Danni Rose (The Sherwood)

She looked at Walker for confirmation. He nodded. “Then he didn’t pay up. You were attacked as a warning to Seth.”

“You were, darlin. I’m so sorry you were hurt because Seth was ignoring us. He just didn’t know how dangerous we really are. He does now.”

“I agreed to pay them in the morning. I expected this.”

“That’s why you came here.” Walker nodded. He took Danni’s hand in his. She squeezed it and he knew that she was afraid. “I don’t understand why Seth would borrow money from Jamison. He knows better.”

Jamison told them about the land deal that Boogey had involved Seth in. He knew how bogus it was when Seth approached them. Boogey was getting conned.

“You let them both do it, though,” Danni said to him. Her tone was harsh. Jamison didn’t like it. He got up from the barstool and knelt in front her. He ran his finger down her bare leg and Walker gripped her hand to keep from hitting him. Danni met his eyes. She could read what he was saying to her without words.

Don’t antagonize him.

“You’re right beautiful, I did.”

Then he rose and went back to the barstool. His message was clear. He took what he wanted, when he wanted. He could take her too, if he wanted to. Walker would kill him first.

He gazed at Danni feeling helpless. She laced her fingers through his. Their eyes locked on each other. “Sorry, we interrupted you in the bedroom,” Jamison interrupted their moment.

“So, what next?” Walker said to him.

“We’re just going to hang out until the bank opens.”

He glanced over his shoulder at Danni. He didn’t like this, not one bit.

All night, Danni slept in his arms. He forced himself to stay awake. Walker wanted to keep his eyes on Jamison and his cohort, Robby. They took turns sleeping. When she stirred in is arms, he tightened his hold on her. Nearing morning, he couldn’t keep his eyes open a second longer.

“Go ahead,” Jamison said to him. “Close your eyes Walker. We’ll still be here when you wake.”

He shook his head to clear the cobwebs. He thought about getting some of Danni’s brew. She made coffee like mud and once it set a while it would keep the dead awake. He didn’t want to leave her though, not even for a second.

At eight am, she woke. She stretched her aching muscles. “What do I tell Grandad?” She asked Walker, but Jamison answered. Danni was usually out the door by now.

“Tell him you are going to be a little late this morning, Danni. He’ll understand.”

Walker nodded at her. She got her cell phone out of her purse lying on the coffee table in front of them. She dialed the garage and waited for him to answer. Her eyes never leaving Walker’s face. His hand resting on her thigh, giving her courage.

“Grandad, I overslept this morning. I’m sorry.” She lied so easily. “I woke with a headache. Yes, I’ll just be a little while.” She hesitated listening to Hal. Walker couldn’t hear his end of the conversation. “Okay, I’ll see you shortly. Love you, Granddad.” She laid the phone on the end table beside her. Then she looked at Jamison.

“Get your shoes, Walker. The bank is open now. I want my money.”

He took Danni with him to the bedroom to get his boots. He perched on the end of the bed while she sat next to him. He slipped on his old, work boots, keeping his eyes on Jamison and Robby in the other room. They were just as interested in his movements. His actions too.

He knew that when he left here to go to the bank, they would keep her here. He chewed on his lower lip, contemplating what to do. He didn’t trust Jamison Harrelson or Robby Halbert, but he knew he would have to leave Danni with them.

He gazed in her eyes. He could see her fear and it twisted his gut. “I’m going to have to go to the bank without you.”

She nodded but her eyes filled with tears. Walker cupped her jaw in his hands. “Don’t cry, Danni Rose. I’ll hurry. Can I take your truck?”

“You know you can,” she whispered and leaned into him, laying her forehead against his.

“You know I still don’t have a license or insurance,” he teased her.

She chuckled even though it came out strangled because of her tears. “I know. If you wreck my girl, we’ll figure out a way that you can pay for her.”

He laughed. “All right.”

He rose then and tugged Danni to her feet. He kissed her gently. “Grab your bathrobe. I don’t want to leave you with them half dressed.”