Page 48 of No Going Back
That made her smile. Manuel kept his voice down so the others didn’t hear, but he was giving her names and ways to remember who each man was. Sam sat at the counter so she didn’t have to go out on the floor.
Ginny moved out from behind the counter, and all the men frowned. She rolled her eyes and grabbed a floor sweeper. “Relax fellas. I’m just going to clean up and act normal. My gun’s under my apron, and I can leap that counter in a single bound.”
Ginny was far taller than Branna and she probably could make it. Branna would have to climb on a stool and flop over the top. Graceful as a walrus.
From the booth, either Joe or Nico spoke up. “I assume we’re going to keep the diner open past your usual time, Ginny?”
She nodded. “We can stay open as long as you like. We’ll just keep making coffee. If this jerk is coming, I’d rather stay open and lure him in than have him wandering the town.”
That thought made Branna a little ill. Prince Hawley could hurt so many people. “Is there any way to keep the rest of the people inside their homes? What if he stops to talk to some kids?” Her voice was shaking again, but she couldn’t stop it.
Sean reached for her and pulled her to his side. “Troy sent out word.”
She turned to Troy. “Did you tell them this man is extremely dangerous?”
He nodded. “It’s a small town, so I sent a text to a few people and asked them to forward it. I told them we have a dangerous criminal headed to town. I explained that we’re luring him to the diner, and that all businesses will be closed. The signs will say open so Hawley doesn’t realize something’s up, but the doors will be locked. I asked everyone to stay inside and locked down.”
“Good. That’s good. You sure you got to everyone?”
He nodded. “We take care of each other here. Everyone knows.”
Sean’s arms tightened around her. “We’ll get him off the streets, then he won’t hurt anyone.”
How did these people handle the stress so well? “I’d have been a terrible soldier. I’m scared right down to my bones.”
He pulled her into his side and ran his hands up and down her arms. “You’re braver than most people, Branna. You videotaped Hawley while he was threatening to have you gang-raped and killed. Then, you kept your head while running through a burning building. You leaped across an alley when you were on the roof of a four-story building. You were smart enough to remember the perfect hiding place, and you kept yourself hidden until I could get there. Trust me, you’re plenty brave enough for anything.”
His words warmed her, and reminded her she wasn’t a complete coward.
From the booth the man she thought was Nico spoke. “That sounds like a hell of a story. I’d like to hear the rest of it someday. It gives us even more determination to get this fucker off the streets. We’ve got your back, Branna, and we’re going to keep you and each other safe. We’ve got this.”
Someone’s phone buzzed, and the room went silent. She could feel the tension rise and Sean shifted her just behind him while he placed his hand on his gun.
Troy spoke into the silence. “It’s Mitch from the fire hall. He’s spotted an unfamiliar SUV. It’s got tinted windows, but he could see two men in the front seat. Could be more in the back. They’re driving slowly down Phail Way.”
Another buzz, and Sam spoke. “Same message from Marcus.”
Ginny kept sweeping but turned her face toward the window. The men continued to act naturally, but Branna knew every eye was trained on the window.
Determined not to be a coward, Branna moved to pick up a cleaning cloth and wiped down the sparkling counter. She couldn’t make her feet move more than a yard away from Sean, but at least she was visible. They wouldn’t shoot through the vehicle’s window, but if she saw the window go down, she’d dive behind the counter.
A silver SUV drove by and slowed as it passed. Branna’s heart tried to gallop out of her chest. When flashes appeared in her eyes, she had to remind herself to breathe. The SUV windows stayed up and she couldn’t see inside the vehicle.
Once it disappeared from sight, her heart slowed down to panic levels. He hadn’t shot anyone. Sean tugged her to his side again and she strengthened her knees so she wouldn’t collapse into him.
Hawley was here in Phail.
No one spoke as they waited for an update. It wasn’t long before Troy spoke. “The SUV is pulling into the lot down the street beside Phail General. Two men are getting out of the front seats.”
Branna’s stomach tightened, and her body trembled.
Flynn tapped his cowboy hat. “As they say in Hollywood, places everyone. Action.”
CHAPTER 16
Phail To Prepare
Sean’s body settled into warrior mode. Ready for battle. His breathing slowed, and his senses sharpened. His entire being focused on keeping Branna safe.