Bang the Blower (Country Roads 3)

“That’s because no one can win when they’re up against me,” Duke explained, joining the conversation and kissing her neck.

She curved her arm around Duke’s neck and enjoyed him, the way he caressed her with his tongue as he lazily drifted back toward the outer realms of sleep.

“Did something happen with Frank?”

“No, why?”

“Because I’ve only seen you like this a few times, and usually someone close to you provokes this mood. Talk to me, Hank.”

He took a deep breath and said, “I think I’ve been had.”

“You have? How?”

“I may have hired the very man who tried to hurt you.”

“Why would you do that?” she asked, her heart hurting.

“Oh, baby,” Hank said, framing her face. “I didn’t mean I hired him intentionally. No, sugar. What I meant is that I think I’ve hired the fellow who may have tampered with your dragster, and I did that without knowing, of course.”

“Of course,” she said distantly.

“You believe that, don’t you?” Hank asked.

“Sure, Hank,” she replied.

“I never want to cause you pain, Julie. You know that. Somewhere in your heart, you know I’ve always wanted you safe.”

“You’ll never have the opportunity to hurt me again, Hank. That’s what you don’t seem to understand. While I can give second chances, my heart isn’t so generous. Same goes for you, Duke.”

“I don’t believe you,” Duke said, resting his chin on her shoulder, rejoining the conversation when it suited him.

“Me either,” Hank said.

A long silence and heavy breathing suggested they’d each fallen asleep. Jerking before she finally succumbed to the rest calling her, she said, “I don’t think I’m in any immediate danger, do you?”

Hank took a deep breath and then said, “I’ll tell you the truth, Julie. If someone tampered with that dragster and meant to harm you, then they succeeded. If they wanted you out of the business, they’ve all but guaranteed they finished the job they were paid to do. What bothers me is why someone would go to the trouble of securing a job where you’re staying.”

“And why does that disturb you most?” she asked, needing him to tell her the truth she’d already come to accept.

“I’m afraid someone wants to kill you. They weren’t satisfied when they brought you bodily harm. They want you dead.”

Duke cleared his throat. “Then they’ll have to shoot through me if they ever want to hit their intended target.”

Hank frowned. “My thoughts exactly.”

Chapter Eight

The next morning, Duke ate breakfast with Julie in the formal dining room. They were sitting there making small talk over bagels and cream cheese when Hank poked his head in the room. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Hank and Duke swapped one of those knowing gazes, the kind of troubled looks exchanged between men when a woman is supposed to sit quietly and ignore what she saw.

“I know what’s going on,” Julie blurted out after Hank disappeared without kissing her good-bye. She didn’t exactly expect a peck, but she wouldn’t have been opposed.

“What’s that, doll?” Duke asked, leaning forward and clasping his hands under his chin. “Talk to me, sweet thing.”

“Don’t patronize me, Duke,” she said, mimicking his pose. “Where’s Hank going?”

“I don’t know,” he lied. His nose twitched to confirm it. “Why didn’t you ask him?”