by Chloe Lang
“Two Homeless Men Wait Tables At Norma’s Diner for Food.”
As she continued to read, she thought about the Rolexes Lance and Chuck had put in their pockets yesterday when they’d helped wait tables at the diner. “A bake sale? Oh my God.”
She grabbed her cell to call Carlotta. This needed to be cleared up quickly. No answer. She jumped to her feet and headed to the bathroom to get ready.
So much for my leisurely morning.
She had to get to the diner and set the record straight. Lance and Chuck weren’t homeless.
I know they are rich.
* * * *
Lance rushed into the diner with Chuck right behind.
“You’re early. Very good.” Carlotta wore a white turban on her head and a red silk scarf around her neck. She sat at a table with a crystal ball in front of her.
“We need to talk.”
“Yes, vee do, but not yet.” She pointed to the dozen vases of roses on the counter and shook her finger. “Sit and be quiet.”
Lance hoped to explain the mix-up about his and Chuck’s financial situation. “But—”
“Quiet. Da spirits are here, and I don’t vant dhem to be disturbed. I vill read you now. Sit.” She closed her eyes and ran her hands around the crystal ball, never quite touching it.
As she began to hum, he and Chuck sat down. They looked at each other and shrugged. The explanations would have to wait.
“Your hearts are so big, young men. I know you like sveet Danielle, but to use all your tip money for dhese roses vas so foolish.”
Lance realized Carlotta believed that was how two supposed homeless men had purchased the flowers. “About that—”
“No talking, please. The vibrations are very sensitive at the moment.” The sweet woman opened her eyes and stared into the crystal ball. “Ah. Da spirits tell me dhat you belong vith her.” Her gaze lifted to them. “A single rose vould’ve sufficed.”
Lance knew it was way past time to let her know about his and Chuck’s fortune, but before he could, Carlotta’s attention returned to the ball. Her eyes widened. “This is very odd.”
Lance was completely intrigued. “What? What do you see?”
“I see you and Chuck sitting on piles of gold.” She smiled, covering the crystal with her silk scarf. “Boys, you might consider buying a lottery ticket. Dis must be your lucky day.”
Danielle rushed in, looking so beautiful. Her face was flushed. Behind her came a man.
“Brandon, take a seat over dhere. I need to talk privately vith Danielle and dhese men.”
He nodded, sliding into one of the booths.
Lance wondered who the guy was and why he was with Danielle. He spotted a wedding ring on Brandon’s finger, putting him at ease.
Before he or Chuck could speak, Danielle started talking so rapidly, her words were running together. “Carlotta, this is my fault. They aren’t but Michael is friends and they are, too.”
“Slow down, child.” Carlotta grinned. “Take a breath.”
“I spilled tea on them and they started to help me.”
The more she rambled, the more he wanted to sweep her up in his arms and kiss her.
“Another breath, young lady.”
“And they don’t need this job. Not one bit. Don’t you see, Carlotta?”
They all laughed.
Carlotta took off her turban. “I don’t understand a dhing, Danielle, you’ve said. Da spirits speak more clearly dhan you do, my dear.”
“Let me explain.” Lance told Carlotta how the mix-up happened.
“So you agreed to come vork for me so you could be close to Danielle? Is dhat da real reason?”
Danielle smiled, which pleased him very much.
“We didn’t lie, Carlotta.” Chuck was trying to worm his way out of this mess. “Plus, you’re a tough negotiator. You’d made up your mind we were going to work for you, and it was hard to tell you no. I would love to have you on my side of the table the next time I buy a company.”
“Maude vill be so disappointed to cancel da bake sale. It vould be silly to have it for two rich fellows like yourself.”
“Don’t cancel it, Carlotta.” Lance thought the good intentions of the ladies should be rewarded. “Surely there’s another charity the money could go to. Chuck and I will double whatever the ladies auxiliary collects.”
“That’s a great idea, buddy.” Chuck turned to Carlotta. “We will also write another check for our own foundation, which benefits orphans and the homeless, in the name of the citizens of Wilde. It’s the least we can do for all the confusion we’ve caused.”
“Excellent idea, young man. I’ll see to it dhat a retraction is in tomorrow’s paper. Too bad. I could’ve used a couple of good workers like yourselves at my diner.”
Danielle giggled. “Anna and I have it covered. I don’t want to split tips with these two rich guys. You understand.”
“I see how you look at them, child. You’re not telling the truth.” Carlotta laughed. “The spirits saw it all. Look what these gentlemen sent you.”
Danielle turned and looked at the roses on the counter. “How did I miss them?”
“You vere in a rush, that’s how.” Carlotta stood and grabbed up her crystal ball. “Brandon, come forward. I’m ready to talk vith you.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Da spirits have told me dhat Lance and Chuck are to take over you and your brothers’ duties as Danielle’s bodyguards.”
Lance didn’t like the sound of that one bit. “Bodyguards? Why does she need bodyguards?”
Brandon studied him and Chuck for a moment. “You’re the homeless guys, right?”
“Actually they’re billionaires.” Michael walked in through the front door with Harry. “What did I miss?”
“Carlotta says these two are going to take over the bodyguard duty for Danielle,” Brandon said. “You know them?”
“Yes, and you can trust them. Brandon Champion, this is Lance Archer and Charles Covington.”
“He goes by Chuck now, Michael. Da spirits are telling me that Danielle, Lance, and Chuck need a moment alone.” She looked at Brandon, Michael, and Harry. “Gentlemen, come vith me. I have a freshly baked apple pie that just came out of da oven.”
Brandon walked up to Lance and Chuck. “Since Michael has vouched for you and since Carlotta says the spirits have, too, I’ll enjoy a slice of her pie. After you finish talking to Danielle, I’ll fill you in on what to expect being her bodyguards.”
“No.” Danielle took a deep breath. “I will tell them about the cartel.”
“Cartel?” Lance was ready to do whatever he must to make sure she remained safe.
“The whole story is on page two of WOW,” Harry said. “I guess none of you got past the first page.”
“Time for dessert, gentlemen.” Carlotta’s tone was firm.
“I knew this was my lucky day.” Michael rubbed his hands together.
Harry shook his head. “Shouldn’t we be getting on the road?”
“You’re right, honey.” Michael turned to Carlotta. “When we get back Monday, can I have some pie then?”
The sweet woman smiled broadly. “Vhy don’t I box up a couple of pieces and you and Harry can take dem vith you?”
“Thank you.” Michael leaned forward and kissed Carlotta on the cheek. “You’re a doll.”
“So I’ve been told many times.”
“Danielle, Lance and Chuck are great guys.” Michael was a very good friend. “Give them a chance.”
“Mmm.” Danielle grinned. “Maybe you should start a dating service, Mr. Matchmaker.”
“I’d be fantastic at it. Bye. See you on Monday.” Michael took the to-go box and left out the front door, Harry following close behind.
“Da spirits are getting restless, Brandon. Lance and Chuck need to ask Danielle a question. To da kitchen. Now.”
“I’ve never been much of a believer in this kind of thing,” Lance told the dear lady. “But you’re sh
owing me I might need to reconsider.”
“That’s da spirit.”
Carlotta and Brandon went into the kitchen, allowing Lance and Chuck some privacy with the woman he couldn’t get enough of.
“Thank you for the flowers, guys. You went a little overboard.”
“First things first.” Lance wanted to hear the entire story of why she needed bodyguards. “Tell us about the cartel thing.”
“It’s not as big a deal as everyone is making it.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Chuck stated flatly. “We want to hear everything.”
What she told them filled Lance with rage, but he quickly shoved it down. Drug lords weren’t to be taken lightly, especially when they thought you had their money. She needed his protection, his and Chuck’s, and that was exactly what he was going to give her.
“I want to talk to your sheriff.” Lance needed all the details on the cartel. “We have some powerful friends that might be able to help.”
“Now, you guys are blowing this up too much. No. I don’t want you talking with the sheriff. Please.”
“For now, it can wait.” He knew Chuck would never wave a white flag of surrender. “But only for now.”
“We are taking over being your bodyguards, though.” Lance locked his eyes on her. “That’s final. No arguments.”
“My friend Shelby will appreciate getting her husbands back at home.” Danielle smiled. “Okay. It’s a deal. For now.”
“We’re sorry for the trouble we caused yesterday.” He grabbed her hand, knowing they’d come on with their old lines. Danielle was more than a conquest to him now. She needed him. He hadn’t felt this way about any woman before. Could she be the one for him? For him and Chuck?
Chuck took her other hand. “We got off on the wrong foot. I hope you will forgive us.”
“It’s fine. You were great. I shouldn’t have spilled the tea on you.”
“It’s settled. We will be your bodyguards going forward.” He gazed into her gorgeous eyes. “But will you go out with us?”
* * * *
Danielle knew she shouldn’t get involved with anyone because she’d always had to look over her shoulder. What harm would a single date be? They were both so handsome, fun, and very nice. “I guess we could go to dinner, if that’s all right with you.”
“You just made my day.” Chuck’s sexy, steamy charisma was intoxicating. “Are you working today?”
“Yes. This afternoon is when I start. I won’t be getting off until after midnight. I just rushed over here to try to clear things up with Carlotta. Apparently, the spirits beat me to it.”
They laughed. She liked the sound of their laughter. It was deep and contagious.
Carlotta walked back into the dining room. “Danielle, I just received a message from the spirits.”
That sent her and the two guys into a fit of hysterics.
Her boss smiled. Danielle cared deeply for the woman. “Calm down, children, and listen. Dis is very important.”
“Sorry, ma’am.” Lance wiped his eyes.
Danielle couldn’t get over how easy it was to laugh with him and Chuck. They put her at ease the second she was near them.
“Nothing to be sorry about, young man.” Carlotta turned to her. “As I was saying, da spirits came to me and told me to give you da night off. Dey told me it is very important I do dis. And you know vhat else dey told me? I must pay you anyvay.”
“Carlotta, I cannot let you do that.”
“I have never argued vith da spirits, and I don’t intend to start now, young lady.”
Chuck turned to Danielle. “Sounds like you are free tonight.”
“How about dinner this evening?” Lance asked.
She grinned at Carlotta. “I better not upset the spirits.”
“Now you are talking,” the woman said. “Go, child. Have fun.”
“You were listening at the door, weren’t you?”
“Danielle, a psychic never tells her secrets. Professional courtesy, you understand.”
Suddenly, the front door opened and in walked two men, carrying more vases of roses in every color imaginable.
“My goodness.” Carlotta smiled and shook her head. “Put them with the others, gentlemen.” She turned to Lance and Chuck. “Dese men aren’t from Vilde.”
“No,” Chuck answered. “The florist here only had that first batch, but we wanted to send more. So we called the other towns close to here.”
“We wanted to impress Danielle,” Lance offered.
“A single rose would’ve done that, guys,” she told them, gazing at the roses on the counter. “Thank you. I’ve never gotten flowers before. And certainly not this many.”
“I told you two. A single rose vould’ve been just fine.” Carlotta winked. “You children have fun tonight.”
Fun? Danielle had been running from her past for so long she’d never stopped to have fun. “I better get home and get ready for our date. The Horseshoe Bar and Grill has incredible burgers. Or we could eat here.”
“Leave the night up to us to plan.” Lance squeezed her hand, sending a shiver up and down her spine.
“Okay. Let me say good-bye to Carlotta first. Then we can go.” Time for some fun. Another shiver rolled through her. It’s only dinner. She went into the kitchen.
Sitting at the employee table in the back, Brandon was finishing his slice of pie. “Everything okay, Danielle?”
“Relax. I’m fine.” She turned to her boss. “Carlotta, I won’t argue about tonight, but I will be here for my shift in the morning.”
The sweet lady smiled. “Ve vill see how your evening goes before vee decide.”
“You’re too much. We’re going on a date. Dinner. That’s the chance they get.” She actually was hoping for a wonderful evening with the two sexy men.
Carlotta and Brandon followed her back into the dining room.
“I’m ready to go.” She headed to the door.
Brandon leaned against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “Take good care of her, fellows.”
Lance turned to him. “Absolutely.”
Chuck nodded.
They were right behind her as they walked out of the diner.
As she stepped onto the sidewalk, she heard tires screeching.
Looking up, she saw a black sedan heading straight for her.
This is it. This is how I die.
Suddenly, Lance and Chuck pulled her out of the way.
The car swerved back onto Main Street.
Four men were inside, all wielding guns.
One of the bastards threw a brick her direction.
Brandon ran out the door, stopping to fire his gun. He was too late. The car turned onto the highway and sped away.
Chapter Six
Chuck lifted Danielle up in his arms. She was trembling like a leaf. I just found her and almost lost her. “Are you alright?”
With her arms around his neck, she nodded. “I’m okay, just a little shaken.”
“You’re going to be fine. I promise.” Lance’s face had an air of determination that Chuck hadn’t seen in a very long time.
“I’m so glad you both were here.” She sighed. “I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if you hadn’t been.”
Chuck lowered her to her feet, scanning every person and car nearby.
Lance put his arm around her. “We were here, Danielle, and I’m not leaving your side until I can be certain you will be safe.” Obviously, his friend was already falling for Danielle, too.
Chuck picked up the brick that had been flung from the car. “There are rubber bands around this. Looks like a note of some kind.” He turned to Brandon. “This cartel thing is more serious than I imagined.” He freed the piece of paper and held it up. “That was them, right?”
“Without a doubt. Did anyone catch the license plate number?”
“I did, Brandon. It vas an Arizona plate.” Carlotta held up a piece of paper. “I vrote it down just now.” She handed it
to Brandon.
Brandon read the paper. “Quick thinking, Carlotta. Dad can use this.”
“I’m not just a pretty face, young man. I’ve got a brain, too.” The woman’s voice trembled, clearly trying to shake off what had just happened.
Lance walked up to stand next to Brandon. “Chuck, what does the note say?”
His gut tightened as he read the message. “Dear Ms. Glass, we know you have our money. Consider this a warning. Return what is ours in forty-eight hours or suffer the consequences.”
“This is a nightmare.” Danielle shook her head, clearly in a state of disbelief. “A total nightmare.”
“My God, dey know her name.”
Lance grabbed Danielle’s hand. “You’re not alone in this.”
Chuck handed the note to Brandon. “Do you recognize that symbol at the bottom of the page? I’ve never seen it before.”
It was a circle with three lines running vertically through it.
“It’s the cartel’s calling card. Not sure what it means except it’s how they identify their territory. You’ll see it on walls, on buildings, and fences throughout the Southwest. We need to go see my dad,” Brandon said. “All of us. He’ll want to take our statements.”
“First, vee take Danielle to Dr. Champion. I vant her checked out thoroughly. She might’ve hurt herself getting out of da vay of dat car.”
“No, Carlotta. Alex spent the entire night in his car outside my place as my bodyguard. He’s exhausted. Really, I’m fine.” Danielle had a ton of courage, which he couldn’t get over. “Because of Lance and Chuck, I’m perfectly fine. I don’t want to waste time. I want to get this to Sheriff Champion right now.”
Carlotta nodded. “As you vish, child.”
Chuck turned to Brandon. “I want to find out everything the sheriff knows.”
“And you will. Dad will certainly want to brief you about everything since you and Lance are taking over as Danielle’s bodyguards.”
Lance put his arm around her. “A slight detour from our plans for tonight, but a necessary one.”
“I agree.” The worry on her face crushed him.
Chuck touched her on the shoulder. “We will make sure you are safe. I swear.”
