Page 42 of Rancher's Pride

Illegal activity, money laundering, buying public officials. Drake Gatlin had provided more information that made my blood boil, as well. It appeared that Fallon’s in-laws knew what their son was doing, but turned a blind eye. They wouldn’t be safe either when I enacted my revenge.

My three girls not being under my roof made me antsy, and I was lonely, even sitting with two of my best friends in the room with me.

Drinks were finished and Ryder and Griff headed home and for the first time in a month, I laid down in my own bed. I’d forgotten how comfortable it was, but now it smelled like Fallon. Her pomegranate body wash, the lavender and orange shampoo she used,should have been enough to lull me to sleep, but I was more awake now than when I was in the living room. Reaching for my phone, I pulled up the number for the burner phone I gave to her.

Me: Are you asleep?

I wasn’t expecting a response. I was hoping she was asleep, but the three dots popped up under my text.

Toots: I just fed Lottie and put her back in her cradle. How are things there?

I sent her the picture I’d taken of the listening devices and cameras.

Toots: Holy fuck Nash. He’s been in our house.

Me: Our house?

My heart lurched and smiled like a fool at her response.

Toots: Your house, I missed the y.

Me: Sure you did.

She was a terrible liar, even over text.

Me: Things okay at Pop’s?

Toots: Yeah, they are great. Wanda had beds ready for the girls and Josie woke up long enough to say hi to your dad and fall back to sleep as he carried her to bed. Lottie was awake for a bit, but Wanda sent me to bed and she got her settled back to sleep.

Me: Were you able to sleep?

Toots: Yeah, I did, actually. I didn’t even hear Wanda sneak in and put Lottie down.

Me: Good. Go back to sleep. I’ll come get you in the morning.

Toots: Ok night Nash.

I tossed the phone on the bed beside me and closed my eyes and saw her face before I drifted off to sleep.

Linc was keeping an eye on the house while I was gone, and we’d set up a new perimeter monitor on the ranch. Any movement would alert Ryder, and we’d check it out. Driving to town, I struggled to not speed. I just wanted to wrap my arms around the girls.

Pulling up in front of my dad’s, I barely put it into park and jumped out of the truck. Opening the frontdoor as I knocked, I was greeted with laughter and squeals from Josie playing with Pop. “Bampa, you pretty,” she said as she put her pretend lipstick on the man that only a few months ago hated life.

“Thank you, Miss Josie. You’re a great beautician,” he said as he looked at himself in the mirror my daughter held up for him. A fire burned in my stomach at the reality that she called him grandpa but didn’t call me dad.

That will end today.

“Hey Pop, the makeover looks good.” I walked into the living room and Josie ran to me, her arms open as she jumped. Catching her, I wrapped her up in a bear hug.

“You here Nas.” She kissed my cheek and wrapped her arms around my neck, squeezing me tightly.

“Yeah baby girl, I’m here.” I smiled as I hugged her back.

“I sleep over at Bampa’s,” she said excitedly. “But you not here.” Her expression turned sad, and I moved to the couch and sat her on my knee.

“I know, baby, but I had to stay home.”

“And is it safe now?” My dad asked quietly.

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