Bucked (The Invincibles 6)

Decker looked at me and then back at Buck.

“Not only do you have to fulfill the stipulation of full-time residency, the ranch also has to be in the black within a year of your father’s death.”

“How in the hell—”

“You’d do well to remember just exactly who you’re dealin’ with, young Buck.”

Buck nodded.

“Tell me about these outbuildings.”

Buck sat down and explained what each one was.

“That the bunkhouse?”

“One of them.”

Decker slowly nodded and continued to study the screen. He sat back in his chair, removed his cowboy hat, and set it on the bar beside his computer. “I’ve got a proposal for you, Buck.”

“What’s that?”

Decker turned to me.

“I’ll go pack.”

“Thanks, Stella.”

“Don’t forget to call Jinx,” I reminded him as I walked down the hallway.

8

Buck

I listened while Decker informed Jinx that we’d be temporarily moving Stella to the apartment the Invincibles kept in the building where Ali had lived when she was undercover. For now, that was the safest place for her. I didn’t like him telling anyone outside of our team where we were headed, not even the DC Metro chief. It surprised me that Decker was comfortable with it.

“What’s the deal with Jinx?” I asked when he ended the call.

“He and Stella had a…thing.”

“Had?”

Decker glared at me and pointed to his laptop. “Your place doesn’t have shit for security.”

“Haven’t ever needed it.”

“Well, now you sure as hell do. And I doubt you have the capital to invest in it.”

“I can keep her safe.”

“It isn’t just her, Buck.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Irish, for now. He, Cope, Ali, and Stella represent the front line in this thing.”

“And you.”

Decker shook his head. “I can take care of myself, and don’t you ever forget it.”