Diamonds and Spurs [The Callens 9] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Melody Snow Monroe Page A

sat next to her. “You want to talk about it?”
    No . She faced him. However, she needed to broach another topic. “As much as I appreciate you wanting to protect me, it won’t work.”
    “What won’t work?”
    “Me being here for long. I can’t stay holed up forever. Even Vince said Intrigue didn’t have a sophisticated crime lab. Your sheriff won’t find the guy who did this. If Craig is behind this, he’d have hired some local who may be long gone.”
    Cam smoothed the hair away from her face. “Then you have nothing to worry about.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “Craig will hire someone else until he’s successful. He hates to fail at anything.”
    “You really think he wants you dead?”
    She shook her head. “If he thinks I know anything about his illegal activities he might.” She sucked at picking men.
    No, you don’t .
    Cam picked up her hands. “How about a horse ride to take away your worries?”
    Excitement filled her. “Really?”
    “You bet. But is your leg good enough?”
    The pain had subsided. The bullet had grazed the right side of her right leg, which wasn’t the side against the horse. “Yes.”
    “Great. Let me log out of my computer and we’ll go.”
    She smiled for the first time since the shooting.
     
    * * * *
     
    As much as Vince appreciated Sheriff Will Sutton and trusted him to find the culprit, sometimes knowing the right person was the key. And Vince Callen knew a lot of the right people.
    It wasn’t quite 2:00 p.m., so he was able to park in front of the Raging Bull Bar with ease. The fact a large portion of the potential clientele were at the Callen Ranch either donating or participating in one of the events helped.
    He pushed open the swinging door and took a second to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. As always, the place smelled of peanuts, beer, and a bit of mold. He inhaled and smiled.
    Jenny’s husband owned the place and was tending bar. Vince slid onto a stool. “Jackson.”
    “Vince. What can I get you?”
    “A Bud.”
    “Jenny called and told me what happened.” Jackson drew a beer and placed the glass in front of him.
    “Damnedest thing. We’ve never had an incident at my aunt and uncle’s house for as long as I can recall.” He sipped the cold brew. It hit the spot. “I was wondering if you’d heard any scuttlebutt about someone wanting a gun for hire.”
    His brow rose. “Can’t say I have, but ask Tara. She seems to attract the talkers.”
    Vince tossed a five on the counter, and with beer in hand, headed over to the server who was wiping down the empty tables. Only two others were in the bar. It was some couple he didn’t recognize. From the brochures in front of them, they were probably tourists.
    “Tara, you got a minute?”
    She glanced at her boss, who nodded. “Sure. What do you need?”
    “Information.”
    She motioned to the booth. “How can I help?”
    He wasn’t quite sure the best way to word his request. “Did you hear about the shooting today?”
    Her face filed with concern. “Jackson told me. I’m glad the woman’s okay.”
    “I have a few suspects, but I’m betting neither one personally pulled the trigger. Has anyone come in bragging about coming into a lot of cash lately?”
    She shook her head. “Not that I recall.”
    “I was thinking maybe someone was hired to take a potshot at Mandy.” Damn . “Can you think of someone desperately in need of cash, someone you might not think is even capable of harming anyone, but who would under the circumstances?”
    She glanced to the side for a moment. “The only one who comes to mind is Darby Atkins.”
    “I know Darby. What about him?”
    “His son needs a new kidney. Kid’s on dialysis and it’s draining their funds. If they don’t find a kidney soon, they might not be able to afford the treatment.”
    “That’s terrible.” His family had a fund to help those in need. He’d speak to Uncle Josh about lending a hand.
    The door swung open, and