Hard to Handle (Caine Cousins #2)(69)

“Some information,” Reagan replied while Lynx waited for Jimmy Don to answer his phone.

Donna’s eyebrows shot up and a smile curled her mouth. “Well, you’ve come to the right place.”

“Have you seen any strange people around here lately?” Reagan asked.

Donna’s eyes instantly slid over to Lynx.

He laughed, grinning up at her. The woman was something else.

“Besides him,” Donna said, jerking her thumb in his direction, “can’t say that I have. Not lately.”

“Well, we need to get the word out,” Reagan explained. “Amy’s got some trouble and we suspect the man is gonna reappear at any moment.”

Donna frowned. “What kinda trouble?”

Reagan shrugged. “Don’t know all the details,” she lied easily. “But we know he’s probably gonna come lookin’ for her.”

“This guy have anything to do with your bar bein’ blown up?”

Reagan shrugged. “Not sure yet. But it’s possible.”

“I knew that kid was in trouble,” Donna mumbled. “And I’m with you, honey. Whatever you need.”

“Good. Do you mind if we hold a town meeting in here?”

“Right now?” Donna looked a little leery.

“If at all possible,” Reagan replied.

“All right. But don’t expect great service. It’s just me here tonight.”

“No worries.” Reagan smiled. “In the meantime, keep an eye out for anyone suspicious. And make sure you tell everyone you see to do the same.”

Lynx disconnected the call with Jimmy Don. “But keep in mind, my cousins are in town,” he noted. “They’re suspicious, but you can overlook them.”

Reagan and Donna both grinned.

“Anyone related to you is suspicious,” Donna said. “But I’m sure I’ll recognize those boys.”

“This guy’s older,” Reagan informed her. “He’ll stand out.”

Donna nodded, her eyes darting over to the door when the bells overhead rang.

Yep. The town was already starting to trickle into the diner. Exactly what they wanted right now.

Hopefully, by the time the sun went down, they’d have a few dozen eyes looking out for this asshole. And by tomorrow morning, this shit would all be behind them.

If they were lucky.



“Let’s do right by this girl,” Reagan continued, speaking directly to all the people with eyes currently trained on her. “She’s had a rough time and she’s part of this community now.” She paused momentarily. “She’s family.”

Several people mumbled their affirmation of that statement. And it was true. In a small town, it took time for people to be brought into the fold. But it was possible. Reagan knew that these people already considered Amy one of theirs. She was with Wolfe and Rhys, and that alone offered her protection from these people.

“So, keep your eyes open. If you don’t recognize the person, find out why they’re here. This guy’s smart, but he’s not gonna keep his cool if people are askin’ questions.”

“At the same time,” Rhys interjected, “don’t push too far.”

Reagan knew her brother wouldn’t be able to sit this one out. As much as he wanted to pretend that he was on the side of justice — innocent until proven guilty — he couldn’t deny that what had happened to Amy was a tragedy and this asshole needed to be brought to his knees. And as far as Reagan was concerned, by any means necessary.

“So, what’s goin’ on with the bar?” someone asked from the back.

Lynx stepped forward. “If you’re interested in helpin’, come see me. We’ve got plans drawn up and permits are underway. We’re gonna start buildin’ soon. And Reagan’s will be back in business as soon as we can make that happen.”

Reagan felt the blush creep up her neck. She loved this town. Always had. And the people … they were her family, too.

“But before we focus on that,” Lynx added, “I want you to confirm that you’ll keep your eyes open. If you have any questions on that, come see me, too.”

Reagan had to admit that she admired the way these people looked at Lynx. They saw him as family, respected him, even if they were willing to push his buttons from time to time. When all was said and done, they trusted him.

And they had good reason to, she realized. Lynx Caine had never gone back on his word, he’d never broken a promise, and more than once, he had come through for each of them.

The same way he was coming through for her.

The door to the diner opened and Reagan’s head automatically turned to see who was joining them. Her stomach twisted when she recognized Billy and Tammy. Together.

Her eyes flew over to Lynx, but he wasn’t even looking their way.

“Hey, Donna! Can we get some service over here?” Billy hollered, drawing the attention of everyone in the place.

“Actually, no,” Donna called out. “I’m a little busy right now.”

Reagan’s gaze shot over to Donna to see the older woman glaring at Billy and his … date.

It was then that Reagan realized the place had gone silent. All the noise had dimmed, the conversations dying off.