Page 60 of Shenanigans

Jana called, “It’s your dad.”

Huh? He usually just walked in. I groaned. Unless he was pissed. His “friend” at the police department must have told him about my little adventure yesterday. I grabbed a bottle of makeup. Maybe if I put enough on, it would disguise the bruising.

Dad stormed into my bedroom and fury filled his eyes. “Who?”

“A cage fighter who calls himself El Muerte,” Jana blabbed.

I held up a hand. “Relax. He’s locked up in the county jail.”

“Is he? A cold smile curved Dad’s mouth. “Good. I know people there.”

The doorbell rang again.

“I’ll get it!” I rushed past Jana and my father.

Jana tattled, “If Detective Callaghan hadn’t forced Kandi to help him, she wouldn’t look like she had gone three rounds with Muhammad Ali.”

I shot down the stairs, threw open the front door and yelled, “Run!”

Dutch’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why?”

Tinkerbell grabbed ahold of his jeans and tried to pull him away.

“Are you responsible for getting my daughter beaten up? Dad’s voice was a rumbling growl.

“Yes, sir, I am.”

I gasped, “That’s not true!”

Tinkerbell woofed urgently.

Dad’s fist shot out.

Dutch’s head snapped back from the blow and down he went.

“Did you hafta hit him?”

“No one hurts my daughter,” Dad snarled.

“I assaulted Dutch, not the other way around.” I kneeled beside Dutch and patted his cheek. “You okay?”

Tinkerbell licked his face and barked.

Dutch blinked, rubbed his jaw and sat up. “What did she say?”

“Next time, duck.”

“Good advice.” He eyed my dad warily. “Nice punch.”

“What are you doing here?” The look in my father’s eyes would send most men running for their lives.

“I’m taking Kandi out to dinner,” Dutch said calmly.

Jana snarked, “At Hilberto’s.”

Dad nodded his approval. “The best fajitas in town. I’ll drive.” He held out his hand to Dutch.

The detective took it and allowed my father to pull him to his feet. “It’s a date, sir.”

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