Page 86 of Ravish

The next week, Lara felt like she was walking on egg shells. She hadn’t heard from her ex or her brothers or her father. The silence was scary but welcome. Lara could only hope things would settle down.

She’d talked with Jordan. The judge had approved a no-contact order and gave her ex a judicial smackdown with a very stern warning that bail would be revoked if Walter stepped out of line again. In addition, the DA made it clear that they would add witness intimidation to the kidnapping charges if Walter or her brothers attempted to contact her again, so there was that. She didn’t press charges against her ex for blackmail even though Colby wanted her to.

Jordan let her know the family lawyer was still trying to work a plea deal for the kidnapping charges. So far, there was nothing else worth mentioning to her, but Jordan wanted to keep her informed as things continued.

Lara glanced at the clock. “Megan, you need to get going. I don’t want you to be late for your class.” It was almost two, and the lunch crowd had thinned out.

“Thanks, Lara.” Megan took off her apron, then got her bag from the kitchen area. “I really appreciate you allowing me time off to take my class.”

Lara smiled as Megan left. Megan wanted to go back to school but needed this job, so they’d worked out a schedule. Megan wanted to work with computers, so she started taking classes at the local college.

Lara cleaned tables and around the café. The loan officer at the bank had called her today. The loan to buy the ice cream shop was moving its way through the system, and he expected pre-approval within a week.

Good. Then she could put an offer in to Mr. Torrino and go from there. With a spring in her step, Lara stepped behind the counter as Bear and his friends came in.

“Hi, guys. The usual?”

“Perfect,” Bear said.

“Yeah,” came the chorus from the other three.

Lara smiled and started making their favorites. A veggie wrap, beef and bean wrap, ham and cheese sandwich, and two polish bagel dogs. She put the plates on the tray, then put together a plate of desserts.

“We didn’t order dessert,” Bear said when she returned with beverages.

“I know, but you guys deserve something sweet on the house.” She walked away with a smile. With the amount these guys tipped, giving them dessert wasn’t a big deal.

Lara was cleaning up when the door opened and two police officers walked in. “Afternoon, officers. Can I help you?”

“Good afternoon, ma’am. We’ve received a report of a disturbance here.” The officer looked over at Bear and his friends.

“I don’t know who called you, but there is no disturbance.” Lara had a good idea of who made that call. Her family couldn’t leave well enough alone. It also gave her confirmation that they were watching the café. She shivered. “Bear and his friends are regular customers and have never caused a problem.”

“Have they intimidated you into saying that?” the blond officer asked.

“No.” Lara fished her cell phone out of her pocket. “Hi, Colby, can you come down to the café, please. I’m fine. I need you.” Once Colby confirmed he was on his way, she called Jordan. “Jordan, I need a lawyer at the café. Now.” She nodded. “Thanks.”

“My lawyer is on his way.”

“You’re not under arrest or anything, ma’am, but we do need to talk with the bikers.”

“I didn’t call for the attorney for myself, and I’d rather you wait to talk to my friends until my attorney gets here. I’m protecting their rights.”

“It’s okay, Lara. We’ll talk with them,” Bear said.

The officers approached the table. Lara noticed Bear and his friends looked wary, but they talked to the officers. Lara stood close, but not too close. As the officers turned after talking to the bikers, Colby walked in.

“Trouble?” he asked, looking at the officers.

“No. Someone—” She broke off as her brothers and ex walked into the café. She looked to the ceiling. Oh, she so didn’t need them to be here.

Colby glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll take care of them.”

“No.” Lara gripped his arm. “Officers?”

“Yes, ma’am? Sorry, we disturbed you and your patrons.”

“I understand, but these three.” She pointed to her brothers and ex. “I want them out of here. There is a no-contact order against all three of them, and they’re out on bail on kidnapping charges.”

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