Page 18 of Breathless
“Sorry, boss.” Minchin hung his head, looking downcast. “My men assured me they could finish the job but looks like they failed.”
“Damn right, they failed. Now, we don’t know where Justus or Chaney are,” Leland ranted, throwing his arms up in theair, causing Minchin to flinch away. “The two you sent to scare them after their deposition made a blunder of the job and got themselves arrested. Arrested!”
“It wasn’t their fault, boss, Honest, it wasn’t.” Minchin defended his people. “How were Earl and Clay to know that the Brotherhood Protectors had men on the job?”
“It’s their job to be aware and to think ahead of possible roadblocks to get around them.” Leland snapped, pacing back and forth in front of him.
“The girls… they arrived alone,” Minchin protested. “It wasn’t until they were leaving that those Brotherhood Protector guys made their presence known.”
“Again, your men should have thought ahead,” Leland said, continuing to pace like a caged tiger. “I’ve had to send one of Felty’s associates to bail out those two chumps until they can be prosecuted for tampering with a federal trial. It’s bad enough I already have three of my men standing trial from the raid on my house outside of Fool’s Gold. Do you think I like laying low in this RV storage lot? It’s hampering my business and keeping my corner of the operation from going forward.”
“No, boss. I know you don’t. But no one has a finer vintage 1973 Chieftain Winnebago than you,” Minchin praised. “Just look how well-kept this interior is.”
Leland grinned, appreciating the compliment, while not missing out on the chance to brag a little himself. “I had the plaid carpet and plush cushion seats redone to match the original manufacturer release when I purchased her. But enough about my RV. I want Justus and Chaney found before this case against Polaski, Biddle, and Nuchols goes to trial.”
“We’ll find them,” Minchin assured him.
“I still don’t understand how those damn Brotherhood Protectors found my place to bust up the auction,” Leland said. “I’m the only brother among the Four Corners who has had thishappen, and time is running out for me to give an account for it. If my head rolls, you all go down with me, do you hear.”
“We do,” Jennings and Evans finally spoke up, avoiding making eye contact with him.
“Then get out of here and go find them,” Leland sneered.
CHAPTER 6
Two days later…
Rawlins gota call from Hank Patterson after breakfast and he excused himself as Chaney was loading the dishwasher. He went to his room to take the call.
“Sorry. We were cleaning up breakfast dishes,” he explained. “What news do you have for me?”
“Good. I hope. I spoke with Hannah Collins, the director at The Village and it looks like they need a security system put in place in their living facility,” Hank explained. “You’re going to head that up. I’ve ordered it and Swede and two more of the Montana protectors are coming down to help you install it. Once it is up and running, you will train one of her staff members to operate it so that when you’re no longer around they’ll still be functional.”
“This sounds like the Brotherhood Protectors are footing the bill for this project,” Rawlins said.
“We are. It’s part of our philanthropic program. Thank you for making me aware of The Village and their need. It’s a worthy project in Colorado,” Hank said. “I’ll be out of touch in the nextfew weeks in Washington, DC on some business, but if you need me, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
“Okay. Thanks,” Rawlins said. “Anything else I should know?”
“I’m sure you’ve spoken with Rafferty about what’s going on with him?” Hanks said.
“Not exactly. I had to hear from Chaney about the break-in at Liberty and Justus’ place when Justus called Chaney to apologize, but still no word from Rafferty.” Rawlins heard the disdain in his own voice at his twin’s silence. “He’s never gone this long without reaching out. I suppose I could call him, but at this point I feel he should do it.”
Hank chuckled. “I’m not getting into this brotherly squabble if that’s what’s going on. I’ll let the two of you work it out.”
“I don’t think that’s it,” Rawlins argued. “Just not sure why he’s being silent, unless he thinks no contact is best to keep Chaney safe?” Rawlins said.
“Maybe.”
“I’ll work it out,” Rawlins said. “Give him a few more days.”
“The equipment will arrive next week, but Hannah said there’s no reason you can’t report in at The Village when Chaney starts today,” Hank said. “I’ll ring off now.”
“Thanks for the in with the shelter,” Rawlins said. “Enjoy your time in DC.”
Chaney tidiedher bedroom and got ready for her first day of work. She chose blue jeans; her tennis shoes and a jewel tone pullover with a collar that Hannah said to wear until she could get her own supply of The Village t-shirts that the volunteers wore. She French braided her hair in twin braids, then she returned to the living room to find Rawlins waiting for her. Shewas surprised to see him wearing his Brotherhood Protector gear.
Dressed in black boots, cargo pants, utility belt, and snug fitting black T-shirt that showed off his muscles, he was obviously ready to go to work. But where?
