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Bitter

Sweet

Anne M. Scott

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Allrightsreserved Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeansincludinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems, withoutpermissioninwritingfromtheauthor.Theonlyexceptionisbyareviewer,whomayquoteshortexcerptsinareview.ThisbookmaynotbeusedtotrainArtificial Intelligence,LargeLanguageModels,orsimilarcomputergenerationmodels PiratesmaybedroppedintothegiantblackholeofAndromedawithoutfurtherwarning

DevelopmentalEditingLiaHuni

ProofreadingPaulaLester,PolarisEditing

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitherareproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactual persons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental

AnneM Scott

Visitmywebsiteatwwwamscottwritescom/romance

FirstPrinting:September2023

LightwavePublishingLLC

Dedication

In memory of my cousin, Coleen, who left us too young May perpetual light shine upon you and your family.

1 Chapter1

2.Chapter2

3.Chapter3

4 Chapter4

5.Chapter5

6.Chapter6

7 Chapter7

8.Chapter8

9.Chapter9

10 Chapter10

11 Chapter11

12.Chapter12

13.Chapter13

14 Chapter14

15.Chapter15

16.Chapter16

17 Chapter17

18.Chapter18

19.Chapter19

20 Chapter20

21.Chapter21

22.Chapter22

23.Chapter23

24 Chapter24

25.Chapter25

26.Epilogue

Author’sNote

Acknowledgements

AnneM.ScottBiography

AlsoByAnneM Scott

Chapter1

“Andthat’sourspecialsfortomorrow!We’llbeopenatseven,andI’ll haveprepackedboxesreadytoflyoutthedoor.”Shewiggledherfingers.“Seeyouthen!”Sheclickedthevideooff,reviewed it,addedcaptions,hashtagsandmusic,thenpostedittotheDeb’sBakerywebsiteandsocialmediaprofiles,pluscommunity pages.Herlastchoredone,sheturnedoffthesigninthefrontwindowofherbakery,andthenroseonhertiptoesandreached forthesky,herbackpoppingandcracking Atamerefivefoottwo,shedidn’thaveaprayerofreachingtheceiling,letalone thesky.

Crossingthesmalldiningareainfrontofthecounter,shecheckedforstraycrumbsornapkins,butJeff,hercleanupperson, wasmeticulous.Behindthebakerycounter,shepulledmostly-emptytraysoutoftheglassfrontdisplaycases.Ifonlyshecould findmorepeoplewithJeff’sdedication Heremployeeswereniceenough,buthadnorealloveforbaking;theyweretherefor thepaycheckonly.Whichwouldbefine,ifshecouldaffordtopaythemmorehours.Butshewasstuckinwhathersmall businessadvisorcalledthemuddymiddle.Shehadmorebusinessthanshecouldhandle,butnotenoughtoaffordfulltime workerswithbenefitsandinsurance,nomatterhowmuchshewantedto.

Afterwrappingthefewleftoversinplastic,sheplacedthemintheday-oldsalesbasket Thoseleftfromyesterdayhad alreadygonetothefoodpantry,alongwithloavesoffreshbread.She’dliketosendmoretothemandthefamilyshelter,too, butshecouldn’t.

MarcusBank’sPresident,SharleneMurphy,hadstronglysuggestedDebacceptinvestors.She’dsenteagercandidatesready toshovelcapitalintoDeb’sBakery Aninfluxofcashwouldallowhertohirefulltimeemployees,butatthecostoflosing control.Themenshe’dinterviewedatMrs.Murphy’srequest andtheywerealloldermen tookalookatherbalancesheet andtoldhertobuycheaperingredients,getridofJeff,andcontractacommercialbakerytomakehermostpopularcupcakes withpreservatives,thendistributetogrocerystores.

Debdidn’twanttodoanyofthat Shewantedtobake,designnewcreations,andmakehercustomershappy Cheaper ingredientsandpreservatives requiredifshewantedtodistributehergoodsmorethanacoupleofhoursaway changedthe tasteandtexturetoomuch.Besides,thereweremorethanenoughcheapcupcakesinstoresalready.Highqualitylocalgoods kepthercustomerscomingback.Plus,goingcommercialmeantshuttingdownherdiningarea,andshelikedtalkingto customers

Evenifsomeofthosecustomerswereapain,likeCharles“Chaz”Custandhishorrible,butwealthyandinfluentialmother Butshe’dtaketheCustsanydayoverthemostrecentso-calledinvestorsSharleneMurphysentherway.

Roughmeninboxysuits,withwaryglancesonenteringthebakery,theyreekedofcologneandgunpowder.OnceRyan,Erin’s fiancé,pointedoutthesigns,shecouldspotthebulgeofconcealedpistolsundertheirarmsorattheirwaists Thesemenwere demandingandrude,too,pushinginfrontofcustomersandpracticallyshoutingthatMarcusBanksentthemtoinvest,andnot takingnoforananswer.She’dhadtothreatentocallthecopstwice.Thelastthreeinvestorshadheavyaccentsaswell;Nadia, oneofherregulars,toldhertheyspokelikeBratva theRussianmob andshecouldn’tcomeintothebakeryanymore.She boughtcupcakesattheSaturdayFarmer’sMarketwhenDebopened,thenscurriedaway

Afterthelastuninvitedmobstermadeafussonabusymorning,DebhadSamKerr,herattorneyandotherbestfriend,senda cease-and-desistlettertothebank,statingformallythatshewasnotinterestedininvestorsorfranchising.Ms.Murphyhad stormedinthenextday,hernormallycalm,palewhitefaceflushedandglaring,accusingDebofbackstabbing,underhanded behaviorandtryingtogetherfired Debhadrepliedcalmly,remindingSharlenethatshe’dcalled,emailed,andsentpersonal letters,andyet,moreso-calledinvestorskeptshowingupandattemptingtointimidateherandhercustomers Debhadanotherreasonfortakingthenuclearoption;theidiot“investors”attemptingtointimidateherdidn’tunderstandthe peopleofMarcus,Montana.Atleasthalfofhercustomerslegallycarriedfirearms.Thelastthingsheneededwasawildwest

shootoutinhershop Filingthatinsuranceclaimwouldprobablygetherdroppedastoobigarisk,andinsuringabakerywas difficultenoughalready.

“Hey,Deb,areyouhere?”Erin’svoicerangoverthehumofcoolingfans.

“Upfront!”Shestackedthedisplaytraysandcarriedthemtothesinks.Hernightworker,astudentatthelocalcommunity college,wouldcleanthem,andthenextday’sgoodswerereadyfortomorrow’ssalesoncoveredtraysintheback

Erin’sbrightredhairappearedbetweentheracksofcupcakes,cookies,andbread,thensheleanedagainstthesinknextto Deb.“Itsmellsamazinginhere.”

Debchuckled.“Youalwayssaythat.”

“AndIalwaysmeanit Youarethesuperheroofbakedgoods”ErinpointedherelbowatDeb,agestureleftoverfromher daysintheAirForce,wherepointingwithafingerwasn’tpoliteforsomeoddreason.

Debputherhandsonherhips.“That’sme,CupcakeWoman!”

Erinlaughed.“Funnyeverytime.”Shesobered.“Howareyoudoingaftermymotherwent‘TerroroftheTown’onyou?Any fallout?”

Shegrimaced.“IgotanofficialletterbackthroughSam,statingmywisheswouldbefollowed,butthatmyloanwasunder review.”Otherthanherfirstyear,she’dmadeeverypaymentontime,andpaidextraontheoriginalamountduringgood months.

“Idon’tknowwhat’sgottenintoherlately”Erinsighed “First,shetriesreallyhardtosetmeupwithslimyChazCust,then shealienatesmeandRyanpublicly,andshesucksuptoherwealthycustomersinallkindsofweirdways.Nowshe’ssending mobsterstoyourdoor.I’mafraidshe’sgottenintosomethingreally,reallybad,andcan’tfindawayout.”Sheshookherhead, herexpressionsad.“Ihatetosayit,butI’mgladwetookWiz’swarningsseriouslyandopenedaccountsatotherbanks.Ican’t trustmyownmotheranymore”

“I’veopenednewaccounts,too,butIreallydon’twanttogothroughthehassleofgettinganewbusinessloan.”Thatwould taketimeandeffort,andshewasshortonbothalready.

“Meeither,butmyloanandatinybusinessaccountareallIhaveleftatMarcusBank.Anothergoodyear,andwe’llbepaid off”Eringrinned “Andspeakingofbusiness,withRyandownrange,Ineedtogetbacktomine Myboxesareintheirusual places?”

Debgrinned.“Sureare.AndIputaspecialpresentinthereforyouandyoursnugglestud.” Erin’sexpressionturneddreamy.“He’scominghomelatetonight,andIcanhardlywait.”

“Ibet”Debwaggledherbrowsandgrinned,butcouldn’thelpthejealousyspearingherheart Ifonlyshecouldfindaguy likeRyan Herfirstmarriagehadbeenatotaldisaster;they’dbothbeentooyoung,andshe’dbeenblindlystupid,too Afterher sisterKimmetandmarriedNicAcer,Debhadhopedshe’dhaveachancewithNic’sbrother,Michael.Kimevensuggestedthe twoofthemdate,butMichaelhadscoffed,claimingtheideawasridiculous.Hiswordshadstabbedherintheheart,but stiffenedherresolve Nomanwouldevermakeherfeellessthanenougheveragain;she’dhadenoughofthatwithherfirst marriage

DebstillusedAcerHomeRepairwhensheneededhelpwithherbakery,butshecalledNicdirectly.BothNicandKimtold herthatMichaelstillstruggledtoaccepthismedicalreleasefromtheArmyanddealwithhiscontinuinghealthissuesdespite creatinganextremelysuccessfulbusiness

“Speakingofstuds,didyouknowMichaelAcerwasinLouisianahelpingwiththehurricanecleanupatthesametimeas Ryan?”Erinraisedherbrows.

“No,really?”Michaelhadseemedtotallyfocusedonhisbusinessandhewasjustplaingrumpy Volunteeringhalfwayacross thecountryseemedoutofcharacter.Butshedidn’tknowhimthatwell he’dmadesureofthat. Erinshowedheraphotoonherphone.“Yep.RyanhadnoideaMichaelwasaTeamRubiconmemberuntilhewasassigned toMichael’steamtomuckoutafloodvictim’shouse.Sincehe’sacontractor,theymadeMichaelateamleaderimmediately.

Ryansaidhedidagreatjob”ThephotoshowedagrinningRyanandagrimacingMichael,thetwooftheminmud-covered whiteplasticsuits,carryingabatteredwhitebathtub.Despitehavingamechanicalgripperinsteadofalefthand,Ryandidn’t seemtohaveanytroublewithhisendoftheload.Michaellookedmorepained.“They’reonthesameflightbacklatetonight, though,soI’mgivingMichaelaridehome.”

“I’msureKimandNicappreciatethat”Debpretendedtopout “ButnowIwon’tgettowatchherkids”Isabellaand Sophia,herniecesfromKim’sequallydisastrousfirstmarriage,werethejoyofDeb’slife.Butshehadatonofcupcakesto decoratefortheFarmer’sMarket,andthetwogirlsmadethatdifficult.Ifshewassmart,shewouldclosetheshopon Saturdays,andconcentrateonthemarket,butherregularswouldwhine.

Erinchuckled “Thegirlsarecute,butI’msureyou’llhavemoreopportunities” “Guaranteed.”Thebackdoorbuzzermadeherjump.“Wonderwhothatis?”

Erinfollowedhertothedoor,pickingupherboxesontheway.“Youdon’thaveafternoondeliveries?” “Rarely.Almosteverythingcomesinthemorning.”Debopenedthebackdoor,revealingaharried-lookingFedExworker. “CanIhelpyou?”

Hethrustaflatwhitecardboardenvelopewithhisblackhandheldontopather.“Ifyou’reDeborahBoulanger,Ihavealetter foryou,anditrequiresasignature.”Hepointedatthescreenonthehandheld.

Suspectingshe’dratherpickuparattlesnake,Debputherhandsbehindherback.“Who'sitfrom?” Theguyturnedthehandheldaround “GeorgeFranks”

“Nope.Senditback.”She’dratherpickupadoublebatchofbreaddoughwithoutyeast andthatstuffwasheavy,bulkyand awkward.Shepulledherphonefromherpocketandsnappedapictureoftheenvelopeandhandheld. “Yousure?”Theman’seyebrowscrinkled.

Debpointedathishandheldabovethescreen “Yes Lookatthesender’saddress” “DeerLodge,Prisonernum oh Gotit”Hepulledoutthestylusandtapped “Refused Haveaniceday” “Youtoo.”Theywatchedthebigtruckdriveaway. Erinwalkedtohersilverhotrod,Smoky,andopenedthetrunk.“Doesthathappenoften?”

Debgrimaced “Oftenenough,althoughthisisthefirsttimehe’ssentsomethingbyacommercialcarrier He'salwaystrying togetmoneyoutofme Healmostruinedmylifethefirsttimearound Hissecondandthirdtriesweren’tanybetter,andnow I’mdone.”Afterthefirstyear,she’dwritten“ReturntoSender”oneverysingleletter.Asmuchasshewantedchildren,she wasthankfultheyhadn’thadany,becausethenshe’dbetiedtotheidiotforlife. Erinnoddedfirmly “Goodforyou DoesSamknowthisisgoingon?” Debshrugged “Yeah There'snotmucheitherofuscandountilhecomesupforparole Withanyluckatall,hisrecordof harassmentwillkeephiminprison.”

“Here'shoping.”Erinfrownedatthedustleftbythespeedingtruck. EvenifFranksgotout,hewouldn’tbeDeb’sproblem,andtherewasnosenseinworryingaboutit Besides,Erinhadbetter thingstodo “Havefuntonight!”

Erinlaughed,blushing.“Thanks.Butletmeknowifthere'ssomethingIcanhelpyouwith,whetherthat’sFranksormy mother.”

Debappreciatedtheoffer,evenifErincouldn’tdoanything “Thanks,Erin”Theyhuggedandhermusclecarrumbledaway Debreturnedtoherbakeryandthehundredsofcupcakeswaiting.Erinwassoluckytofindtruelove,twice.Abitterperson wouldbelieveitwasn’tfair,butDebknewbetter.Lovegrewslowlybetweentwopeople,withmutualcareandtrust,not instantattraction,desperationorprettywords.Therightpersonwouldcomealongsomeday,andhe’dbeworththewait. Despiteherpeptalk,theimageofamud-spattered,grimacing,darkhairedmanlingered

Chapter2

MICHAELACERHAULEDHISheavybagintohishouse,wavingattheretreatinglightsofErin’shotrod Itwasabeautiful car,butloud conversationbetweenthethreeofthemhadbeenimpossible.Whichwasjustaswell.Beingthethirdwheelwas badenough,butRyanandErinactedliketeenagers.Attheairport,he’dpulledouthisphonetofindanotherridebeforethetwo ofthemfinallybrokeapart.

ButifhehadawomanlikeErin,he’dprobablydothesame Unfortunately,theoddsagainstthatwereastronomical His constantbackpain,hearingproblems,anddebilitating,unpredictablemigrainesmadehimunreliableandshortwithcustomers; arelationshipwouldneversurvive,nomatterhowmuchacertaincheerful,gorgeous,curvyblondebakermadehimwish otherwise.

Hedroppedhisdufflebaginthelaundryroomandcarriedhissmallerbackpacktothebathroom Yankinghistoiletrykitout, hepulledandreplacedtheridiculousnumberofpillbottlesherequiredtoremainafunctioninghumanbeing.Flyingwithmeds wassuchahassle.Ifhe’dbeenabletodrive,he’dhavepackedeverythingindailydosagecontainers.Butflyingrequired carryingtheoriginalprescriptions,especiallysinceoneofthemwasanopioid.He’dtakenallhismedswithhimeveryday, lockingtheminavehiclewhiletheywereworking,andneverlettingthemoutofsightotherwise He’dalsobeenverydiscrete whentakingthem.Heneededthestrongerdrugsoccasionallytofunctionandhedidn’twanttotemptarecoveringaddict.Ora thief disasterzonesattractedthebestandworsthumanbeings.

Michaelloadedhisday-of-the-weekpillholder,tookthedosesheneeded,brushedhisteeth,andploppedintobed.Thework inLouisiana,clearingmuddy,water-loggedfurniture,appliances,wallboardandeverythingelsefromfloodedhouseswas physicallyhardandmentallychallenging.Theexertionwasgoodforhim;he’dusuallyfallenasleepquicklyandwokenfrom onlyafewnightmares.Butthefacesofthehomeownerswerehardtoforget.Theywereallgratefulforthehelp,butmany couldn’tacceptthatthey’dlosteverything,whileothersshutdown,unabletofacethedevastation.

Hestaredupinthedarkenedroom Ifafloodsweptthroughhisapartment,he’dloselittlehecaredabout Theirfewfamily heirloomsweresafeinNicandKim’shouseandmostofhisremainingpossessionswerethesimplethingsneededtolive,like clothing,food,andfurnishings.Theonlythingshe’dbesadtoletgowouldbetheshadowboxhe’dbuilttoremembertheArmy brothersandsistershe’dlostinAfghanistan.

Heraisedhisrightarm,bringingitclosetohisface Withtheblackoutcurtains,itwastoodarktoseethememorialsinkedon hisskin Evenifhelosttheshadowbox,thetattooswouldremain

Rememberingthoseterribleeventswouldn’thelphimsleep.Hecouldtakeasleepmed,butdidn’twanttobegroggyonhis firstdayback.Instead,heconcentratedonhisbreathing,attemptingthemeditationtheVeteran’sAdministrationshrinktaught him Butratherthanblankinghismind,awomanwithlongblondehairinahighponytail,brightblueeyes,andashort,curvy figureappeared

ForgettingDebBoulangerwasimpossibleatthebestoftimes;tryingtofallasleepafteralongdayontheroadwasfarfrom hisfinesthour.Butdatingherwasimpossible.Shewastooyoung,toopositive,andsimplytoogoodforhim.Plus,hersister wasmarriedtohisbrother,whichmadethewholethingjusttooweird Anyrelationshipbetweenthemwasdoomedtofailand shedeservedawholelotmore,especiallyafterherfirstmarriage GeorgeFrankshadbeenahighschoolfootballhero,buta druggieeventhen.Michaelhadneverunderstoodwhyanyonefellforhisso-calledcharm.ButDebhadbeenasoft-spoken sophomore;withlessthanstellarparents,shedidn’tstandachanceofresistingfifth-yearseniorFrankswhenallthejocksand cheerleaderswere“shipping”thetwoofthem

BusylearninghisnewjobintheArmy’sStrikerunitseighthoursawayatFortLewis,Washington,Michaelheardaboutthe marriageafterthefact.AyearaheadofFrank’soriginalclass,he’dknownKimandDebonlybysightintheirtinyschool,butif he’dknownaheadoftimehemighthavewarnedheroff.Someonecertainlyshouldhave.

Woulda,coulda,shoulda Somanythingsinhislifefellintothosecategoriesandthinkinglikethatonlybroughtguilt,which wasn’thelpful.Michaelconcentratedontheairgoinginandoutofhislungsandtheriseandfallofhischestuntilhefinallyfell asleep.

Thenextmorning,Michaelopenedhiseyesandimmediatelyslammedthemshut,thesliveroflightshiningthroughtheshades piercinghisbrainlikealaser Theleftsideofhisheadthrobbed,hisstomachchurned,andhereachedforthemedicationhe keptbesidehisbed.Butitwasn’tthere he’dprobablyleftitwithalltheothersinthebathroom.

Stupid.He’dknowntravelmighttriggeramigraine;he’dbeenluckyonthewaytoLouisiana,butthepotentialwasjustas greatgoinghome.Maybemoreso,becausehe’dchangedhissleepschedule,gainedaltitudeandeatenunusualfoodallweek.

Despitehispoundingheadandthetossingwavesinhisstomach,Michaelslidhislegstotheedgeofthebedandstood, leaningonthenightstand,thenthewall.Ignoringtheflashinglightspartiallyobscuringhisvision,heshuffledintothebathroom, forceddownaglassofwater,andthenfoundhismedication,poppingthepillunderhistongue.Pattingthecountertop,he grabbedandsqueezedhisemergencyicepackandshambledbacktobed,slidingunderthecoversandputtingthecoldpack underhisneck

Withnoactionslefttodistracthimfromthepain,heconcentratedonhisbreathing.Allhecoulddowasendureuntilthemeds kickedin,andthencallNic.Fortunately,Kimhadsetupavoicetriggeronhisphone.“Phone,migrainealert.”Otherpeople hadclevernamesfortheirphones;heonlywantedittoworkwhenheneededit.

“NotifyingNicyouhaveamigraine”Thephone’svoicewasasoothing,lowfemaletonethatdidn’tmakehisheadhurt worse.

Michaelendureduntilthethrobbinglessenedandtheicepackwarmed.Hepulleditaway,lettingitfalltothefloor,and slept.

Hewoke,painfreebutgroggyandtired,andcheckedhisphone Alittlebeforenoon;nothisworstepisode Nichadsenta “gotit,sleep”texthehadn’tnoticedwhilesufferingthroughthewavesofpain.Fortunately,Michaelhadn’tscheduledany estimatesorcommittedtofinishingaproject;experiencehadprovenhishealthwastooshakyaftertravel.

Gettingoutofbed,heshowered,shavedanddressed,thendrovetoNic’sworksite.

Nicwasputtingtoolsawayintheworktruck “How’reyoufeeling,bro?”

“Better”Michaelshrugged “Areyoudonehere?”

Nicnoddedandslammedthetailgate.“Suream.Timeforacoffee.Joinme?”

“Sure,whynot?”Hecouldgetadecaf.Withalltheextrasleep,he’dhaveahardenoughtimefallingasleepathisnormal time,andregularitywascriticaltopreventinganotherepisode

Nic’slipspursed “Actually,Ineedsomefoodtoo Let’sstopbyDeb’s” Michaelgrimaced.“I’llheadbackhomeandworkonthebooks.”

“Kim’sgotthebooks.”Nichuffed.“Comeon,don’tbeachicken.Deb’scupcakesarethebestandyouknowit.”

Michaelglaredathisbrother “Don’tbetryingtosetusup Thesistersandbrothersthingistooweird”Andshedeserved betterthansomebrokendownguywhocouldn’tevengetoutofbedatleastonedayaweek

Nicguffawed.“Yeah,onlyifyoumakeitweird.It’snotlikewe’rerelatedtothembybloodormarriageotherthanmeand Kim.Butno,I’mnotmessingwithyourlovelife.”Hesmirked.“ButKimmightnotbesorestrained,andI’mnottellingher no”

“You’resowhipped”Hedidn’treallymeanthewords,andNicknewit Nicgrinned.“Happily.I’mgettingacupcake,whetheryouareornot.”

“Fine”He’dadmitDebwasthebestbakerintown,probablythebestinthestate,andhertreatswerealmostworththe certainawkwardness.HegotinhistruckandfollowedNic.Withanyluck,DebwouldbesohappytoseeNicthatshe’dignore him.TheyparkedinthesmalllotbehindthebakeryandhefollowedNicinthebackdoor.

Theheathithimlikeahammer,remindinghimofsummersinAfghanistan,butthesmellwasmuchbetter.Browningsugarand bread,cinnamon,yeast,vanilla,andadozenotherssweptoverhim Theywovethroughthemachineryandcoolingrackstothe frontofthestore.Justbeforethebakerydisplaycase,Debsatatatable,rotatingacakeonastandwithonehandwhile spreadingwhitefrostingwiththeother.

Coldairblasteddownhisneck,fightingtheheatofthecommercialovens,andMichaelsteppedtotheside.Deb andher cake neededtheairconditioningmorethanhedid Besides,extremetemperatureshiftscouldbringonanothermigraine “Nic!”Debgrinned.

Nicputanarmaroundhershouldersandsqueezed.“Hey,how’smyfavoritesister-in-law?”

“I’myouronlysister-in-law.”Shechuckled,thenhereyesmethisandthesmilefellfromherface.“Michael.” “Hey”Heliftedhischinlikeanidiotkid

SheturnedbacktoNic.“Soletmeguess.Cupcakes?”

“Foryournieces,ofcourse.”Nicnoddedlikeabobbleheaddoll. Debchuckled.“Right,justforthem.”

“Well,ifyouinsist,I’msureKimwouldlikeone,too AndIwouldn’tmindeither”Nicgrinned “I’msureMichael appreciatesyourexpertiseaswell.”

“Yep.”Shesmoothedthefrostingintoathinlayer,thenspunthecake.“Goodenoughforthebaselayer.”Hoppingoffthe stool,shesashayedtothebakerycounter.“Luckilyforyou,Imadeatestbatch.”Shebentandpulledasmalltrayoutfrom underthebackcounter

Michaelquicklyavertedhisgazefromherbackside,butcouldn’thelpstaringagainonceshestoodandturnedtothem.Deb wasshort,curvy,andsmokinghot.

Sheplacedfourcupcakesinabox,thenheldthetrayouttoNic.“Takeone.”NicdidandthetrayswungtoMichael.“Go ahead”

Hegrabbedoneoftheelaboratelyfrostedtreats,almostsquishingthecakeoutofthewrapperbeforehegentledhisgrip “Thanks.”

Shenoddedandplacedthetrayonthecounter.“Letmeknowwhatyouthink.It’sanewrecipeforthisfall.It’sonlyafew monthsaway”

Michaelpeeledbackthepaperandbit,tryingtogetsomecakewiththeenormouspileofcreamyfrosting Sweetcinnamon andvanilla,withalittlebiteofheat,andadelicatecakethatalmostfellapartinhismouth.Wantingeverybit,helickedthe remainingfrostingfromhislips.“It’sdeliciousnomatterwhatseasonitis.”Deb’seyeswereonhismouth.Heraisedthetreat totakeanotherbitewhenpoundingfromthebakery’sfrontdoormadehimjump

Debscowledandmarchedaroundthecountertothefrontdoor,puttingherhandontheknob,butnotopeningit “Sorry,we’re closed.Weopenatseventomorrow.”

“I’vegotamessageforyou.”Araspyman’svoice,thetonecarriedanedgeofmenace.

MichaelexchangedglanceswithNic TheyputdowntheirtreatsandmovedclosertoDeb,buthiddenbehindthedoor She raisedherbrowsatthem,thencrackedthedooropen “CanIhelpyou?”Shekeptherhandontheknob Michaelleanedovertopeerthroughthewindow.Atall,hulkingman,withabitofagutandafive-dayshadowglareddown atDeb,handsclenchedathissides.“AreyouDeb?”

“Yes”Sheraisedherchin “DebFranks?”Heemphasizedthelastname. Herneutralexpressionturnedintoaglare.“No.”

Heputahandonthedoor,andsheshovedhertoesagainsttheotherside.“YouusedtobeDebFranks,though,right?”

“Yes Formysins Whatdoyouwant?”Shescowled Iflookscouldkill,theguywouldbeflatontheground.Buttheprettyblondewasn’tasuperhero.GoodthingheandNicwere there,ortheconfrontationcouldgobadlyforher.

“Georgehasamessageforyou.”Themanpushedthedoorharderandthreatcoatedhiswords.

MichaelraisedhisbrowsatNic,andslidclosertoDeb Nicshadowedhim “Well,Idon'twanttohearit,oranythingelsefromhimeveragain.”Shestabbedtheairinfrontoftheman’sfacewithher pointerfinger.“HeshouldhavegottenthatmessageloudandclearwhenIdivorcedhisslimyselfandreturnedhisletters.” “Ifyouknowwhat'sgoodforyou,you’lltakethismessage.”Hedrewbackhisarmandslammedhispalmagainstthedoor. DebstumbledbackintoMichael Hegraspedheraroundthewaistandheldheruntilshewassteady Shepulledherphone fromapocketonherapron.“Backoff,buster!Leavenow,orI'mcallingthecops.Nobodythreatensme,especiallyinmyown shop.”

Heknockedthephonefromherhand.“You'regonnalistenandlistengood!”

FurysweptthroughMichael,buthelockeditdown HesteppedinfrontofDebandshovedthemanback “No,sheisn't Leavenow,oryou’llbeleavingonastretcher.”

“Gonnatakemorethanyoutotakemedown,shortstuff.”ThemanpokedhisfingerintoMichael’schest.“Andthisisnoneof yourbusiness,sobuttout!”

Michaelgrabbedtheman’sfingerandbentitback “Don'tthinkit'lltakeevenme,butguesswhat?Igotlotsofhelp”

Themanyelped.ThenNicpulledthedoorwide,grabbedtheman’spantsandspunhimaround,yankinghisfingerfrom Michael’sgrasp.Nicgrabbedtheman’srightarmandpulledituptowardhisneck.“Thisismysister’sbusiness.Getout,and don'tcomeback.Weseeyouhereagain,you'redonefor.”

Together,MichaelandNiccrowdedhimoutthedoor NicletgoofhispantsandMichaelshovedhimhard,sendinghim sprawling Nicpulledouthisphoneandclickedapictureofhisface “Don'tcomeback AndtellGeorgetobackoff,orhe'll bestayingevenlonger.”

Themanscrambledtohisfeetandwalkeddownthesidewalkbackwards.“You’llregretthis!”Heshookhisfistintheair, thenjoggedaway

HeandNicwatcheduntilthemancrossedthestreetandwalkedoutofsight ThentheyreturnedinsideandMichaellocked thedoor.Heshookhisarmsout,tryingtoshakehisangeraway,too.

“Deb,areyouokay?”Nicheldouthisarms.

Debnodded,butherlipstrembledandshethrewherselfintoNic’shug “Yeah,I'mfine Thanksforthehelp Areyouguys okay?”

Ifonlyhe’dthoughttoofferahugfirst.Butthatwouldbestupid.Shedeservedabetterguy;someonehealthyandhappy. Niclethergo,chuckling.“Sure,thatwaseasy.”

Michaelcouldn’tlaugh,notwithrageandfearstillcoursingthroughhisbody “Deb,hasthishappenedbefore?”

“No”Shewrappedherarmsaroundherwaist “Georgehasbeensendingletters,butIreturnthemunopened Don'twant anythingtodowiththesleazeball.”Sheshivered.

Nic’smouthtwisted “Can'tblameyouthere Hemustwantsomethingprettybadtosendsomeonetothreatenyouinperson Maybeyou'dbetterreportthis?”

Debsighed.“Yeah,probably.I'mreallytiredofdealingwiththis.” Michaelraisedhisbrows.“Exactlywhatisthis?”

Deb’slipspressedtogetherforamoment “Wantanothercupcake?It'sabitofastory”Shewalkedawayfromthemandput thecakeshe'dbeenfrostingintoanearbycommercialfridge.Shepulledouttheremainingcupcakesandcarriedthemtoa table.“Waterorcoffee?”

“Waterwouldbegreat,thanks.”Michaelknewheneededtorehydrateafterhismigraine,andmoresugarwasn’tgoingto help Buthecouldn’tresisthersweets Hefollowedherbehindthecounter,takingtheglassesshefilled,andthenreturnedto thetable,sittingaftershedid.

Nictookabite.“YoushouldbeononeofthosecupcakeshowsonTV.Nowayanyonecouldcompetewiththese.” Debsmirked.“Nothanks.ThoseshowshavedeadlinesandpressureIdon'tneed.AndI'mnotexactlyTVmaterial.”She rolledhereyesandwavedahandfromherheadtoherwaist “Ieattoomuchofmyownproduct” Michaelcouldn’thelphimself.“Youlookperfecttome.”

Nicelbowedhim,hard.“Dude,badtiming.”Hekepthisvolumelow,butDeb’sfacereflectedamusementanddisbelief. “Whatelseisnew?”HewasgenerallybadwithwomenbuteverythingcameoutwrongaroundDeb.“Sorry,nevermind.I knowthebasicsofwhathappenedwithFranks,butIdon’tthinkNicdoes,soifyoucouldtellusthewholestory,maybewe canhelp.”Hehadtostaycalmandprojectreassurance.DisplayingangermightmakeDebmoreanxious,anditwouldn’thelp himeither.

Debtookadeepbreath.“IgotmarriedinhighschooltoGeorgeFranks.Hewasajock,andthepicture-perfectboyfriendfor aninsecurefatgirlwho'dbeenteasedherwholelife George'sdadwasprettywelloff,soGeorgewasmorethanalittle spoiled,anditturnsout,awholelotlazy.WegotmarriedrightafterhegraduatedhighschoolwhenIwasajunior.Ifoundout laterhismompressuredhimhardtomarrythe‘rightkindofgirl’thinkingthatwouldkeephimonthestraightandnarrowwhen hewenttocollege.”Sherolledhereyes.“Itdidforawhile.Thenhestartedpartyingharder,andhelosthisfootball scholarship,andhereallywasn’tgoodenoughthattheywerewillingtooverlookhisacademics,sohedroppedout”Deb lookeddownatthetable “I’mprettysurehecheatedonmethewholetimehewasthere Helivedinabighousewithhis teammates,andthereweregirlsthereallthetime.WhenIconfrontedhim,heblamedmefortrappinghimintomarriageand gaslightedmehard.”Sheshrugged,stillstaringatthetabletop.

GoodthingGeorgewasinprison,becauseifhewashere,Michaelwouldberearranginghisface Georgehadalwaysbeen sleazybutemotionallyabusingawomanmadehimintotruescum “Didhephysicallyabuseyou,too?”Michaelhardly recognizedhisownvoice,hiswordscomingoutinagrowl.

Debshookherhead.“No.HeknewIwouldn’tstandforthat.Anyway,afterhedroppedout,hewentfromjobtojob,whileI supportedusbyworkinginabakeryinMissoula Hisdadcuthimoff,tellinghimtogrowupandgetarealjob,buthegotfired timeaftertime Thenhegotintodrugs,andbeforelong,hewasdealing,notthatIknewthat”Sheshudderedandglaredatthe wallinfrontofher.“WhenIfoundneedles,Ikickedhimout,packedmystuffandgotthecopstosearchtheplace.There wasn’tanythingtherebutparaphernalia,butitwasn’tlongbeforehegotcaughtthefirsttimewithdrugs,andIstarteddivorce proceedings Thenhegotcaughtdealingatthehighschool,whichsenthimuptothestateprisonatDeerLodgeforaverylong time”Hermouthtwistedandsheglancedbetweenthetwoofthem “Samdrewupthedivorcepaperworkforme,eventhough shedoesn'tusuallydodomestics,andGeorgeactuallysignedit,soitwasn’tevencontested.Buthekeptsendingmeletters, mostlyaskingformoney,andwhileIsenthimsomeearlyon,Iquitafterthethirdrequest.ThenIsentthelettersbackunread.

Butsomethingelsemustbegoingonnow,becausethisisthefirsttimeI’vebeenthreatened”Sheshookherhead “I'dbetter callSam.”

“Ithinkyoushouldspendthenightwithus.”Nicpointedatthefrontdoor.“Toomuchglass,notenoughsecurityhere.” “Here?”Michaelwasn’tsurewhatNicmeant.

Debpointedattheceilingaboveherhead “Iliveinanapartmentabovethebakery Nocommuteforme” “Nice.Normally.ButNicisright.”Michaelglancedaroundthefrontofthebusiness,tryingtorememberwhatthebackdoor lookedlike.

“I'mnotgoingtoletsomethugscaremeoutofmyhome.Ormybusiness.”Debglaredathim,butitwaslikeakittenglaring. Michaelsmirked “GuessI'llbespendingthenight”Shewasfamily,andheneverabandonedfamily Rememberingthat wouldkeephimonthestraightandnarrow.

Sheraisedhereyebrows.“Idon'tthinkso.Idon'tevenknowyou.”

Hechuckled.“Wecanfixthat.Onenightwithme,andyou’llknowmerealgood.”He’dalreadyveeredwayoffthestraight andintoaracetrackfullofcurves

Nicpunchedhisarm.“Whatiswrongwithyou?”

Michaelhelduphishands,palmout.“Justkidding,tryingtolightenthemood.” Badly. “Kimisgoingtokillyou,andI’llcheerheron.”Nicscowled.

“Thanks,butnothanks”Debrolledhereyes “I'llcallSam,we'lltalktotheSheriff,they'llkeepaneyeonmyplace,and everythingwillbefine.”

Michaelsnorted.Shewasbeingcompletelyunrealistic.He’dseenthesametacticsintheTaliban-controlledtowns.The cowardsalwaystargetedwomen,andtheyweresuccessful,moreoftenthannot.“Whatareyou,five?Doyouliveinacartoon? Gonnastartwailingsomefeel-goodsongsoyoucanhopeandprayyourwayoutofthis?”Witheveryword,Debglaredharder Butevillooksdidn’tscareoffdrugdealers;ittookforceorleverage.

Nicsmackedhimharder.“Hemaybearudejerk,buthe'sright.Whatkindofprotectiondoyouhavehere?Surveillance? Security?Aweapon?”

Debsighed “Ihaveasecuritysystemwithmonitoring,becausebakeryequipmentisexpensiveandflammable Nocameras; neverneededthem Noguns Ihaveataserupstairs”

Itwasamiracleshehadn’tbeenrobbedorattackedbefore.EventhelittletownofMarcushadcriminals.“Youhavetoget tooclosetouseataser.You'retootinytotakethatchance.Unlessyouknowsomesortofmartialarts?”Itwashighlyunlikely. Debwassoftlyrounded,prettyinacutecheerleader-girl-next-doorway,andaboutasmenacingasastuffedbunny Although sheprobablyhadstrongarmsandhandsfrombaking,sohecouldteachherafewtechniqueseasily

“No,doIlooklikeakarateexpert?Ibake.”Shespreadherarmswide,raisingherhandsintheair,andlookeddownather pinkaprondecoratedwithherlogoandyellowsunflowers.

Shelookedasdeliciousashercupcakes,buthewasn’tdumbenoughtosaythat

“Idon’tthinkyou’resafeherebyyourself YoushouldstaywithNicandKim,orIcanhelp”He’dresistedtemptationbefore,andhe’ddosoagain

Debrolledhereyes.“I’mnotabandoningmybusiness,andI’mstayinghere,bymyself.Ihave911onspeeddial,thecops lovemebecauseIbringthemgoodies,plusIhavemysecuritysystemandmytaser.I'llbefine.I'llcallSam,andwe’llwarn thepolice,andfileacomplaintwiththeprison”Sheglancedatherphone “Nic,wasn’tKimexpectingyouhomeearlyforthe girl’sdancerecital?”

Nicwincedandtappedhisphone.“Yep,gottogo.”Hestood.“Michael,yougotthis?”

Henodded “Yeah I’llgetafewthingsfromhomeandcomeback”Goodthinghehadn’tunpackedhisduffelbag;his sleepingbag,pillow,andsomecleanclotheswerestillinside.He’daddafewofhisbusinessT-shirts,repackallhismeds, grabhisweaponandhe’dbegoodforguardduty.

Debshovedherchairbackwithascreech.“Stayhome.Idon’tneedyourhelp.”

Michaelstood,andmovedtodeliberatelyloomoverher “Toobad,cupcakequeen You’regettingit Icansleepinmytruck, butI’mnotleavingyouherealonetonight.”

Deb’slipcurled.“Hopeyouhavewarmblankets,becauseyou’llneedthem.”

“Don’tyouworry,I’llbefine,andI’llmakesureyou’resafe.”Stayinginhistruckwasabetteridea,anyway.Debwastoo tempting,toodistracting Outside,he’dstayalertandaware,andhe’dremembershewastoogoodforhim

MichaelfollowedNicoutofthebakery’ssugar,spiceandeverythingnice,backtohistruck,coatedinthedust,muck,and dirtofhislife.AlittlereminderthatsweetDebwastooyoungandtoocleanforhim.Acupcakequeendeservedaking,nota guywhocouldn’tgetoutofbedbecausehisheadached.Hedrovefasterthanusual;fearforDebsimmeringinhisgut.She broughtsomuchjoytosomany;shedeservedasafe,happylife

Chapter3

DEBREADIEDTHECASHdrawerforthemorning,placeditinthesafe,checkedthefrontandbackdoorlocks,engagedthe securitysystem,andthrewherapronintothelaundryhamper.Despiteherbravewords,shewasgratefulforthecommercial steeldoorsleadingtoherapartment.Shecheckedthedeadboltsonthedoorseparatingherstairwayfromthebakeryandthe exteriordoor,thentrodupthenarrowstairs.Sheshoulddoasalevideohighlightingthenextday’sspecials,butshecouldn’t, notafterthat

Openingandlockingthefinaldooratthetopofthestairs,sheenteredhersanctuaryandtookadeepbreathofrelief.Most wouldfindthetinystudioapartmentclaustrophobic;herqueensizebedtookupmostofthespace,withjustenoughroomfora readingchairandanottoman.Thebathroomsqueezedintothespacebehindthekitchenette;bothweresmall,butsowasshe.A narrowislandwithtallstoolsseparatedthekitchenfromthebedandgaveheralittlestorage

Thesunnyyellowwallswithdarkbrownfurnishingswereabolddesignchoice,butthesplashesofbrightwhiteandpale bluelightenedtheintenseshades.Sinceshewokeveryearly,andthewinternightswerelonginMontana,strategicallyplaced full-spectrumlightsstartedherdayonabrightnote.Intheevenings,sheuseddimmerlighting,therelaxinghuessignalingher workdaywasdone

MichaelAcerinherspacewouldbeanythingbutrelaxing.Theman,withthosebroadshoulders,constantscowlandblunt wordssimplydidn’tfit,physicallyoremotionally.Atleasthewasn’tunfairlytall,althoughhecouldstillhoveroverher physically,buteveryonecould.Shewasusedtoit,butshewouldn’tletanyoneintimidateherinherownhome.Orattemptto intimidateherinherbusiness Shewasn’ttheshy,needy,insecuregirlGeorgehadgroomed,andshewasn’tgivingintohis demandsoranyoneelse’s.IncludingMichael’sorNic’s,nomatterhowwell-meant.

Slippingoffhershoesandputtingonslippers,shedrewtheshadesonthetall,narrowwindows.Shehatedtoshutoutthe view,buthavingglassinthethreewallssurroundinghersleepingspaceseemedtooaccessible,toovulnerable.Sheshookthe sensationaway;shewasonthesecondstoryaboveahigh-ceilingedbusiness Itwouldtakealotofeffortforanyonetoclimb up.Butcontactinghersecuritycompanytoinstalladditionalsensorsupstairsseemedprudent.Maybesomecameras,too, dependingonhowaffordabletheywere.Shecouldgetdoorbellcamerasattheveryleast.

Shewantedtoplopdowninherchairandmindlesslyeatchips,butinstead,sheputonanapronandfixedaheathymealwith chickenandveggies Owningabakerymeanteatingtoomuchsugarandbutter;ahealthymealeverynightwastheonlywayshe couldkeepherweightincheck Atleastbakingmeantplentyofstepsandweightliftingwithoutdeliberateexercise,something she’dalwayshated.

Debatehermealattheisland,cleanedandthentookashower,dryingherhairandreadyingherclothesandmakeupforthe morning Tighteningasilkyrobearoundherwaist,shecouldnolongerresist Shepeeredoutthetinybathroomwindow,the onlyonethatlookeddownonthesmallparkingareabehindherbusiness Awhitetruck,withalargeworkboxonthebackwas parkeddirectlyinfrontofherbackdoor.Shecouldn’tseethewords,butsheknewthestarkblackandwhitelogoonthedoor: AcerHomeImprovement.

Michaelreallywasgoingtocampoutinhistruck Thatcouldn’tbecomfortable Andwhiletheworstofthewinterwasover, thenightswerestillchilly Shecouldn’tleavethemandowntheretoshiver,nomatterhowmisguidedhewas

Partofhersaidsheshould;shehadn’taskedforhishelp.Infact,she’dobjected,strongly.Shewasperfectlycapableof calling911andshehadataseronhernightstand.Although,shewasn’tsureitwascharged;she’dcarriediteverydaywhen sheworkedinMissoula,butMarcusseemedsosafe,andshedidn’tevenhavetogooutsidetoreachherapartment

ButmaybeMarcuswasn’tsafeanymore WizhadwarnedallofthemthatErin’smother,SharleneMurphy,hadmadesome baddecisionsregardinginvestorsintoMarcusBank.ErinstillhadtroublewithChazCust,andhe’dharassedbothherand Sam,too.ThentherewerethemenwhoattackedWizlastfall,tryingtoassaultherandburndownherhouse.Noneofthose

seemedrelatedtoGeorgeFranks,buttheso-calledinvestorsMarcusBanksentherwaymightbe Organizedcrimewasinto drugs,andGeorgehaddealtthem.Maybetherewasaconnection.

Andinthatcase,Michaelmightnotbesafe,aloneinhistruck.Shecouldn’tdomuchtohelpasoldier,butshecouldprovide asecure,warmplaceforhimtostay.Heralarmsystemwouldalertbothofthem,wherehemightbesurprisedinhistruck, especiallyifheslept Sheputherhandonthedeadbolttothestairs Offerornot?

Shewaskiddingherself.Shewouldn’tbeabletosleepknowinghewasdownthere,coldanduncomfortable.Especially withlingeringmedicalproblemsrelatedtohismilitaryservice.Sleepinginatruckwouldn’tbehealthy.Shetiedherrobe securely,grabbedherkeys,openedthedoor,andpaddeddownthestairs.Attheoutsidedoor,shehesitatedagain,puttingher eyetothepeephole Thewhitetruckwiththeshadowyfigureinthepassenger’sseatmockedhercowardice Sheshutoffthe alarmandleftthebuilding,makingsureherkeyswereinherpocket,andmarchedtoMichael’struck.

Assheneared,hescowled.Regretmadehergrimace,butshewasn’tturningaround.

Herolleddownthewindow.“Yes?”

Sheclenchedherfists Shehadtobepolite,evenifshedidn’tmeanit “It’sgoingtogetcold,andyouwon’tknowifmy alarmsgooffuntilit’stoolate.Wouldyouliketocomeupstairsoratleastinside?”

Hisscowldeepened.“I’mfine.I’mnotsleeping,andifIwas,thisseatismorecomfortablethanaStriker.”

ShehadnoideawhataStrikerwas,butitdidn’tmatter.“Thatmightbe,butyoudon’thavepeoplesharingyourwatch.And youhavejobstodotomorrow,right?”

Hegrimaced.“Itwon’tbethefirsttimeI’veworkedwithoutsleep.”

“Butifyouslippedbecauseyou’retiredandinjuredyourself,I’dfeelterrible.”Whichwastrue,evenifshehadn’taskedfor hishelp.“Ifyou’reinsistingonguardingmybusiness,whichfortherecord,Idon’tthinkisnecessaryandIdidn’task,youcan atleaststaywarmandcomfortable,andmaybegetsomesleep”Sheclenchedherfistsandgrittedthewordsout “Please?” Heglared,thennodded.“Stepback.”Shedid,andheopenedthedoor.Fromthebackseat,hepulledalargedarkgreenbag, closedthedoorsandlockedhistruckwithabeep.Abig,blackholstersecuredanequallybig,blackpistoltohismuscular thigh.“Leadtheway.”

Grimacingonceherbackwasturned,Debopenedthedoor,lettinghimin Shelockeditbehindhimandenteredheralarm code ThetinylandingatthebottomofherapartmentstairswasmuchtoocrowdedwithMichael’swideshoulders Nomatter howshetriedtosqueezeclosertothekeypad,herbacksidebrushedagainsthim.Thealarmsystemflashedandbeeped she’d enteredthewrongcode.Carefullypushingeachbutton,sheenteredtherightnumberandjumpedwhenitflashed“AlarmOn.”

Shesuckedinhergut,andturnedtofacehim,regrettingitinstantly

Michaelglowereddownather “CanIopenthedoortothebakerynow?”

“No,Ihavetounlockit.”Debwincedattheanticipatedawkwardnessandshuffledtoherleft.Heslidtotheright,tryingto keephisgiantbagfromknockingherover.

Despitetheircare,everyinchofherbrushedagainsthim,tryingtosendshiversdownherspine Butshewasincontroland shewouldn’tlethisbodyaffecther Sheopenedtheinnerdoortothebakery,hertensionfadingwiththecomfortingscentof flour,sugar,butterandvanilla.Skitteringaway,shewaiteduntilMichaelsteppedinside,thenclosedandlockedthedoor.She swallowed,wishingforaglassofwater.“Doyouwanttostaydownhere,orupstairs?”Shedidn’twanthiminherapartment, notonelittlebit

“Iwouldn’tbeeffectiveupthere”Heturnedafullcircle,thenglareddownatheragain

“CanIgetthealarmcodesandaset ofkeysincaseIneedtogooutside?”Hewalkedtowardthediningarea,pullingcoolingracksoutoftheirneatrows,making

hermovearoundthem Aftershegrabbedoneandstoppedhimfromblockingher,hegrowled “I’mtryingtocreateobstacles foranyonecomingintheback.”

Sheputherhandsonherhips.“Well,tellmewhereyou’reheaded,andI’llgetinfrontofyou.”

Hesnorted,steppedback,andbowed,sweepinganarmouttotheside.“Yes,milady.”

Itwasherturntoglare “Look,Ididn’taskforthis Idon’twantyouhere ButI’mnotgoingtoleaveyououtsideeither,so canthesarcasm.”Shemarchedinfrontofhim,stoppingatherdecoratingtable,whichstoodattheendofthedividerbetween thesalesareaandthebakery.Customerslikedwatchingherdecorate;saleshadincreasedwhenshemovedhertabletothat location.Plus,itwasrightunderanairconditioningvent,soitwasadoublewin. Michaelstoppedrightbehindher,blockingherbetweenhisbodyandthetable Shesteppedtothesideandturned Hesurveyedthespaceandturnedbacktoher.“I’llstayhere,betweenthetwoareas,whereIcanhearandseeeverything. Givemekeysandcodes,andyoucango.”

“Oh,thanksfordismissingmefrommyownbusiness.”Debmarchedtohersafe,openeditandpulledanextrasetofkeys, throwingthemathimandglaringharderwhenhecaughtthemeasily “I’llsendthecodestoyouonatext Ihopeyourphoneis properlysecured.I’llbebackhereatfour.”Shewalkedaway,wantingtogetbackupstairs.

“Fourinthemorning?That’swhenyourdaystarts?”Hisvoicesoundedincredulous. Likesomany,heprobablythoughtbakingwaseasy,butsheworkedreallyhardforhersuccess.“Yes.”Shespokeoverher shoulder,notwantingtospendevenonemoresecondwithhim “Right.Seeyouthen.”

Shemarchedtothestairway,notlookingback,andafterlockingandalarmingeverydoor,sheretreatedtoherapartment, tryingtocalmhernerves.Mencamein,tookcommand,neverlistened,andblamedthefemalewhenthingswentwrong,no matterhowmanytimestheywerewarned Shepacedthesmallfloorspacebetweenthekitchenetteandislandandtextedhim thealarmcodes.Atleasthewasdownthere,notupheremakingeverythingworse.He’dundoubtedlymakefunofherdécor andlackofspace,andcomplainaboutherlackofatelevision.

Herrugswouldbesofterthanthesealedconcretefloorofhershop.Butno,hedidn’tbelonginhersanctuary.

Debuntiedherrobe,drapeditoverthefootboardofherbed,turnedoffthelightsandclimbedintobed Nomatterhowangry Michaelmadeher,shestillhadtoworkveryearlytomorrowmorning,andifshedidn’twanttowastehundredsofdollarsin ingredients,shehadtosleep.

Afterarestlessnightoftossingandturning,andwonderingfartoomuchaboutMichael,Debrose.Shedabbedonextra concealer;darkcirclesstoodoutagainstherpaleskin,andthatdidn’tmatchherbrightandbubblyimage Happinesssoldmore cupcakes

Preciselyatfour,sheturnedthealarmoffandunlockedthedeadboltontheshop’sbackdoor.Hermorningemployeeshad keystothedoorknob,buttheywouldn’tshowupforanotherhour.Inside,sheputonherapronandslidhercellphoneinthe pocket,checkingforallherothernecessaryitems Shepulledtherackofalreadydecoratedcupcakes,cookies,andother breakfastitemsfromthebigwalk-incooler,androlledittothefront,pushingtheMichael-createdobstaclecourseofcooling racksaside.

Standingnexttoherdecoratingtable,Michaelstuffedadullgreensleepingbagintoasmallerbag.Athin,redmattresswith moreholesthancushionwasonthefloornexttohisfeet,abrightgreenpillowontopofit Maybeshe’dworriedfornothing ErinhadsaidsomethingaboutRyantakinghisbackpackinggearwithhimlastweek,becauseplaincotsweren’tvery comfortableforafullweekofhardwork.Butthatmattresslookedtoothinforconcrete,though.

Well,nomatterhowlousyhernighthadbeen,shecouldbepolite “Goodmorning”Sherolledtherackpasthim,flippedthe coffeemakeron,andloadedtraysintothebakerycase.“Helpyourselftoanythingintheback,andcoffeewillbeready shortly.”

“Thanks,butI’mgoinghometogetalittlemoresleep,andIcan’teatthissugarystuffanyway.”Herolledandstuffedtherest ofhisthingsintohisdufflebag,thenwalkedawaywithoutanotherword

Debfinishedloadinghertrays,carefulnottoslamthemintothecase.Thelastthingsheneededwasbrokenglass.Sheplaced breadintobaskets,lettingtheloavesfallwithalittlemoreforcethannecessary.Howdarehedismissherproductsas“sugary stuff”whenshehadsomuchmore.Shemadeagreatselectionofglutenfreeproductsandlowsugarproducts,too.Theguywas determinedtobenasty;atthispoint,musteringgratitudewasfarbeyondhercapabilities

Goodthingshehadbreadloavestoshape;tryingtobakecupcakeswithallthisangerwouldendindenseblobsof overworkedbatter.ShecouldpunchthebreaddoughandpretenditwasMichael’sgloweringface.

Afterafulldayofhappycustomers,Debwasexhaustedbutrestless.She’dtriedtotakehernormaltwentyminutenapafter closingthefrontdoor,butmemoriesofthebruteGeorgesentwouldn’tletherrest SheroseandworkedwithJefftocleanthe shop,startedsavoryandsweetbatchesofbreaddough,thendecoratedthecupcakesherdecoratorJoancouldn’tfinish.After Jeffleft,shecheckedherspecialorders,confirmingshehadnothinglefttonight;thenextevening,she’dbebakingbiglayer cakesforaweekendwedding.

Debstretchedherfingersandjumpedatthepoundingfromherbackdoor Shehadabuzzer;nooneshouldknock Sheyanked hercellphonefromherapronpocketandtrottedthroughthebakery,peeringthroughthepeephole.Thesamebrutishmanwho’d confrontedherthedaybeforestoodthere,onehandthrustunderhisjacketathiswaist.Hemighthaveagun.Heraisedhis otherarmandpoundedonherdooragain.

Debtookadeepbreathandyelled “Goaway Ihavenothingforyou!” “Youoweusmoney.Openup,orI’mcomingin!”

Shemovedawayfromthepeephole,pressedtheemergencybuttononhersecuritypanelanddialed911.

“MarcusDispatch,what’sthenatureofyouremergency?”Atthesametime,aman’svoicecamefromthespeakerinher panel “Doyouneedpoliceresponse?”

“Help!There’samanwithagunatthebackdoorofmybakeryandhe’sthreateningtobreakin Pleasesendthepolice,fast” Herbackdoorshookandthunderousbangsounded,followedbyaringingthwack.“Ithinkhe’stryingtoshootmydoor!” “Anofficerisrespondingtoyourlocation.Pleasetakeshelterbehindalockeddoorifpossibleandconfirmyouraddressfor me”The911operator’svoicewascalm

Debenteredthestairwelltoherapartment,gavethe911operatortheaddress,andhername Thealarmcompanyconfirmed they’drequestedresponsetoo,thenhungup.Shejumpedagainwhenaseconddouble-bangsounded.Shepeeredaroundthe stairwelldoorintothebakery;bitsofglassglinted,spreadacrossherfloorwithamangledbitofbrassinthemiddle.“Heshot thepeephole!”

Asirenwailedinthedistance Themanoutsideyellednastynamesather,thenacardoorslammed,andanenginerumbled thenroared,fadingasitspedaway.Afewsecondslater,flashingredandbluelitthefrontofherbakeryforafewmoments, thenthenormaleveninglightreturnedastheofficer’scarsquealedaroundthecornertotheback.Acardoorslammed. “DeputyMileshasarrivedatyourlocation Pleaseremainindoorsandawayfromwindowswhilehesearchesthearea Otherofficersareresponding Anofficerwillcallthisnumberwhenit’ssafetoopenthedoor Doyouunderstand?” “Yes,thanksforyourhelp.Iappreciateit.”

“You’rewelcome Hangtight,they’llbewithyoumomentarily Takecare”ThecalldisconnectedandDebsliddownthe walltositonthefloor.TurninginGeorgehadbeenbadenoughandshe’ddonethatatthestationwithSamatherside.Talking withpoliceafterashootingwouldtakeforever.Notwantingtotieupherphone,shetextedSam.“Manthreatenedme,thenshot mydoor.Copsarehere.WhatdoItellthem?”

Samtextedbackimmediately “Nothing Notoneword I’llbethereintenminutesorless” Debclimbedtoherfeet,enteredthebakeryagainandgrabbedabroomtosweepuptheshatteredpeephole.Thedebris sprayedatleasttenfeetinsidethedoorallthewaytooneofherworktables;fortunately,shehadn’tbeenmixingbatteror she’dhavetothrowawayentirebatchesofdough.She’dhavealotofcleaningtodo,though,becauseapieceofbrokenglass orplasticinacupcakewouldbeadeathsentenceforhershop Shesighedandgrabbedabucketofbleachwaterandarag Ifshe’dbeenlookingthroughthatpeephole…Atleastcleaningwouldkeepherfromthinkingabouthowcloseshe’dbeento gettingshot.

Chapter4

MICHAELANSWEREDHISCELLphone

“HeyNic,what’sup?”Afteragoodnight’ssleepinhisbed,he’dstartedanew job,rebuildingadecrepitdeck.Yankingoldplanksandpullingnailshadbeenagreatworkoutandtheperfectwaytoexpend excessemotionalenergy.HewouldhavestayedatDeb’sbakerylastnight withaninflatablemattressratherthanahikingpad butshehadn’tcalledhim,Kim,orherfriendsaboutmoreproblems.Thebadguymusthavegottensmartandleft.

“Youweren’tatDeb’slastnight,right?”

HisshouldersroseatthetensioninNic’svoice.“No.Whathappened?”

“Sameguywhothreatenedhercameback.Triedtoshootthelock ”theybothsnortedatthestupidity“ andthenshotthe peepholeout.”

“Issheokay?”Shootingoutamodernlockwithapistolwasn’tpossible,butifshe’dbeenlookingthroughthetinywindow, shecouldhavelostaneyeorevenherlife.Shewasn’tstupid;she’dhaverunifsomeonepointedagunather,eventhrougha metal-claddoor.

“Yeah,sheretreatedtoherstairwellafterthefirstgunshotandcalledthecops.KimsaysDeb’sfurious.Guessthepeephole shatteredandshehadtodeepcleaneverythingwithintwentyfeetofthedoor”

Michael’sfistsclenched,theedgesofhisphonebitingintohispalm.“Ishouldhavebeenthere.”

Nicsnorted.“Why?Weallfiguredtheguylearnedhislessonandleft.Ithoughtyoustayingthatfirstnightwasoverkill. Thosekindsusuallygiveupwhentheyrunintohardtargets theygofortheweakordefenseless.WemadeitclearDebwasn’t either”

Themusclesbetweenhisshoulderstightened,likeasniperwaswatchingfromahideout.“Yeah,that’swhatworriesme.The guymustbemorethansomelocaldrugdealer’sthug.I’mgoingtogotalktoherlater.”

“KimsaysallDeb’sfriendsareupset,too.Abunchofthemareex-militaryandoneofthemisasecurityspecialist,soIguess they’reinsistingDebmakesomechangesandacceptsomehelp There’sameetingatthebakeryatsix Canyoumakeit?I’ve gotaschoolthingforthekids.”

“Yeah,Igotit.TellKimnottoworry.I’mnotleavingDebaloneagain,butIneedaninflatablemattressoracotifI’mgoing tosleepinthebakery.”Hisbrokenbodycouldn’thandleanothernightonbarelycushionedconcrete.

“We’vegotaninflatable I’lldropitoffthisafternoon LetmeknowhowelseIcanhelp,anddon’tsayIdon’tknowwhatI’m doing BeinganAirForceREDHORSEmembermeansgoingtosomeprettylousyplacesanddefendingourequipmentwhile webuildthebase,remember?”

“Hey,Iwasn’tgoingtosayit.”Hewasn’t;asamemberoftheRapidEngineerDeployableHeavyOperationalRepair Squadron,bigbrotherwastherealdeal,notsomefighterpilotrainingdeathfromthousandsoffeetabove Ofcourse,Michael nevercomplainedaboutairpowerwhenitwassavinghisguys ButNichadtwodaughterswhoneededhim;hecouldn’tbe riskinghislife.

“Sureyouweren’t.Seeyoulater.”Nicendedthecall.

MichaeltookouthisangeratDeb’ssituationonthedecking,andexposedthejoistsinhalfthetimehe’destimated Still breathinghard,hepulledtheremainingnailsandscrewswhileinspectingthestructurecarefully Nosignofrotorinsects;the homeownershouldbehappy.Hespenttherestofthedaystainingthejoists,andcuttingthenewdecking.Aftercleaningup,he spokewithhiscustomer,whowasverypleased,thenwenthome.

Heshowered,packedallhisthingsincludingNic’sinflatablemattress,strappedonhispistolanddrovetoDeb’sbakery, notingthelightsoninside Heparkedattheback,sohistruckwouldn’tbeobviouslater,andtriedthebackdoor Locked; excellent.Heroundedthebuilding,notingthatDeb’sapartmentabovetheshophadlargewindowsonthreesides,andan emergencyescapeladderthathungtoolowforcomfort.Anyonecouldreachitfromthebedofapickuptruck.

Atthefront,hecheckedtheknob locked Hepeeredinside;alargergroupthanhe’danticipated Heknocked;headstwisted towardhim.

Ryanopenedthedoor.“Comein.We’vegotpizza&beerfromthebrewery,andDeb’sgotlotsoftreats.”Ryanjoinedhis wife,Erin,seatednexttoDebattheheadofthetable.“I’llintroduceyoutoeveryone.ErinandDebyouknow;that’sSamKerr.

She’sDeb’slawyerandours”RyanpointedtoagorgeouswomanonDeb’sleft,withlong,auburnhair,fancyclothes,and perfectmakeup.Shelookedmorelikeamodelthanalawyer andhighmaintenance.

Samscannedhimfromheadtotoeandbackagain.“Lovelytomeetyou,Michael.Comejoinus.”Hedidn’tmove.Hedidn’t wanttositnexttoSam;shehadtroublewrittenallover.

Ryanwavedhismechanicalgraspertowardthenextpeoplesittingatthetable “ThisisWiz,herfiancéTomBorde,and Tom’sdad,PeteBorde.TheyowntheRockingBRanch.”Ryangrinned.“Pete’saVietnamsniper,Wizisex-AirForce,akickassmartialartistandcomputersecurityexpert,andTom’safinancialexpertandcowboy,butstillagoodshot.”

Thetiny,dark-haired,elfinWizlookedfragilebetweenhertoweringfiancéandfather-in-law,butMichaelbelievedRyan’s assessment Wizwasclearlyassessinghimandhewasn’tsureifhemadethecut Peteheldouthishand,andtheyshook Pete grippedfirmly,butwithoutanysillycontest.

MichaelsatnexttoRyan,wishinghewasclosertoDeb,buthappyhewasn’tatthesametime.Hetwistedhischairtowatch bothdoors.

“I’vegotyourback”Wizliftedherchin

“Thanks.”MichaelwatchedDebandSamdiscusspointsonthepaperbetweenthemwhilesurveyingtherestoftable;an interestinggroupofpeople.Wizcastglancesaroundtheroomconstantly.Herchairwaspushedbackfromthetable,probably soshecouldeasilygetup.Tomleanedhisarmagainsthershoulder,butkepthishandsoff.Peteseemedlesswary,butalso scannedthebakerycarefully ThenMichaelremembered;they’dbeeninvolvedinahugemesswithWiz’sex-husband committingarson,andaself-defenseshootinginherhouse.SomeofthepresshadtriedtopaintWizasacriminal,because she’dkilledherattacker,whichwasridiculous.Moreimportantly,shewascoolunderpressureandacrackshot andDeb mightneedboth.

Asmackofmetalonwooddrewhisattentionbacktotheendofthetable Sampickedupastampfromthepaper;mostlikely, shewasnotarizingDeb’ssignature Sheretrievedaslimleatherportfoliofromthefloorandslidthepapersinside “Okay I’ll filethiswiththecourttomorrow.Thanks,Wiz,forfiguringoutwhotheguyis.Havinganamemakesitmucheasiertofilea restrainingorder.”SamturnedtoDeb.“But,findingthisguytoservehimwillbehard,andasyouallknow,ordersonlywork withbasicallyhonestpeople Thisservesmoreasawaytoincreaseasentenceifthepolicecatchhim Weneedevidence You needcameras,Deb”

“Deb.”Wiz’svoicewasquiet,buturgent.“I’vedoneaquickassessmentofyourshopandIcanhelpyouwithasecurity systemlikeErin’s,exceptwe’llusebothwifiandcablessinceyou’reintownwherethere’smoreelectronicinterference.I’ve alreadyemailedyouapartslist;youcanbuyitlocallyororderonline Youcanaddthevisualmonitoringtoyourexisting securityservice,althoughtheywon’tlikeusingmysystemratherthantheirs,butmine’smuchmoresecure I’llwalkyou throughthestepstokeepabackuponacloudserviceaswellasonyourcomputerandaphysicalbackup.” Wiztappedherphone.ThepictureofthemanwhothreatenedDebappeared.“Thisparticularguyisn’tanissue.I’mfairly certainhe’salow-levelcontractorpaidbythejob Butthenextpersontheysendmightberealtrouble Thismanisconnected withtheRussianMob,theBratva Plus,MarcusBankhasconnectionstheretoo”Shetookinabreath “I’vegotsomecontacts withtheFederalBureauofInvestigations,butthey’renotlocal,andnotorganizedcrime.”WizturnedtoSam.“Youhavethe rightcontact.”