Page 65 of A Little Bit Whiskey
“We were supposed to arrest Weezer as soon as the Holiday Showcase came to an end. Fred thought it would be best if he had the honors,” Eddy said.
“Fucking asshole,” Noir’s dad muttered.
“Here’s the thing. The main room is clear. Fred’s nowhere to be found. I’m going to call him. See if he answers. It would make sense for me to be looking for him. It would also make sense to be concerned that Tamsyn, and perhaps some of you, left the building.”
Noir glanced to the sky. “Actually, if you told him that my parents were making a run for it, that might be amusing.”
“We don’t run from anything and I don’t find that funny at all,” his dad said.
“You both have a point. Let me call Fred. I can play it that there’s not much of a reason for me to keep you at the winery unless I’m the one who arrests you.” Eddy lifted his cell to his ear as they continued down the path toward the overflow building.
Noir’s heart beat in his throat. His body had gone numb, his emotions frozen in place. No anger. No fear. Just an empty, bottomless hole that couldn’t be filled until Fred and Anna were caught.
And Tamsyn was back in his arms, unharmed.
“Put it on speaker,” Noir said. “I want to hear his voice. I want to hear what he has to say.”
“Sure thing,” Eddy said. The cell rang once.
Twice.
“Eddy. What’s up?” Fred answered.
“Sir, where are you? The winery is cleared. I can’t ask Weezer and Carter to stay put. Unless you want me to arrest Weezer, I need you here and I can’t find you anywhere. But I also can’t find Weezer or Tamsyn.”
Noir glanced at his father, who closed his eyes and clutched his weapon.
“Unfortunately, I saw Weezer sneak out the back. I’m following tracks through the vineyard. Stay put until I contact you. And keep the rest of the family there. Tell them I’m following a lead and will be back shortly.”
“Would you like me to send someone to help?” Eddy asked.
“No. She can’t be far. Looks like she’s heading toward the cottage. Probably to confront Tamsyn about something.”
“Sir, that doesn’t sound good. I’ll send someone to—”
“Eddy. I’ve got it covered. Do as you’re told.” The line went dead.
“Jesus Christ.” Eddy stuffed his cell in his pocket. “Fred has always been a pain in the ass to work for. There have been times I didn’t understand his leadership and management style, but fuck. He downright lied to me.” He turned. “I want you two to double-time it through the vineyard.” He pointed to Merlot and Malbec. “Take cover where you can on the other side of the overflow building.” He raked a hand over his head. “Carter, you’re not going to like this.”
“So far, I’m liking your take-charge attitude, so whatever it is, lay it on me.”
“The rest of us, except Noir, are going to take cover flanking the south and the east, while Noir’s going to go knock on the door,” Eddy said.
“You’re right. I don’t like that idea.” His father shook his head. “I’ll do it.”
“No, Dad.” Noir grabbed his massive biceps. “It has to be me. Fred will shoot you on sight. He’ll find a way to doctor the paperwork, making you appear to be Tamsyn’s father. You’ll be walking right into his plans. He can make it look like you and Tamsyn killed each other because you couldn’t—”
“Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I hear you. But you’re forgetting what that scenario could make you.” His dad arched a brow.
“God, that’s so disgusting, I don’t even want to go there,” Noir said. “But it’s not me he wants. And that doesn’t serve his purpose as much. He’s going to be less likely to pull the trigger right away.”
“Noir’s right, Dad,” Merlot spoke up. “I’ll cover the door. I’m the best shot.”
Noir shivered, remembering the time Merlot had to shoot a man holding a young mother and her baby as a shield. “Okay, just don’t shoot me or my girlfriend. I plan on marrying her someday.”
“Well, that’s an announcement.” His father cracked a smile. “Let’s get this over with so my family can have some peace.”
“Noir. Take this.” Eddy shoved a piece of paper in his hand.
