it is? Do you think that’s wise? It scares the crap out of me. Honeywell might not be totally safe, but at least I know people here. We have each other’s back.” This place was more than just a town. They were her friends. They’re like family.

  “Sissie, I know this doesn’t seem to make any sense, bu—”

  “You’re right. It doesn’t. Nothing does anymore, Ryan. Not one darn thing.” Not even us.

  He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. She found his strong fingers comforting. She’d always taken care of herself. Sissie couldn’t remember the last time she had someone wanting to care for her. She had friends like Jack who she could’ve called on at any time, but she never had. Sissie had a wall around her that no one saw. Except for you, Ryan. You seem to see what no one else does. How is that? How is it you know what I need even if I don’t know myself?

  She was frustrated with herself for considering lowering her walls of independence and leaning on him. She’d been this way for so long she couldn’t change now, especially for a man who could never be hers.

  She turned her hand, and their fingers entwined. All she wanted was to have Ryan hold her and never let go. Why now? Where were you ten or twenty years ago? Or heck even a year ago when my life was so much simpler. Their conversation was far from over, but she didn’t want to go back to the ugly reality of what her life was becoming.

  “Sissie, I wish I could tell you everything will be all right. This is bigger than either of us can imagine
.”

  “I get that, but I need to know what we’re facing. How else can I protect myself from it if I don’t know?”

  “Let me protect you.”

  “Then start by tellin’ me the truth. What happened, Ryan?” She was considering leaving with him, but only if he opened up to her. If not, she’d take her chances here. On my terms.

  “I’m not supposed to talk to anyone about this.”

  “Then my answer is no. I won’t go.” She pulled her hand away from his. This wasn’t something she was willing to compromise on. He reached for her hand again, but she put them on her lap.

  “Please, Sissie, you have no idea what—”

  “And that’s why I can’t go.” Sissie’s hands squeezed so tightly it hurt.

  Ryan stood up quickly and knocked the chair over. “I’m not leaving you here,” he growled.

  Oh no, you didn’t. She stood, trying to make herself as tall as she could. He still towered over her. “Then I guess you’re stayin’ ’cause I ain’t goin’,” she barked back.

  He ran his hand through his hair. “I’m doing this for your own good.”

  “Your heart might be in the right place, but your actions ain’t doin’ it for me,” Sissie stated firmly.

  “You’re so damn stubborn.”

  Ryan wasn’t lying about that. “Been this way for fifty years. I ain’t about to change now just because you think you know what’s best for me.”

  “This is what’s best. Not just for you, but for—”

  “Donna?”

  Ryan walked up to her, his tone softer, and said, “All of us.”

  It touched her heart seeing how devoted he was to Donna. No one could question his love for her. He had a big heart he didn’t let show often. She wondered if there was room in there for her. Either way, being included with him and Donna deflated her anger. That didn’t mean she was going to submit to his request and ignore her own needs. “Then treat me as though I’m part of this instead of . . . someone whose opinion you don’t value.”