Page 6 of No Rules

“Because this is more a PI case than security, and since we had no other cases, he asked me to take it. He wants you to tag along so you can learn.”

He couldn’t blame Alex for this, as it had been Wander’s call, but Jesus Christ, Ryan wasn’t happy about Alex shadowing him. The kid was a fantastic fuck but way too young for this kind of work, which took a type of life experience Alex didn’t have yet. “I’m not thrilled about training a newbie, but I’ll do it as long as you prove you’re serious and willing to learn.”

Alex didn’t respond, and Ryan checked his expression. Yup, the kid was hurt. Just as Ryan had expected. If he wanted to succeed in this job, he’d have to grow a thicker skin.

“That’s a yes on both counts. Tell me what I need to do, and I’ll do it.” Alex sounded determined, so at least he had that going for him.

“Observe and listen. Let me handle the conversation. I need to get a first impression of our client, and the best way to do that is by creating an uninterrupted dynamic with her and building a relationship. So be a good boy and watch me do the work.”

“Don’t play me like that. You know what those words do to me. Don’t use that against me.”

Alex had said it quietly, but his words still hit Ryan hard. “I didn’t mean to…”

Fuck, he had. As much as he wanted to deny it, he had deliberately appealed to Alex’s submissive character. Every time he called Alex a good boy, the kid’s face lit up like a fireworks show. And Ryanhadused that against him, which was not only unfair but also bordered on unethical, especially in a professional situation.

“You’re right. That was a low blow.”

“It was.”

Alex didn’t back down, and Ryan respected that. “It won’t happen again.”

“Good.”

Ryan cleared his throat. “I should’ve checked before we left, but you’re carrying, right?”

“Yup.”

“Good.” He sighed. “Getting a concealed carry license is no joke here.”

“Did you have to do that whole in-person course as well?”

“Don’t even get me started. Sixteen hours of sheer boredom.”

“I would’ve thought they’d make an exception for cases like yours. Since you’re a former cop and all.”

“I’m sure they would have had I been a cop somewhere in New York. I guess people from Texas are considered cowboys here.”

Alex chuckled. “You’re saying that’s without reason? No offense, but you kinda are one.”

“Do you see cowboy boots on my feet? Or a Stetson on my head?”

“No, but I would pay good money for that. And you’ve got the Texas drawl and all, especially when you’re tired. Or slightly drunk.”

Ryan laughed despite himself. Alex had paid more attention to him than he’d realized, and he liked it. “Keep dreaming, kid. I’m a cowboy at heart, not anywhere else.”

He took the turn the navigation indicated and pulled up to their destination, a sprawling horse farm between Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs. The rolling green pastures surrounded by white fences and the farm’s barns painted in the classic red with white trim that seemed to be the colors of choice for this area made for an idyllic scene.

If not for the fall colors, it could almost have been the Texas Hill Country, and a pang of longing hit Ryan. He’d spent many hours there, driving around, looking for the perfect shot. Beautiful didn’t even begin to describe it, though he loved the city of Austin as well. He hadn’t been home in over a year. But in a few weeks, he’d return to Austin for his mom’s sixty-fifth birthday. He wouldn’t miss that for the world.

As he parked and got out, the scent of freshly cut hay and manure filled his nostrils. Oh yeah, that at least was all too familiar. Ryan hadn’t ridden in a while, but those smells brought back plenty of childhood memories. His best friend had lived on a small ranch, and he’d spent countless hours there, helping out and being allowed to ride their horses as a reward.

A woman in her midsixties, dressed in faded jeans, a flannel shirt, and a pair of Western-style boots, approached them. Her gray hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and she wore only a hint of makeup.

“Ms. Vandervliet?” Ryan extended his hand, offering her a handshake. “I’m Ryan Mason, and this is my colleague, Alex Beck.”

“Call me Marilyn,” she said, her voice strong and commanding. “Thank you for coming, and welcome to Vandervliet Farms.”

Ryan looked around. “You breed horses?”