“Me too.” He glanced back at Scarlett. “I’ll call you later.” He walked out the door.

  “My, I do like a man in uniform.” The nurse took Scarlett’s arm so she could check her blood pressure. “He married?”

  “Afraid so.” Scarlett leaned back and closed her eyes while the nurse chattered and checked the dressing on her wound. What if she hadn’t followed Simms and Delgado? Would they be in Mexico by now, planning how they’d come back to finish her? Maybe she’d been foolish following them. It had certainly been dangerous. But she’d done it for peace of mind. Fine. Simms was dead. Delgado locked up tight. So where was the peace?

  At least her pain meds kicked in and Scarlett was just drifting off to sleep when a distant buzzing woke her. Phone. She groped in the nightstand drawer. Aha! Her missing cell phone.

  Still a little out of it, she answered.

  “Ms. Hall?”

  “Yes?”

  “This is Nathan McFee. I’m representing Ramona Delgado.”

  “Representing?” Scarlett wasn’t sure she was fully awake.

  “Her attorney, Ms. Hall. She asked me to call you.”

  “Why?” Scarlett almost dropped the phone. What kind of joke was this?

  “She’d like to speak to you.”

  “You can’t be serious.” Scarlett laughed, the movement hurting her side. “You can tell Ms. Delgado to go straight to hell.”

  “Wait! Don’t hang up.” The lawyer seemed anxious. If he was smart, he was probably afraid of Mona. Surely she couldn’t hurt anyone from jail. Public defender? Or was she somehow paying him big bucks? Didn’t matter.

  “I’m lying in a hospital bed because of your client, Mr. McFee. She has nothing to say that I want to hear. Tell her I’ll see her in court when I testify against her.” Scarlett ended the call and dropped the phone on the bed beside her. What the hell could Mona want? Scarlett knew what she wanted, never to see or hear from that bitch again.

  Breathe. Mona is locked up and can’t get out. Then why was her heart pounding and her stomach queasy?

  Scarlett put a hand on her side. Did the wound feel hot? Was she getting worse? She pressed the call button for the nurse, then picked up the phone again. Ethan. Rhett. She didn’t want to be alone.

  Wait a damn minute. Since when did she need someone to hold her hand? She sure hadn’t had anyone helping her in that storage shed. She took a breath. Shaky. Another one. Better. And the pain meds were kicking in. All right. Yes, she loved her brother. And Ethan. But she didn’t need either one of them right now. She was safe, recovering, and Mike had called her a hero.

  Well, that was a stretch. She’d survived anyway. She lay back on her pillow and closed her eyes. No more nightmares. No more cowering in panic rooms. From now on she was looking ahead to a future without fear. She smiled as she drifted off to sleep.

  * * * *

  Ethan had just put the last thing he thought Scarlett would want into a tote when his phone rang. He really didn’t need this now.

  “Mama, what’s up?”

  “This isn’t your mother, Ethan. It’s Lisa. I’m using her phone.”

  “Why is that? Yours run out of minutes? Don’t you feel even a little guilty for using my mother, Lisa?” Damn it, he had to get this settled and soon. But right now, Scarlett was his priority.

  “Missy used me to get out of that hellhole. Trust me on that. Now, listen. We drove by that bar of yours a while ago. Guess what we saw? A street full of cops. What the hell have you done, Ethan? Turned in your own mama?” Lisa’s voice rose on that last word. “You will sorely regret that, mister.”

  “Turn on the news. Sixth Street is where that killer, Leroy Simms, has been hiding out. If you saw cops, it’s because they were searching for him. Now that he’s dead and his partner in crime has been caught, I’m sure the heat there will die down. Wait and see if it doesn’t.” Ethan’s phone beeped with an incoming call from Scarlett. “Look, I’m getting another call I need to take.”

  “Don’t you dare hang up on me!” Lisa screamed. “I don’t trust you. I don’t believe a word out of your lying mouth.”

  Ethan realized Scarlett’s call had gone to voice mail. Shit. “Lisa, calm down. I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me. Put my mother on the phone.”

  “She is unavailable.” Lisa sniffed. “Both of us are fed up with your stalling. Bring us cash, a lot of it, and we’ll buy our own fake papers. Somewhere else. Maybe Albert will help us.”

  “I wouldn’t count on that. He seems like a nice guy. Honest. What’s he going to say when you tell him you’re changing identities so you can leave the country?” Ethan knew this was all going to shit. He had to arrange a meeting. Lisa had no answer for that, so he plowed ahead.

  “Tomorrow. Meet me in the bar tomorrow. I’ll have what you need. I promise you. Mama had better be there. You sure I can’t talk to her?”

  “She’s passed out. Too much bourbon. You saw how she was drinking. Drowning her sorrows. When you told her you’d be too busy to visit her in her new country, she went down into what we call the black hole of misery.” Lisa laughed. “Yeah, Mama’s got real issues. So drinking is one of the few pleasures she has left, Ethan. Me too. If I can’t get Albert in the sack soon, I’m moving on from him to someone else. You’re right. He’s a nice guy. Maybe too nice for me.” She fumbled with the phone, and Ethan heard her pour a drink.

  “Let me tell you something. Those drugs they gave us in the hospital dulled our appetites for everything except food. That should be a crime, don’t you think? Now that I’m away from that shit, I’m finally feeling it again. Urges. You know what I mean?” She howled, then laughed.

  “I don’t need to hear this, Lisa.” He sure didn’t want to think about it in connection to his mother. “Just agree to meet me in the bar tomorrow at three. I’ll either have the money or the papers. That work for you?”

  “Fine. But all those cops better be gone when we get there or we’re picking another place.” She hung up.

  Ethan dialed Scarlett. “Ethan?” She sounded half asleep.

  “What is it? Everything all right?” He heard her take a breath.

  “I must have rolled over on my phone. I’m sorry. But Mike is gone if you want to come back.” Big yawn. “Any idea how long that will be?”

  “I’m on my way.” He smiled at how dopey she sounded. “Go back to sleep, baby. Let yourself heal. I think I’ve got everything you need here.”

  “You’re everything I need.” She sighed, obviously half asleep. “I love you.”

  “Well, I guess you heard me. I love you too. But we shouldn’t be saying it like this over the phone. I want to say it right next time. Looking into your eyes. See you in a little while.” Ethan ended the call and stuck his phone in his pocket. Love. Yeah, he’d meant it, and he hated that he’d said it so offhandedly in the hospital. Love you. Without the I. He’d heard his sisters when they were teenagers gripe about that. It was a cop-out. Say the three words, Ethan, they’d told him years ago. And not just after sex, but all the time.

  He’d never said those three words. Not to his hookups, that was for sure. No, he’d never said them until he’d held Scarlett while she was almost unconscious from blood loss. He had to do it right next time. But he couldn’t quit smiling. Because she’d said it back. Without hesitation.

  So despite the looming Mama and Lisa confrontation, he was happy as he said good-bye to YoYo, locked Scarlett’s apartment door, and headed to his car. He had a future to look forward to now. Surely Scarlett would be okay that he wasn’t on board with the secret bar thing anymore. With her out of danger, they could plan a different kind of place. Fuel would be a club they could both be proud of. If he wasn’t serving time for aiding and abetting. Because leaning against his Porsche was a tall, dark Texas Ranger with a grim look that meant business.

  Well, hell.

  Chapter Thirty

  Scarlett still was a little weak but glad to be home. YoYo was thrilled to see her, jumping at her feet until she settled on the couch. She noticed everything was in order, with no sign of her nightmare except for new wood framing the front door.

  “Thanks for bringing me home.” She pushed YoYo back when he tried to sit in her lap, wincing when he trod on her stitches. “Down.” Of course he ignored her, but he did settle beside her.

  “I’m surprised Ethan isn’t here.” Rhett brought in the vase of yellow roses. The rest had been donated to other patients at the hospital.

  “He had a special delivery at the bar. I told him to go ahead and take care of it since you’d volunteered to bring me home.” Scarlett knew Ethan was finally handling a confrontation with his mother. She was dying to be there with him, but he’d insisted he had it worked out. No details. Which was driving her crazy. Yes, it was his family. Not her business. But if they were in a relationship… She realized Rhett had probably said something and she’d missed it.

  “What?”

  “I said, you’re still managing, even from your sickbed. It’s his bar, let him handle it.” Rhett set the roses on the kitchen table. “You okay?”

  “Getting there.” She stroked YoYo’s fur and noticed the cut on one ear. That bitch Mona. It was healing, but she’d trimmed the fur unevenly. A trip to the groomer was necessary—and soon.

  “Anna called. She and King are coming back from Boston in a couple of days. I’ll miss this little fellow when she picks him up.” She hugged YoYo. “Mona used him to keep me in line. What a heartless bitch.”

  “Yeah. No doubt about that. Look what she did to you, Ladybug.” Rhett moved over and settled next to her on the couch. “Maybe you can get your own rescue dog after YoYo’s gone. Ethan told me this little guy even bit Delgado trying to protect you.”

  “I didn’t know the pup had it in him.” Scarlett blinked back tears. She refused to start crying at the drop of a hat. No way.

  “I still can’t believe you went after them.” Rhett squeezed her hand. “I would have done the same thing. But Scar, my God, you had to be scared shitless.”

  “I was. But they’d threatened to come back later and finish me. With that hanging over my head, I knew I’d never have a moment’s peace if they got away.” She let go of his hand and stood. “I think I’ll go to bed now. Don’t you have a date with Casey? All I want now is to sleep in my own bed for hours. I’ll see Ethan when he gets done at the bar.”

  “You sure you don’t need me for anything else?” He followed her to her bedroom door.

  “Who fixed the door and cleaned everything? I know Simms wrecked my bathroom and slashed my clothes.” Scarlett held on to the door frame.

  “Your boyfriend sent his contractor over here. Got the door fixed right away. Casey assessed the damage in the bathroom and replaced the broken stuff. We put the clothes that could be salvaged back in the closet and tossed the rest. You’ll need to go shopping. Your closet is looking a little bare.” Rhett kissed her cheek. “Relax. Simms is dead, and Delgado is in a maximum-security cell block. She can’t get out. The DA is trying to work it so you won’t even have to go to court. There are enough charges to put her away for decades.”

  “Good. Right now I can’t imagine testifying. But I will if I have to do it.” Scarlett walked over and looked in her closet. Yes, she needed to shop. When Anna got back, they could have some fun. As soon as she got her strength back.

  “Hey, did you know there was a reward for information leading to Leroy Simms’s capture? Mike says I should get it.” Scarlett grabbed the closet door when a wave of dizziness hit her. She ended up sitting on the side of the bed.

  “Hell, yes, you deserve it. I’ll look into it for you, if you want me to.” Rhett moved into the room. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Tired. Which is stupid. All I did was ride in the car over here and climb the stairs.” She smiled at her brother. “The reward. Yeah, that would be great. He trashed my wardrobe. It would be justice if he paid for it.” Oh, crap, dizzy again. She flopped back on the bed.

  “Take it easy. Maybe I should stay.” Rhett stared down at her. “I’ll get you some juice.”

  “No, don’t bother. I’m going to just fall asleep right here.” She toed off her shoes and let them fall to the floor. “Where’s my phone?”

  “I’ll put it by the bed.” He went back into the living room and returned to set it on her nightstand.

  “Thanks.” Scarlett hadn’t told anyone about the calls from Delgado’s lawyer. She’d finally blocked his number. If he showed up banging on her door, she’d call Mike. No way was she talking to Mona Delgado. But she did want her phone nearby. “I’m set now.”

  “I’ll take off, then. If you’re sure Ethan is coming back, I’ll stay over at Casey’s tonight. Give you and your guy some alone time.” Rhett was watching her from the doorway. “You sure you want to be alone? You still look pale and wobbly.”

  “The doctor said it was natural to feel weak. I have pain pills if I need them in the bag you brought in from the hospital. You might put them in the bathroom for me. Don’t need them yet. So go, take off. Tell Casey thanks for her help. Please. And thanks for bringing me home.” Scarlett closed her eyes. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Okay.” Rhett messed around, putting her pain pills and a glass of water by the bed before he finally left. Best brother ever.

  As soon as she heard his key in the lock, Scarlett bent over with a groan and put on her shoes again. The pain pills beckoned, but she didn’t dare. She knew it was probably not a good idea, but she was desperate to go to the bar. Ethan had told her enough that she knew Mike was going to be there to help Ethan with his mother and her situation. Her guy had been way too vague on details, and it was driving her crazy.

  She loved him. Ethan said he loved her. So this was something she should be able to help with. He’d clearly been worried about this for weeks. He might even face criminal charges for not turning in his mother when she first showed up in Austin. If nothing else, Scarlett could offer moral support. Talk to Mike for him and plead Ethan’s case. She stood and looked for her car keys and purse. By the time she found them on the kitchen bar, she was dizzy again. No, this wouldn’t do. She found some juice in the fridge and drank a glass. That helped.

  Rhett had walked YoYo before he left, so she locked the dog inside the apartment, then wobbled down the stairs. Ridiculous to be so weak. They’d replaced the blood she’d lost and she’d only been in the hospital for two days. No reason to feel this way. Like an invalid. But she held on to the railing and carefully walked down the stairs and to her car, the effort taking a lot out of her. Damn it.

  Getting in her car was surprisingly difficult. She dreaded it. She knew Mike had arranged to have it brought back to her apartment complex after it had been “processed.” Why hadn’t Scarlett locked herself in that day? Stupid beater. When she turned off the key, the doors automatically unlocked, and she hadn’t given them a thought. She’d been so freaked out…

  Her heart was pounding, and it wasn’t easy putting the key in the ignition, but she finally got it done. Mona was in jail. Simms was dead. No one was going to get the drop on her this time. But she locked herself in anyway before she backed out of her parking slot and got on the road. Sweat popped out on her forehead. The effort to leave the apartment and get in the car had taken more out of her than she could have imagined. She turned on the air conditioner and aimed the vent at her face when she saw spots dancing in front of her eyes. Damn it, she didn’t have far to go. She had to pull herself together and do this.

  Luck was with her and traffic was light. The cold air helped her focus and, by the time she pulled into her assigned parking space in the garage, she was feeling better. Ethan’s Porsche was in its usual spot. He was already at the bar. Had his mother arrived? Maybe Scarlett had missed the whole thing.

  The walk across Sixth Street took longer than she remembered. It was hot for April, and she was sweating again by the time she got to the back door in the alley. Which was ajar. That wasn’t good. When she heard raised voices, she stopped and listened.

  * * * *

  Ethan had told Mike everything. It hadn’t been easy. The Ranger had a stone face that made Ethan feel like a criminal. Well, hell, maybe he was. But after spilling his guts to the guy, he felt better. Somehow he knew the big man would help him put things right. Maybe that was naïve of him. But here they were now in his bar, and he had his mother and Lisa in front of him. He’d told Albert to stay away. He hoped his investigator did just that. If Albert lost his PI license over this, that would be just one more thing he’d be guilty of.

  Mike and three of his fellow officers were hidden in the bathrooms. They would help with the takedown. Shit, he hoped no one got hurt doing this.

  “So where are the passports, Ethan?” Lisa was all business.

  His mother had gone straight to the bar. “Leave him alone, Lisa. He said he had them. Look around. He’s made good progress here fixing up the bar. I’m proud of you, son. When can we meet that new manager of yours? And how about the investor? Do I know him?”

  “Mama, please lay off the booze.” Ethan laid a file folder on the bar. He didn’t like the way Lisa was eyeing him. She had that purse of hers clutched in her arms. He knew she had a gun in there.

  “It’s happy hour. Why shouldn’t I have something to drink to celebrate? You have our new identities? The works?” Missy Calhoun laughed. “We’ll be on the road and out of your hair soon. I’d think you would be ready to hoist a few yourself.”

  “And never see my mother again?” Ethan walked over to her. “Mama, that’s the last thing I want.”

  “What are you saying, Ethan.” Lisa stared at him. “You’d better not be backing out of our deal.”

  “Did you really think I’d help you leave the country?” Ethan kept an eye on Lisa and that purse.

 

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