Page 118 of Surly Sheriff
“Hear, hear,” JP chimed in, raising his beer.
“Thanks, Beth, JP.”
Bella gave a loud harrumph. Contrary to Beth’s stare, there was no warmth in her glare.
Nate placed a hand on his wife’s leg.
She pushed it away, her expression mulish. She tilted her chin. “Get on with it. Can’t wait to hear what ridiculous tale she’s been spinning.”
Felicity surged from the couch she shared with Ronan, and faced Bella, hands fisted in her waist. “Enough,” she spat. “I’ve spent years hearing you bad-mouth Raegan without being able to defend her. Not anymore. My sister has more backbone than you’ll ever have. Her leaving here protectedyourungrateful ass, and you’re going to eat crow, bitch.” Chest heaving, Felicity sunk back onto the couch, folded her arms, and gave Rae a pointed look. “Now thatthatisfinallyoff my chest, you may continue.”
Bella’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. “You’re sisters?” she shrieked.
Bolstered by Felicity’s outburst, Rae decided to forego a lengthy explanation and called upon some of that backbone Felicity spoke of. “I’m a witness in the Liminov trial set to take place in Connecticut next month.”
“The Russian mobster?” JP called out.
“Correct. My participation puts Jack’s life in danger, and I brought Jack here because Beau is the only person I trust to protect him while I’m away.”
“Isn’t Liminov on trial for human trafficking?” Oliver commented.
Taking a fortifying breath, Rae said, “And the murder of his sister. Alexandra Liminov was my mother.Ourmother,” she amended, giving Felicity an apologetic look.
A beat of silence settled over the room until Oliver let out a long whistle. “Hell, Rae, I figured your story was powerful, but this …”
“Hang on,” Nate said, his eyes on her. “I remember watching the news of Liminov’s pardon,sitting right here on this very couch, waiting for Beau to return after I found your note.” He blinked, and his eyes narrowed. “That why you left, Rae?”
She nodded. “Vasily was free, and I had information to put him back behind bars. There was no way I was living the rest of my life looking over my shoulder, waiting for him to find me, waiting for him to hurt the people I love. To ensure nothing led him here, I left, cutting all ties with Clearbrook. The plan almost worked, except the FBI had a mole. Our safe house was compromised, and worse, Vasily fled the country. I vacillated for days between coming back or staying away.” She gave a weary sigh. “You all know what I decided. But” — she met Bella’s stare — “I asked Felicity to move here. To keep an eye on you all. To look out for possible danger.”
Bella cleared her throat, her eyes brimming with tears. “And here I’ve been so mean to you,” she croaked.
“Mean? You’ve been a royal bitch,” Felicity fumed.
“Felicity, you and Bella can air your grievances later,” Beau said. “We’ve more important things to discuss.” He looked around the room. “Although Vasily Liminov’s powers have greatly reduced since his heyday, it will be remiss of us to underestimate the man. If Rae says he’s a threat, then we treat him as a threat. Our task is to make sure that threat does not darken our door, but if any one of you would prefer to not be part of this group, now is the time to walk away.”
“All in, Sheriff,” Toby called out.
“Us, too,” Beth added.
“Oorah,” JP called out.
“Oorah,” Ronan repeated, giving JP a conspiratorial grin.
“Whatever you need,” Oliver stated.
“No one is getting near Bella or my kids,” Nate said.
“Thank you.” Beau cleared his throat. “So far, this is what I’ve come up with. If anyone has something to add, please do so. Ronan, Felicity, you will provide protection to Rae and Jack when I am unable to do so. Toby, as you live on the property, you need to be alert to potential danger. JP and Beth, your task is to assist Nate in keeping Bella and the twins safe. Oliver, I need you to mine your contacts at the FBI and determine if there are any leaks.”
Rae’s dismay increased as Beau expanded on his plan.
*
“I know you’re upset with me.”
Rae slid the detergent capsule into the receptor, closed the dishwasher door with more force than needed, selecting the program with a jabbing finger. She spun around and got right in his face. “If something happens to us,” she hissed, “Jack will be anorphan.”
She was prepared to risk her life to put Vasily behind bars.
