Page 25 of Cowboy's Last Stand
“Between the two, Wade might take this seriously.”
He understood her reluctance to file a report, given Billy’s family connections.She should be given special treatment as a military widow, but the world wasn’t always just.
Wade Hendricks arrived in a police-issued SUV a short time later.Jason stood with Natalie, sizing up the officer.Wade was bigger than his brother and much better looking.He had dark blond hair, a handsome face, and a strong physique.Maybe this guy was the reason Billy was so pissed off.In the genetic lottery, Billy had lost.
Marcus greeted the officer first.They exchanged a series of playful punches that indicated a friendly relationship.Then Wade’s attention settled on Natalie.He glanced from her to Jason, his brow furrowed.
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” Wade said.
Natalie made the introductions.Jason shook the deputy’s hand without enthusiasm.He was glad Captain America didn’t try to crush his bones into dust because his knuckles were still sore from the fight.
“Do you want coffee?”she asked.“I can make you a cup.”
“No, thanks,” Wade said.“I’m at the end of my shift.”
Jason relaxed his stance, relieved by the refusal.If Wade had accepted a cup of coffee, she’d probably invite him inside, and then she’d have to offer him a slice of pie.Jason didn’t want her to share that pie.
She crossed her arms over her chest.“So, about my mailbox.”
“What happened?”
“Somebody smashed it and threw firecrackers on my lawn.Almost gave me a heart attack.”
Wade made a sound of disapproval.“Did you see who did it?”
“No.”
“You think it was kids?”
“I think it was your brother.”
He frowned.“Why do you think that?”
She sent Marcus inside to play video games before she started the story.“Billy was at the bar last night, causing trouble.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“The usual.He was rude and drunk.My car died on the way home, so I got out and started walking.”
“You should have called me for a ride,” Wade said.
She made a noncommittal sound.“I was passing by the park when I spotted Billy and the Stoddard brothers.They were harassing Jason.”
Wade studied Jason.“Why were you there?”
“Is that relevant?”Natalie asked.“The bottom line is they attacked him.Your brother had a pair of brass knuckles, and Stan was holding Jason’s arms behind his back.It wasn’t a fair fight on any level.”
Wade put his hands on his hips and swore under his breath.Jason got the impression that Billy was a recurring problem for Wade, one that didn’t have an easy solution.“Why didn’t you call 911?”
“Because nothing would come of it.Jason wasn’t seriously hurt.Your brother and his friends left with bloody noses.I thought it was over.Then Billy drove by this afternoon.He saw Jason in my front yard, fixing my car.”
“Did he say anything?”
“No.”
“And you didn’t see his vehicle tonight?”
“No.”
