The diner’s customers burst into applause. Mom and Gary came up together.
“Honey, this is wonderful,” Jena’s mother said.
“I know. I can’t believe this.”
Jason and Nicole, both in uniform, walked to their table. Nicole hugged Jena.
“Congratulations.” Jason said. “How long before you tie the knot?”
“They just asked me, Sheriff,” Jena said. “Unless you’re Megan Knight, it takes time to plan a wedding.”
As more Destonians in the diner came around the table to give their words of congratulations, Matt felt his heart warm. He loved this moment. It would be one he’d tell their children and grandchildren about. It was so right.
Looking over Sean’s shoulder at the entrance, his gut tightened at the new arrival he saw. Niklaus Mitrofanov.
“Sean,” he said in a tone he knew would get his friend’s attention.
Reaching into his jacket for his gun, he saw Sean do the same.
Mitrofanov wasn’t alone. Three men followed him. The group walked brazenly to their table.
Jason and Nicole stood up, blocking the mobster from moving forward. Jena’s mom came up beside
Mitrofanov, causing Matt’s gut to tighten. She wasn’t from Destiny, so she wouldn’t recognize the Russian. Gary pulled her back and placed her behind him. He might stay out on his farm most of the time, but he was still a Destonian. He knew what the mobster looked like and how dangerous he could be.
“Back off, Sheriff,” the bastard said. “I have my attorney with me, and we have every right to be here. You wouldn’t arrest this thief, so I took another legal course available to me.”
“What course is that?” Matt asked, his fingers still on his Glock. One wrong move and Mitrofanov would be sporting a bullet between his eyes.
“I am going to sue Jena Taylor, that’s what.” Niklaus held some papers up for the whole room to see.
“What in the world would you sue my daughter for?” Mom asked. “Who are you?”
“I am Niklaus Mitrofanov, madam. These documents will ensure I get my money back from this criminal.”
“Who the hell are you calling a criminal?” Mom’s face was hot.
Jena moved to her feet, putting her arm protectively around Kimmie. Her other hand was in her purse, obviously reaching for her pistol.
Matt loved the fire he saw in Jena and Mom, but now was not the time. “Honey, relax. Mom, let Sean and I handle this.” He knew that once they got the laptop from Black, everything would turn to their favor. They were holding all the cards, not this fat, bald fuck.
Mitrofanov held the documents out to Jason. “Take these, Sheriff, and do your duty. Serve these papers to this woman.”
“If anything needs to be served, have your attorney make an appointment with me.” The anger on Jason’s face couldn’t be missed.
“You haven’t heard the end of this, Sheriff,” Mitrofanov said. “You must uphold the law.”
“That’s exactly what I intend to do,” Jason shot back.
“Niklaus, I recommend we do as the sheriff says,” the man next to him, clearly his attorney, said. “All you want is a day in court. I can assure you that will happen.”
Mitrofanov glared at the entire crowd of Destonians who were ready to jump to Jena’s defense at a moment’s notice.
The mobster stormed out the door with his entourage.
When the door closed, everyone returned to their seats, except Mom and Gary and Jason and Nicole, who remained next to their table.
Alice brought over Kimmie’s ice cream. “Honey, would you like to sit at the counter like a big girl with me? I think your mommy and daddies need to talk.”