“Nonsense. For a pretty lady like you, I’ll make all the time in the world.”

  “I don’t think you have any issues with the ladies.”

  I’ll be damned if he didn’t blush. “They’re just gold diggers.”

  He was adorable and this time I did laugh. “Maybe so.”

  He plopped his folded hands on the surface of his desk. “So, what do you think of my little place?”

  “Very… quaint.”

  His laugh was heartfelt. “I know there needs to be some updates, but I do have a new computer system installed, not that I’ve been forced to learn to use it, but it’s state of the art. I have almost three thousand patients, most of which come to me on a regular basis. I get to make my own hours, enjoying a longer lunch. And I have terrific views. What more do you need in a profession?” His eyes were twinkling.

  “Well, since you put it that way.”

  I adored the sound of his laughter. He pulled out a file and I sensed he’d been certain I’d take whatever the deal was. Or maybe I was his only potential buyer. Either way, he opened the file and started going over all the figures. For an old-timey doctor, he certainly had everything in order. His excellent financials were all there, as well as a layout of the building including the original plans and what he’d done to renovate the building. He had receipts from recently purchased medical equipment and full documentation on the computer system he’d purchased.

  He was dead serious about selling.

  The terms were more than fair. In fact, I’d be an idiot if I didn’t seriously consider purchasing his practice.

  The only issue was that my money had been tied up by Joel. The bastard would stop at nothing to keep me from having a new life. Yes, I could ask Esme for a down payment, but I really didn’t want to possibly burn my friendship. “I think you’ve done an amazing job building a practice. I just don’t know if I can swing it. My past is haunting me. I might not have any money until it’s no longer tied up in the courts.”

  Maybe it was small town life or the fact the doctor had been witness to others having difficulty, but he placed his hand on my arm. I tensed from the light touch.

  “I’m certain we can work something out.”

  “I don’t take charity.”

  “Trust me, I won’t give it to you. One of my daughters was just like you, hungering for more in the big world, including romance. She didn’t think she could find it in Danger Falls. When she moved to San Francisco, I supported her decision, but I knew she’d never find happiness. Sadly, I was right. Sometimes you find happiness where you least expect or want it.”

  “Was your daughter a doctor?”

  His features softened, his eyes reflecting his adoration of his daughter. “Just like her old man. I was so proud.”

  “Is she thriving?” I was hopeful with his answer, but I could instantly tell the subject was a sad one.

  “No, Bella. She fell in love with a man who wasn’t good for her.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He sat back, looking out the window in his office instead of at me. “She was a bright shining star snuffed out by a man who didn’t love her.”

  “What happened?”

  His words hit me harder than I’d anticipated.

  “He killed her.”

  The sun was no longer bright in the sky as twilight approached, the darkening atmosphere matching my sinking mood. I’d spent more time with Doctor Welby than I’d thought, enjoying watching him with a patient after looking around the place.

  The filing system was antiquated, but with some time spent by hiring a college kid, the computer system could be up and running in no time. It had everything a growing clinical practice could want, including patient appointment reminders.

  As I headed to my SUV, I found myself dipping my head when people passed. They continued waving or saying hello, but I felt more like a stranger than I had before.

  Or maybe I was just more cognizant of my surroundings, constantly tugging the lapel of the jacket closer to my neck. So few people understood how a person’s life could change so quickly, going from hope for the future to broken glass shattered by violence and anger.

  I felt that more today than I had before. Maybe I’d finally come down from a hopeful high in my attempt to navigate through the muck that my life had become. The doctor’s anguish weighed as heavily on my mind as Jagger’s former life and experiences. I was no longer certain I was the strong woman I’d built myself up to be.

  Making tough choices was more difficult than I’d believed. So much so I was numb inside. However, decisions were vital if I wanted to regain control of my life.

  “Ms. Winters.”

  The voice was one I didn’t recognize and I immediately bristled. As I turned around, I was somewhat shocked to see a man in uniform. A sheriff’s uniform to be exact. “Yes? Is there something I can do for you?”

  The man was older, maybe in his late sixties, his law enforcement uniform somewhat ill fitting. While he wore a smile, his eyes reflected the intent for malice. I knew the look well. I could write a paper on staring down a person with malevolent eyes. He scanned the street before walking closer. “I thought I’d offer you a piece of advice.”

  A fresh breath of anger washed through me. My instincts were still working pretty well. He had no intention of offering me solid recommendations.

  He was prepared to offer a warning.

  At least I hadn’t lost all my feisty personality. I folded my arms and purposely closed the distance between us. “Well, sure, Sheriff. I do so love locals who don’t know shit about me trying to guide my existence in this beautiful little town. Go for it.”

  I could tell he was surprised my tone was biting. So what? I was finished with being told what to do.

  He took his time, acting as if what he was about to tell me was gospel. “My advice is to get out of town when you can.”

  Admittedly, I hadn’t planned on laughing, but since I’d never met him, I wondered why he felt compelled to assert whatever authority he had. “I’m curious, Sheriff. Why?”

  “You seem like a nice girl, Bella, although it’s obvious you’re hiding a dubious past. Everyone knows that.”

  “There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t harbor some dark secrets. I have a feeling you have more than one.”

  The man didn’t like my answer, his entire face darkening more than his eyes had before. “I know you’re shacking up with Jagger Fox. You should learn to choose your companions more wisely. The man is bad news.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because he’s killed people. Lots of innocent people.”

  “Haven’t you, Sheriff?” As before, he was put off by my question.

  His anger exploded and even though he was fighting to keep from making a scene, he threw his index finger in front of my face. “If you don’t want your entire life destroyed, I suggest you heed my advice. You have a little girl to consider.”

  I’d been challenged so many times by arrogant pricks who thought they were holier than thou that my reaction was second nature and done without thinking. I was in his face, only a few centimeters away. The man was repulsive, his strong aftershave disgusting. While parts of my body were shaking, I refused to allow him to know he’d bothered me to any degree.

  “I suggest you back off, Sheriff. I’m not the wayward waif you might believe I am. I can take care of myself and the people I care about, including Jagger Fox. And especially my daughter. No one will ever try and hurt them, or I will retaliate. And no, that’s not a threat. That’s a promise.”

  He took a deep breath, but it took him a few seconds to do so. “Be very careful, Ms. Winters. I have family in Baltimore. But you should really be careful of Jagger. The man is a true monster.”

  The last threat stole my breath. He grinned since he obviously noticed the sudden fear creeping into my system. With that, he backed away, tipping his ugly cowboy-style hat.

  “Have a good day now, Ms. Winters. Just remember what I said.”

  Oh, I would. Only nothing was going to stop me any longer from getting what I wanted.

  At least the asshole helped me make my decision. As he walked away, I took another deep breath of the air in the small town. I deserved happiness. I was more determined than ever that no one was going to derail my world.

  Not for another second.

  CHAPTER 26

  Jagger

  Bella was late.

  No, I hadn’t tried to call her. I’d given her space, which was what she said she needed. More. Fucking. Space.

  Meanwhile, I was ready to burn down the entire town in order to find her.

  I’d been pacing the floor, my mind drifting to the worst possibilities. Had something happened to her?

  The moment the door was thrown open, utter relief flooded through me.

  “What the hell is it with this town?” Bella huffed as soon as she walked inside the front door of the cabin. She walked toward the kitchen with a pie in her hand, grumbling the entire time.

  “Not sure what you mean.”

  “I mean some of the people are amazing, but not all of them.” She’d returned to the room, her entire body as tense as mine.

  All I’d thought about the couple of hours she’d been gone was how to protect her. I’d even put in a call to an old contact, an act I considered one of desperation.

  Or a telling moment I was in extreme danger.

  I’d broken the one rule I’d given myself after leaving my last job: never to contact my handler again. There was far too much bad blood, but my instincts were telling me that Bella’s trouble would soon find her. Since she was still using her old phone, the asshole could have found a way to track her. Or, he might be cunning enough to know she’d use a different name. He had to know her story in that she’d grown up in foster care. What kid who had been didn’t want to learn about why they were given up in the first place?

  My contact had yet to return my call and there was no guarantee he would. I wasn’t well liked in the organization I’d worked for. Maybe because I hadn’t managed to remain a killing drone like they’d wanted.

  Or maybe it was because the man had been a sore loser given I’d won our physical altercation.

  As Xena ran toward her, Cally following, Bella took a few seconds to greet both, her voice changing from the anger I’d heard seconds later. “I missed you guys too.” She was smiling, but I sensed she was not only experiencing fury but also deep concern.

  What the hell had occurred?

  “Mama. We played out in the snow,” Cally said, her little voice excited. “Jagger threw snowballs.”

  Bella gave me an appreciative nod. “He did? That’s wonderful. Do you mind heading up to your room with that furball of yours? Just for a little while.”

  “Okay, Mommy. Jagger said you’re going out tonight.”

  I shook my head and chuckled. Kids couldn’t be trusted with anything.

  “Well, I guess we’ll see about that. Scoot, baby girl.”

  Cally huffed exactly like her mother did when she was frustrated. “O-tay. No fair.”

  Bella waited until Cally was almost all the way up the stairs before approaching. “Going out, huh? I think Cally will like that.”

  “Not with Cally and don’t think you’re getting away from your outburst. What happened?”

  She sighed and took off her jacket, tossing it over the back of the couch. “It seems the sheriff in your little town doesn’t like me too much.”

  “What the hell did he say?” I immediately bristled. If that motherfucker did anything to her, I wouldn’t care he had the law on his side.

  “He acted as if I didn’t belong in this town, telling me that in no uncertain terms. He also acts as if he knows about my life in Baltimore. How is that possible? Oh, who am I kidding. My guess is the smear tactic has already started. Today Joel sent an anonymous threat.”

  I tried to relax, but with Sheriff Young, I wouldn’t put anything past him. “The sheriff is using his hatred of me against you, and remember, your name was on the local news. He’s an asshole.”

  “You’re right. He hates you. He called you a monster.”

  I was.

  The words almost left my mouth. “Don’t mind him. He doesn’t like anyone since his wife ran off with the mailman.”

  At least her face brightened. “You’re kidding me.”

  “No. It was the local week’s gossip when I arrived in town.” Which wasn’t a lie. What I didn’t decide to share with her was that since the mailman had ended up dead only a couple of weeks later, the gossip had gone off the rails. The mailman had died of a heart attack. Some believed it was because of rough sex while others had been certain the guy had been poisoned.

  By the sheriff himself.

  At least it had taken scrutinizing eyes off the Fox brothers’ arrival in town for a little while.

  Did I think Adam Young was capable of murder? You bet. But I’d learned in my years of traveling the world that every single person had a button that if pushed would drive them to doing bad things.

  “Well, he made it clear I should leave.”

  “Are you?”

  She finally relaxed enough that her smile wasn’t forced. “For me to know and you to find out.”

  “I purchased a burner phone today. You might want to think about disconnecting your old one.”

  As she eyed me warily, she nodded. “I’ll think about it. Now, what did you cook up if Cally isn’t going with us? I can’t leave her alone.”

  Her comment was right on cue to a knock on the door. “I took care of that. I think we need some time out of the house.”

  “You? Did you hire a babysitter?”

  “Something like that.” I wasn’t positive I’d done the right thing, but I’d heeded my brother’s advice. Staying cooped up in the house wasn’t good for anyone, least of all Bella. I moved toward the door. My choice in babysitters was meant to be an olive branch of sorts. It surprised me that I’d bothered. Why would I care about whether people got along and there were no hard feelings?

  I opened the door and immediately glanced toward Bella. She was none too thrilled to see Zoe standing in the doorway.

  Zoe immediately sensed the tension, but I encouraged her inside. “If you don’t want me here, Bella, I completely understand.”

  Whether or not Bella blamed Zoe for Cally running away I wasn’t certain. I could easily tell on Bella’s face she wasn’t prepared to place her trust in anyone.

  “This was a mistake.” Zoe started to head for the door. “I just want you to know how sorry I am. I was overwhelmed that night. I feel terrible.”

  “No. It’s fine. Really, Zoe. It wasn’t your fault. The entire scene was chaotic, so much so I’m surprised how amazing you were keeping the other children calm. Cally is fine. She’s a tough little girl,” Bella told her. “It’s just been a few difficult days. Getting out will do me some good. Please stay.”

  I could tell Zoe was relieved as she turned around. “Take your time tonight. I love kids and Cally is such a great little girl.”

  “And I hope you love dogs,” Bella added. “Soon, we might have a menagerie.”

  “Of course.” Zoe pulled two bags from her purse. One contained a few pieces of chocolate and the other dog bones. “I always come prepared.”

  Bella seemed more at ease. “Well, Cally will have fun not being forced to be around her overprotective mother.”

  “I think you’re a great mother and I’ve been around a lot of them.”

  “Thanks for that. Sometimes, I just don’t know.” Bella smiled.

  “Trust me,” Zoe said. “I’ve seen some real wingdings.”

  Bella burst into laughter. “I bet. So, where are we going?” Her smile was more relaxed than before, the look she gave me forcing my balls to tighten almost instantly.

  “Dinner and maybe a hot spot in town. Well, as hot as it can be in Danger Falls, I guess.” My answer surprised me. What did I know about hot spots? Until moving here, I hadn’t been inside anything more than a total dive in over ten years.

  She glanced at me with a funny look on her face, even wrinkling her nose. “Then I guess I’ll dress up.”

  I didn’t want to tell her that almost no one in town bothered to wear anything more than jeans in the winter and shorts in the summer. Maybe the testosterone-filled male inside of me wanted to see what she’d come up with. “Take your time. We’ll leave whenever you’re ready.”

  “Cally’s upstairs in her room. I’ll show you the way. If you don’t mind making her dinner, that would be helpful.”

  “Absolutely.”

  As the two women headed up the stairs, I immediately moved into the kitchen, pulling out my phone. No message from the man I used to trust with my life. Funny how that kind of camaraderie ended when one of the two tried to kill the other. Kirk was many things, including a good friend, but when push came to shove, he’d followed orders.

  Just like I’d been doing for years.

  The organization had mentioned that you couldn’t trust anyone. That had been something I’d reminded myself of more times than I could count. Still, after the dust had settled and the misunderstanding was brought to light, we’d resumed our friendship and he knew he owed me.

  Which was why I continued to be furious. He’d obviously forgotten we’d both left the organization in disgust after learning of their involvement with some unseemly people from other countries.

  It was obvious favors meant nothing.

  There was one more person I could contact, someone who had the muscle, the money, and the soldiers to start a war. He was also one of the most dangerous men in the world. If I asked for his help, I’d owe him a favor.

  It would be well worth it.

  I glanced toward the kitchen doorway before locating the man’s private number.

  While this wasn’t a good idea, I didn’t care. I’d do anything to protect Bella.

  Anything.

  CHAPTER 27

  Bella

  “A country bar?” I asked as we walked to the entrance of the bar. We’d had dinner at a quaint and very quiet Italian restaurant close to where Doc Welby’s clinic was. We hadn’t talked about my past or his, just spending time getting to know each other.