Page 17 of Magnetic Temptations

“Deputy dickface,” Judd answers.

“The same deputy in question where it comes to Julia?” Jagger asks. “But he’s not from Trucktown.”

“Then how would he know that Laura needed help if he doesn’t reside there?” Ella poses the question. “And how does it all tie into Julia?”

“Those are questions that need answers before we move forward,” I add.

“Then it looks like we’re going to be glued to our computers until we can put the pieces together,” Ella insinuates.

“The dads are here,” Mane states. “If they’re going to do nothing but roam the hallways, and be up our asses, why don’t we put them to work? They’re bored, it’ll give them something useful to do other than follow us around.”

“That’ll work,” Ella agrees, appearing to be satisfied with that suggestion. “Plus, they’re all certified and bonded so we won’t be breaking any laws by using them.”

“I’m not,” I voice.

“We’ll get you started on that process now. Jagger, can you help him with that?” Ella asks.

“Come on, man, I have all of the paperwork printed out for you. At least you’re under the guise of training so once you fill in all the blanks and we send off your documentation you’re covered.”

I lean over and peck Mane’s lips before following him out of the room. With this mysterious case, I now, more than ever, want to be a member of this team so I can find out if Cotton is alright.

Ella comes into the room the moment I put my pen down, looking at me with uncertainty.

Deciding to break the ice, I ask, “What’s going on, Ella?”

“I need to ask something of you but I don’t know how,” she answers.

“Just spit it out,” I tease. “Whatever you need me to do, remember I’m a part of your team now, and if it's within my power, I’ll do it.”

“I hate to ask this, Mason, I know that you are still adjusting, but I need to know if there’s anyone you can reach out to and have them go check on Cotton? Someone you trust immensely because this is a touchy situation and we need them to be discreet.”

“I can reach out to one of my brothers. Maverick may be the better choice. He and Cotton were close in school,” I muse. “Myles is a few years younger so he didn’t run in the same circles.”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with,” Ella says, rapping her knuckles on the table. “And family may be the better decision since they have a sense of loyalty that runs blood deep.”

“No lie. I’ll call him now,” I offer.

“Okay, I’ll leave so you have some privacy. I’ll leave the file here with you in case you need to fill in any blanks for your brother.” She gives me the side eye which clearly states that I don’t have permission to share anything confidential, but outside of that, I can at least give him a rundown of why I’m wanting him to go and check on his friend.

When she leaves the room, I pull out my phone and que up my contact lists.

When Maverick answers, he’s a bit breathless. “Brother, as usual, your timing sucks,” he chuckles.

“Did I catch you in the middle of something?” I taunt. “Isn’t it feeding time for the flock?”

“I was about to feed my dick to Candy Sue,” he jokes. “What’s up?”

“Need you to go somewhere private for this conversation, Maverick. It’s serious and what we say can’t get out.”

“Give me a second,” he tells me as I hear rustling and a hushed conversation in the background. I hear a feminine whine as a door closes, and then he uncovers the receiver and informs me he’s back. “What’s the issue, Mason?”

“Cotton may be in trouble,” I state. “Need you to check on him and see if he’ll open up to you about Laura. How did that happen anyway?”

“Cotton came into his Paps’ life insurance money when he passed. Suddenly, he found himself the most eligible bachelor.”

“Now that makes sense,” I harrumph. “But why Laura when there are so many better women in town than she is?”

“You know how she manages to sink her claws in and keeps them deep until she bleeds the man dry. Cotton won’t be dry for a long ass time,” Maverick rattles, hissing like a snake. “She struck fast, Mason. None of us saw it coming.”

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