Casey Dawes's Blog, page 12
September 13, 2017
Not a Romance: Wind River
Entry to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation
DH and I decided to escape the smoke a bit and go to the movies. We chose “Wind River,” set on the Native American reservation for the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho (traditional enemies) Native American tribes in Wyoming. It is an excellent movie, but definitely not a romance.
The Montana audience was totally engrossed; absolute silence during some parts of the movie. With seven reservations in the state, most of us know something about Native American life. What I didn’t know was that no statistics are kept for missing Native American women.
Compared to the immediacy of the storms battering our southeastern states and the islands of the Caribbean, this statistic could be something easily swept aside. This stark and compelling movie demands we pay attention. (To read more information about the reality behind “Wind River”, click here.)
It’s not a light movie, but it’s an excellent one.
Tension between races exists in many places. Can love conquer fear and distrust? I explore this issue in Love on the Wind. Get your free copy by clicking the link on the header.
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
August 30, 2017
Creativity and Life
First of all, prayers to all in the Houston, Texas coast and Louisiana coast. Recovery is going to take a long time, and it will need the contribution, in some way, of every American.
It will also need creativity.
[image error]Speared by a free pass into the Canadian parks (Happy 150th Canada!), my DH and I just returned from a week of camping in Banff Park, Canada. There were some interesting times. No one warned us that the train ran all night about 200 yards from the campground. Because of our late reservations, we had to switch sites. Neighbors stared as we calmly walked our fully erected tent down the road.
Why take it down? With a little bit of creativity, we could make our lives easier and provide entertainment at the same time.
Smoke from the fires in an adjoining national forest as well as clouds, made visibility hazy. We could see the mountains, but not with the crispness they often have against a blue sky. We’re both ardent picture takers, but knew we weren’t getting the shots we wanted.
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If far off shots didn’t work, what about close ups. We sat by the edge of one of the Vermilion Lakes. He took about 100 pictures of dragonflies, and I sketched the scene. We captured our moments, which is the point of taking photos after all, and have a stellar memory.
How can you use your creativity today?
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
August 10, 2017
Fire: Unlikely Place for Romance
[image error]Montana is burning this summer, according to an impassioned plea in Congress from Montana’s Senator Jon Tester. Based on the smoke that fills the valley where I live, I would agree. The heat and danger (we’ve already lost two firefighters) make it an unlikely place for romance.
For close to a century, the policy was to suppress fires, leading to an over-abundance of fuel all across the West. Drought situations have added to the dead and dying trees and other vegetation which are simply not getting enough water. Beetle-killed pines have also increased across huge swaths of the West due to the fire suppression.
It’s a deadly combination that has produced one of the worst summers of fire that Montana has seen in recent years. (For up-to-date information on Montana’s fires, click here.)
[image error][image error]And, still the brave men and women of the fire service continue to fight the massive fires that threaten people’s homes and ranches. Missoula is home to a smokejumper school. It was there that Nora Roberts placed her unlikely romance, Chasing Fire. The book is, like most of Roberts’ books, a good read, and especially important in times when brave people are on the lines fighting for our safety.
We keep them in our prayers.
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
July 27, 2017
Talk It Out: The Key to Relationships
Creative Commons License; Photo by RichardBH
Recently my newly married personal trainer asked me, “What’s the key to making a relationship work?”
After I wrenched my mind from concentrating on rolling my thighs on the hard foam roller (painful relief …), I gave him the one word answer I always do, “Communicate.”
There is so much involved in that one word. If there is one consistent theme in my novels, it’s the need for characters (people) to communicate–with themselves, their loved ones, the world.
I’ve repeated this more than once, but one of my favorite sayings is from St. Francis of Assisi: Seek ye first to understand, then be understood.
If I could, I would emblazon that on top of every tweet, Facebook post, email and headline in the world. I’d post it all over our schools and political institutions. What would our lives be like if everyone took a moment to understand? It doesn’t mean you necessarily get to a full understanding or agree with the other, but that you seek to try.
In the book I just finished, Second Chance Christmas, there’s a lot of misunderstanding going on. Some of it intentional–an embezzler wants to misdirect attention away from him- (or her-) self. Parents and children, spouses, exes, and would-be lovers all have their turn in the “failure to communicate” spotlight.
Success requires an effort to understand someone else.
As you go about your day today, I urge you to “… seek first to understand …” The world needs it … but more importantly, it will make all your relationships a little bit better.
[image error]July is over, and so is Christmas in July. There’s still time to get two outstanding values to brighten your summer Christmas spirit in the heat. Christmas Wishes contains Sweet Montana Christmas, and Bodies in Motion contains Montana Christmas Magic. Both are bundles of multiple full-length novels for under $1. Learn more here …
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
July 13, 2017
Reckless in Texas (Texas Rodeo) by Kari Lynn Dell
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Kari Lynn Dell for about five years now. She lives in one of my old stomping grounds on the northernmost reaches of the Rocky Mountain Front. There she leads a life of a true Montana rancher and author with a large dose of humor. If you haven’t already, I suggest following her Facebook page for a delightful perspective on Western life.
[image error][image error]Reckless in Texas (Texas Rodeo)[image error] is the most recent book I’ve read of Kari Lynn’s, and I’ve put the next two volumes on my list. It’s the story of rodeo life and love, and you can feel the grit in your boots (and other places!) as you read this story. I never knew there was so much to know about rodeo. I’ve a new respect for the practitioners of this sport.
Joe and Violet’s turbulent romance is a match for the tension-filled action of a rodeo arena.
It’s been a long time since I saw a rodeo … a very long time. I was eight when I went to see “Annie Oakley” and “Rin-Tin-Tin” at the World Championship Rodeo in Madison Square Garden in 1959. Probably time to update the experience!
Get the book … you’ll enjoy it.
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
June 15, 2017
Montana Cherries
About 27 miles long, Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake after the Great Lakes. It’s a mecca for hot Montanans in the summer.
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My DH often drive up the west side of the lake on our way to Glacier National Park. The views are beautiful, and in July the secret is revealed–Flathead cherries. The west bank of the lake is covered with orchards, many going back several generations.
[image error]That’s the theme of the latest Montana romance I’ve read—Montana Cherries. It’s an engaging story with a serious theme. The author handles the topic well and provides a satisfying ending for hero and heroine.
If you want to learn a little more about my home state, pick up a copy of Montana Cherries today.
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
June 2, 2017
Guest Blog Post on the Texas Trilogy by Kat Martin
(The Texas Trilogy)
by Kat Martin
She’s determined to be successful–no matter who tries to stop her
Someone is willing to kill for control of Drake Trucking, a well-respected firm now run by a woman named Carly Drake. Big money is involved. And very big danger.
Multi-millionaire Lincoln Cain is determined to keep the promise he made her grandfather, the man who helped him change his life after he got out of prison. Cain has vowed to protect Carly, no matter what it takes.
Unfortunately, the only way to keep her safe is to keep her close—and fight like crazy.
~~~
[image error]A few weeks ago I let you know about fellow-Montanan Kat Martin’s new release, Beyond Reason. Click the image to the left to read another fabulous review for the book.
Scroll below to read a blog post on writing a trilogy composed by Kat, especially for Stories About Love.
Hey! There are contests!
Blog Contest! Leave a comment or question below. I’ll pass them on to Kat. One commenter (US only) will receive a copy of one of Kat’s books. You can choose a Kindle, Nook, or paperback format. Enter before June 30, 2017!
Beyond Reason Giveaway! To CELEBRATE the release of BEYOND REASON, enter my new contest for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE 7″ Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB and a Kindle copy of AGAINST THE WILD, AGAINST THE SKY and AGAINST THE TIDE. Click here to learn more about Kat Martin’s contest and enter. Contest runs from May 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.
Guest Post—Plotting a Trilogy
When the idea came to me for a book set in Texas, I knew immediately I wanted to write more than one. Texas is such a vast and interesting place with limitless possibilities.
In BEYOND REASON, the first book in what turned into my Texas Trilogy, multi-millionaire Lincoln Cain, was a character who came to me full-blown. Cain, six-foot-five inches of solid male muscle, a man who survived a tough childhood and even tougher years in prison, redeemed himself and became a mega-successful entrepreneur. He was a guy I desperately wanted to write.
I’ve always been a plot-oriented author, but starting with a great character made the job easier. Once I had Carly Drake, a young woman who inherited a failing trucking company, I had the beginnings of a story.
It didn’t take long to figure out Carly and Linc were perfect for each other, two survivors who didn’t give up no matter the odds against them.
In BEYOND REASON, it’s only five weeks since Carly buried her grandfather and took over Drake Trucking. Now Drake’s top driver is dead, and the cops have no leads on the hijacking or murder. Facing bankruptcy, phone threats, and fear of failure, Carly must turn to the last man on earth she wants to owe, wealthy, powerful, and controlling, Lincoln Cain.
Unfortunately, Cain’s money can’t protect her from the men who’ll do anything to shut her down. The only way Linc can keep her safe is to keep her close—and fight like hell.
I knew I wanted to write three books, but at first I wasn’t sure about all the players. Then I met Linc’s mega-rich partner, former race car driver Beau Reese. I loved Beau right away, and since he was in trouble with the law, he needed the help of lady private investigator, Cassidy Jones.
That left marine special ops sniper, Joshua Cain, a half brother Linc had only just found about five years ago. Since Josh was an overly protective sort of guy, I gave him a woman and her little girl on the run and in desperate trouble. Tory and Ivy appealed to all Josh’s protective instincts and he couldn’t turn them away.
The stories are all very different and yet there is a common thread that pulls them together. It was a fun theme to work on—one I’ll let readers discover for themselves.
I hope you enjoy BEYOND REASON, BEYOND DANGER, and BEYOND CONTROL, my Texas Trilogy. Until next time, all best wishes and happy reading, Kat
Buy Now!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Kat Martin
[image error]Bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara where she majored in anthropology and also studied history. Currently residing with her western-author husband, L. J. Martin, in Missoula, Montana, Kat has written sixty-eight historical and contemporary romantic suspense novels. More than sixteen million copies of her books are in print, and she has been published in twenty foreign countries.
Her last novel, INTO THE FIRESTORM, took the #7 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. This will be the 15th novel in a row to be included on that prestigious list. Kat is currently at work on her next romantic suspense.
Contact Kat
Website: www.katmartin.com
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
May 16, 2017
Kat Martin’s New Romantic Suspense, Beyond Reason
(The Texas Trilogy)
by Kat Martin
She’s determined to be successful–no matter who tries to stop her
Someone is willing to kill for control of Drake Trucking, a well-respected firm now run by a woman named Carly Drake. Big money is involved. And very big danger.
Multi-millionaire Lincoln Cain is determined to keep the promise he made her grandfather, the man who helped him change his life after he got out of prison. Cain has vowed to protect Carly, no matter what it takes.
Unfortunately, the only way to keep her safe is to keep her close—and fight like crazy.
~~~
My neighbor (in Montana terms) and best-selling author, Kat Martin, has done it again. An early reviewer of Beyond Reason said, “The book was well paced and I thought all the subplots tied together for the final scene. Definitely kept my interest!” Below is more information about Kat and her new series.
Hey! There are contests!
Blog Contest! Leave a comment or question below. I’ll pass them on to Kat. One commenter (US only) will receive a copy of one of Kat’s books. You can choose a Kindle, Nook, or paperback format. Enter before June 30, 2017!
May 2017 Contest! For May, Kat Martin is giving away to FIVE winners an audio edition of one of her AGAINST series books, plus a copy of INTO THE FIRESTORM. Click here for more information about Kat Martin’s May Contest. Enter before May 31, 2017!
Beyond Reason Giveaway! To CELEBRATE the release of BEYOND REASON, enter my new contest for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE 7″ Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB and a Kindle copy of AGAINST THE WILD, AGAINST THE SKY and AGAINST THE TIDE. Click here to learn more about Kat Martin’s contest and enter. Contest runs from May 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017.
Exclusive Excerpt from Chapter 14 of Beyond Reason
It was Thursday morning. Carly sat across from Linc at the round oak breakfast table in his sunny kitchen, both of them drinking coffee as if they just a normal couple on any normal morning.
As if time weren’t ticking away, danger pressing in from all sides, getting closer by the minute.
Through the window, beyond a small courtyard with a fountain in the middle, she could see horses playfully running through a grassy pasture. It was so peaceful here. No wonder Linc loved it.
After their conversation with the Grangers yesterday, they’d had supper at an elegant but quiet Dallas restaurant called the Abbey, then they’d returned to the ranch, and Linc had taken her straight to bed. The man was practically insatiable and when she was with him, so was she.
Now it was morning and they both had things to do. She needed to go into her office. She’d been working on her laptop, getting a few things done, but she needed to pay bills and appease creditors, which meant she needed the loan Linc had promised her.
Damn, she hated to bring it up. Having just climbed out of his bed, it felt a little like selling herself.
“What’s troubling that mind of yours this morning?” he asked. “I can almost see your brain spinning around.”
Carly sighed. “I’ve got to go into work. I’ve missed too much time this week already. You said my pickup’s in one of the garages. You wouldn’t have to drive me.”
Linc took a sip of the rich, freshly brewed dark coffee, and set his mug back down on the table. An empty plate that had held a toasted bagel, bacon, and some scrambled eggs sat next to it, along with an empty glass of orange juice.
“I thought maybe you were thinking about that loan I promised you,” he said. “You’ll find the paperwork at your office when get there. Sign the documents, and the check will be deposited in whatever account you want this afternoon.”
How did he do that? Practically read her mind. Or maybe it was her face. She’d bet he was great at poker.
“You’ll pay it back,” he said, still tuned into her thoughts. “Just keep doing what you have been and it’ll all come together.”
“I hope you’re right.” Dressed in stretch jeans and a crisp white cotton blouse, she grabbed her purse off the counter. I’ve got to get going. If you could just open the garage door so I could get my–“
“Your truck should show up out front any minute.”
Carly flicked him a glance. Slinging the strap of her purse over her shoulder, she started walking.
Linc came up behind her as she stepped into the entry and pulled open the door.
“There’s someone in the passenger seat,” she said. “What’s going on?”
“That’s good ol’ Frank. Ross says he’s very good at his job. Says he was having an off night the evening of your little run-in at the Stop and Shop. I don’t think he’ll let his guard down again.”
“What, he’s my bodyguard?”
“You haven’t forgotten our deal? I told you I’d insist on personal protection. I wasn’t talking about condoms.”
If she wasn’t semi-pissed, she would have laughed. “What’s he going to do all day while I’m working?”
“His job. Which is making sure no one tries to abduct you again or shoot you.”
Her shoulders slumped. Hard to argue with that. “All right, fine. I’ll take good ol’ Frank with me.” She started for the door.
“There’s one more thing.”
She turned back. “What’s that?”
“You forgot to kiss me good-bye.”
Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”
His sexy mouth edged up. “Seriously.”
Something melted inside her. She walked back to him, went up on her toes and pressed a soft kiss on his lips. “Bye, Linc.”
Buy Now!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Kat Martin
[image error]Bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara where she majored in anthropology and also studied history. Currently residing with her western-author husband, L. J. Martin, in Missoula, Montana, Kat has written sixty-eight historical and contemporary romantic suspense novels. More than sixteen million copies of her books are in print, and she has been published in twenty foreign countries.
Her last novel, INTO THE FIRESTORM, took the #7 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. This will be the 15th novel in a row to be included on that prestigious list. Kat is currently at work on her next romantic suspense.
Contact Kat
Website: www.katmartin.com
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
February 9, 2017
Why Legally Blonde Is Important
Creative Commons License — Chloe
A few weeks ago, I watched Legally Blonde again. This sort-of romance shows the accomplishment of a woman to remain true to herself and yet grow up enough to make a difference in the world. Although we’re both blondes (okay, my blond hair has gone a tad silver), the resemblance ends there.
I had no interest in pledging a sorority. (There’s a war on, don’t you know? And civil rights … and, and, and …) Those just weren’t my kind of women. They wore make-up and heels and fussed entirely too much about their hair.
I was a terrible snob about it, just like some of the women in the film acted toward Elle Woods. There was a lot of growing up to do.
Twenty years later, I stumbled into the technology business. I got good enough at it that I gave speeches and consulted with Fortune 500 companies on their database systems. I became president of a large geek organization–the first woman in fact.
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Creative Commons License — Photo by Robby Green
I gave up my jeans reluctantly. Many of my fellow female travelers were like me, but a good chunk were not. They were women with heels, hair, and a dedication to looking good.
And smart. They were wicked smart.
That was the first time I realized it wasn’t an either/or situation, but very possibly a both/and way of life. It was another clue that division doesn’t have to be a natural way of life. Legally Blonde shows that a woman can be whoever she wants and choose the path that makes a difference.
As women, we can be incredibly petty and divisive. Serving on an all-female board is a very different experience from serving on a mixed-gender board. I imagine that must be true of an all-male board, but they’ve never invited me … It doesn’t have to be that way.
The reason romance novels work is that most women have had, desire, or are in the middle of some type of relationship, even if it isn’t permanent. We can relate to the woman in the story, her struggles to stay true to who she believes she is, as well as adapt to the differences a man, and the people who surround him, will bring into her life.
If we’re open, we can also learn to relate to people who are different from us–whether or not they wear makeup.
Fast forward another twenty years, one of my closest friends still spends hours doing her face every day.
I’m still a plain Jane.
Totally different, but there’s a lot of common ground, beginning with our last names originally being Martin. We never would have gotten together in our twenties. I’m so glad that I’ve learned to think differently.
How about you? Do you have a friend you never thought you’d have?
Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
February 3, 2017
Guest Post: Excerpt from Kat Martin’s Into the Firestorm
[image error] Into the Firestorm
by Kat Martin
Release Date: January 31, 2017
At Brodie Operations Security Service, Inc., following your instincts is company policy …
Cassidy—Luke Brodie had heard the name before, some novice bounty hunter working Seattle, catching tricky skips with more success than a newcomer should expect. But the dark curls, sparkly top, and impressive cleavage were not what Brodie had pictured.
Emma Cassidy is tough and smart and sexy as hell. She’s also popping up a step ahead of him every time he’s close to the capture he wants most … and there’s no room for learning on the trail of this monster.
Emma has idolized Luke Brodie, the bounty hunter who can bring anyone in. The big man in the soft shoes, with a face like a fallen angel and a reputation for breaking hearts. Watching him in action is intoxicating. But her fight with Rudy Vance is fiercely personal. If he gets too close, Brodie will find out just how ferocious she can be …
Excerpt
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Kat Martin
Sitting at the long, neon-lit bar in Rocker’s Karaoke Lounge, Luke Brodie sipped a cold Corona and eyed his quarry. A bail skip named Skinner Digby leaned back in a chair at a round Formica-topped table a few feet away.
“You here for Skinner?” Eddie Mullens, the bartender, a string bean of a guy with gold wire-rimmed glasses, followed Luke’s gaze to where Digby sat nursing a Jack and Coke. Eddie knew everything that went on in this part of Seattle. For a little cash once in a while, he kept Luke informed if anything interesting went down.
Luke took a sip of his beer. “Digby skipped on a DUI.”
“Seems like small potatoes for you.”
Luke was a bounty hunter. He went after FTAs, failures to appear, guys released on bail that didn’t show up in court. He got twenty percent of whatever the bondsman had posted for their release and would have to forfeit if the fugitive wasn’t rearrested. Luke specialized in the toughest and most profitable cases, bail skips whose bond sometimes ran into the millions.
“I need to ask Skinner some questions.” That was the way it worked. You went after the small fish to get your hands on the big ones. “Figure I might as well make a few bucks while I’m at it.”
Luke took a swallow of beer and returned his attention to his quarry. Digby had been flirting with a petite little brunette no more than five-foot-three in a tight black skirt and low-cut silver top who laughed at his dirty jokes.
Luke was getting irritated. Skinner, with his bulldog face and beer belly, was no ladies’ man. Luke wished the woman would just take the free drink he offered and move on.
Instead, she sidled a little closer and leaned down to whisper in his ear, giving him a bird’s eye view down the front of her sparkly top at some very impressive cleavage. Skinner pulled out a chair, inviting her to join him.
Luke softly cursed. If the woman was going to hang around, he was going to have to make his move. He didn’t like putting a woman in the middle of a situation that might go bad, but he needed to talk to Digby. The lady was giving him no choice.
He set the beer bottle down on the bar and came off the stool. Luke couldn’t hear what the little brunette said, but Skinner snarled a curse and started up from his chair.
Luke couldn’t believe his eyes when the lady grabbed Digby by the nape of the neck and shoved his head down, slamming him hard onto top of the table.
Skinner groaned and his muscles went limp. The brunette twisted one of Skinner’s arms up behind back, pulled a pair of handcuffs from the handbag on her shoulder, and shackled his wrist, did the same to the other one. Looking even more stunned than Luke, Digby swayed, his legs wobbly, as the brunette hauled him to his feet.
Sonofabitch. Luke turned to Eddie, who stood chuckling behind the bar. “What the hell just happened?”
“She’s something, ain’t she? Looks like the lady got to your bail skip first.”
“Who is she?”
“Name’s Cassidy. She’s a bounty hunter. Pretty amazing, huh?”
Luke was torn between annoyance and curiosity. “That’s M. Cassidy?”
“Short for Emma. The guys call her Em.”
Em Cassidy. He knew the name, thought it was a man. He watched the petite brunette–nine inches shorter than Digby’s six foot frame and no more than a hundred ten pounds–haul Skinner out the side door into the parking lot. Luke reached for his beer, took a last swallow, tossed a little extra cash on the bar, and followed the lady outside.
It took him a minute to spot her beneath a lamp post at the edge of the parking lot. He sauntered into the shadow of a car in a nearby space, got a real good look at her this time.
Late twenties, petite, but curvy in all the right places, thick dark hair that hung in heavy curls around her shoulders.
A bounty hunter. That was a laugh.
The smile on his face slipped a little as he watched her handle Skinner. She had the guy sitting cross-legged on the grass, hands cuffed behind him. She was pressing him to answer her questions–exactly the same questions Luke wanted to ask.
“There’s a guy you know,” she said. “His name is Felix Riggs. He’s your supplier. I want to know where to find him.”
Felix Riggs. Same guy Luke was hunting.
Skinner just grunted. “Yeah, right. Like I’m gonna tell you anything. You damned near knocked me out, you bitch.”
Emma lightly cuffed the back of Digby’s head, and Luke bit back a grin.
“You skipped on a drunk-driving charge,” the lady said, “third offense, Skinner. They’re going to stick your butt in jail for at least a year. Tell me what I want to know and I’ll let you go.”
She’d let him go? Luke hadn’t expected that. Now he was even more intrigued.
Digby sat quietly, considering his options. “Take off the cuffs, then I’ll tell you what you want to know.”
“Not a chance.”
Digby shook his head. “If Riggs finds out I told you, he’ll kill me. He don’t like snitches.”
Frustrated, Emma nibbled her bottom lip. It was plump and damp, and Luke felt a curl of heat he hadn’t expected.
“You want to walk or go to jail?” she asked, pushing, but not quite hard enough, only willing to go so far.
Luke glanced around. If Digby didn’t spill in the next few minutes, there was a chance the cops would arrive. Always somebody there to dial 911.
He stepped out of the shadows and Emma spun toward him, went into a wide-legged, self-defense stance. He pointed to the bail enforcement badge clipped to his belt and she relaxed.
“I didn’t hear you walk up,” she said.
Luke ignored her, zeroed in on Skinner Digby, crouched down in front of him. “The lady asked you nice and polite where to find Felix Riggs. You know who I am?”
Skinner grunted. “I know who you are. You’re Brodie.”
“That’s right. I’m going to ask you the same question just one time. You don’t answer, you won’t have to worry about dealing with Riggs. You’ll have to deal with me.”
Skinner swallowed.
“Now…where is Felix Riggs?”
Skinner ran his tongue over his lips. There was a lump turning purple in the middle of his forehead. “Riggs is…he’s out of town. Won’t be back till Monday.”
“Where can I find him?”
Skinner gave a sigh. “Hangs around The Polo Club. There’s a bitch he’s got the hots for.”
“What’s her name?”
“Lila Purdue…like the college, you know?”
“Yeah, I do.” Luke rose to his feet, turned to the lady standing a few feet away. The moon was out.
She was prettier than he had first thought, with big doe eyes, fine features, and a firm little chin.
He was a boob man and from what he could tell, hers were prime grade A.
“Emma Cassidy,” she said by way of introduction.
“Luke Brodie.” He glanced down at Skinner, who was grumbling beneath his breath, then looked back at Emma. “Nice work,” he said.
“Thank you.”
Luke glanced across the parking lot. “Here comes Skinner’s ride. I’ll see you around.” He started walking as a black and white patrol car rolled into the lot. Interesting lady, he thought, ambling over to his battered old Bronco. Pretty and feminine with a hot little body.
The very last person who should be running around trying to hunt down criminals.
Luke just shook his head.
He wondered why she was interested in Felix Riggs. Riggs wasn’t wanted, though he should be since he was a low-life scum. Maybe he knew something about another bail skip she was hunting.
Luke hoped like hell Emma Cassidy wasn’t going to confront the guy. He didn’t think she’d come out as unscathed as she had tonight.
None of your business, he told himself as he crossed the lot, slid in behind the wheel of his beat-up old Ford, and fired up the powerful V-8 engine.
The Bronco, the perfect, non-descript surveillance vehicle, had been completely rebuilt. A powerful Ford Racing Aluminator XS 5.0 liter Coyote Engine–500 plus horses–idled like a predator under the hood. The Bronco had a Cobra jet intake manifold and fully CNC ported aluminum heads.
Welded restraints had been fitted into the back to hold any prisoners he had to transport to jail.
Luke loved the Bronco. Like driving a rocket disguised as a paper airplane.
He checked the rearview mirror, saw little Emma Cassidy hauling butt-ugly Skinner Digby over to the patrol car. Why she would want to be a bounty hunter he couldn’t begin to guess.
He’d never understood women.
Clearly that hadn’t changed.
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Stories About Love - Real people, real problems, real love....
