“And you will. Dad will certainly want to brief you about everything since you and Lance are taking over as Danielle’s bodyguards.”
Lance put his arm around her. “A slight detour from our plans for tonight, but a necessary one.”
“I agree.” The worry on her face crushed him.
Chuck touched her on the shoulder. “We will make sure you are safe. I swear.”
* * * *
Lance walked into the sheriff’s office with Danielle, Chuck, Brandon, and Carlotta.
“Come in,” the man behind the desk said. He stood, extending his hand. “I’m Wayne Champion, sheriff of Silver County.”
“Lance Archer.” He shook his hand. “This is my friend, Chuck Covington. I assume you know the rest.”
“I do, especially that good-looking guy over there. They say he looks a lot like his father, you know.”
“Dad, we have news,” Brandon said. “The cartel just tried to run Danielle over.”
The sheriff’s smile faded. “Are you okay, young lady?”
“I am.”
“You and Carlotta sit. Since there are only two chairs, the guys can stand. I want you all to tell me everything.”
Brandon handed him the paper Carlotta had given him. “This is the plate number. The car was a black sedan.”
“A four-door Cadillac,” Carlotta chimed in. “Late model. I dhink it vas a 2011 or 2012.”
“I’ll run the plates, but I’m betting they’re stolen. That’s been the norm.”
Lance instantly liked the way Sheriff Champion was getting down to business.
“Look at this, Dad.” Brandon handed over the note that had been wrapped around the brick. “I think it’s clear who it’s from.”
“This symbol makes it crystal clear.” The sheriff pointed at the note in his hand. “Unfortunately, it’s not enough to issue arrest warrants, even if we knew who the men were in the car.”
After each of them recounted the event to Sheriff Champion, he leaned back in his chair. “Bastards.”
“What I don’t understand is why they threw this brick with the note.” Danielle shifted in her seat. “Wouldn’t it be better from the cartel’s point of view to just grab me? Sheriff, why this instead?”
“Intimidation is typical for the cartel. They believe putting the fear of God in a person is the best first move. Most melt. I’m sure they expect you to do the same. Then they don’t get their hands dirty with the law.”
She folded her arms together. “I won’t melt. I promise you that.”
Lance liked her grit and determination. But this was most certainly a life and death situation. He didn’t want her risking her neck for money. “The cartel wants four hundred thousand. Done. Chuck and I can get that wired to them in a few hours. No problem.”
“You can’t do that.” Danielle’s conviction and character was honest. “They’re drug dealers and killers. It’s not worth it.”
“Your safety is worth it to me.” I’d give away my entire fortune to make sure no one harms a single hair on your head, Danielle.
“She’s right,” Sheriff Champion said. “You’d only be fuelling an operation that is destroying the lives of kids across most of the western United States. Plus, that would only whet their appetite. Once they find out that you sent the money, they will continue making demands for more. That’s how thugs work.”
He knew the sheriff was right. “So what other tactic can we take, Sheriff?”
“Do either of you own a gun?”
“We do,” Chuck answered. “But they are back at our house in Dallas.”