Protected by Shadows (42 page)

“Deputy Conner. You were the cop at the fire with me.”

The Sheriff’s department had left a different cop there since they’d wanted to keep the area protected. The officer with him had been silent and efficient, and he had soon forgotten she was there. She hadn’t tried to ask questions or engage him in conversation, for which he had been appreciative. Fire with kids hit him harder than most.

“Yes.”

That was it, no other explanation. Intrigued, Dimitri watched the woman who he hadn’t realized was by him. He remembered what she had said.

“Yes, it was a tough one.”

She nodded and drank her beer. They fell into a comfortable silence. Dimitri noted a booth becoming available and slid off the bar stool, carrying his beer.

“Let’s get the booth before someone takes it.”

The woman blinked behind her wire frames but rose as he bid and followed him with her beer to the booth. Dimitri slid into it just in time. He lifted a shoulder at the fire fighter he worked with. The man inclined his head and went to the bar. Dimitri focused on the woman. She was sipping her beer and glancing around the packed bar. She finally put her gaze on him, her eyebrow rising as if asking what he was looking at. Dimitri lifted his bottle, using it to cover his smile—Deputy Conner seemed a little prickly. A waitress came over and Dimitri ordered some food. Conner ordered too then the waitress left.

“I don’t remember seeing you before,” Dimitri stated. He knew the cops who worked with his brother.

“Been here about six months.” Her answer was succinct.

“O—”

A cell rang, interrupting them. Deputy Conner reached under the table and pulled out her phone.

“Excuse me.” She studied the number and frowned before answering. “Conner… What are you doing in jail… Christ, James, I’ve told you about that damn rooster.” She listened then sighed. “I’ll be right there to get you.”

She hung up then glanced at him. “Gotta go. Just eat my food.”

She rose, putting some bills on the table then turning away. Dimitri reached for her hand. She stopped, glancing at him questioningly.

“I don’t even know your first name.”

“Shannon,” she replied.

Dimitri thought about her name. “Wait. Are you related to Conner from the ranch that has Sigmund?”

Dimitri smiled, thinking of the ornery bird that was a local legend. Like clockwork, Sigmund crowed incessantly from two-seventeen to six-seventeen a.m., every day. A new owner had bought the ranch not knowing about the bird, but they’d soon found out. Now it was amusing for McKingley residents to see who would win the battle—man or bird. There was even a bet about it. Dimitri also recalled that James had helped out in the rescue of his brother Leo a few weeks ago. He’d meant to find him and thank him but had never got around to it.

“Yes. Cousins. We own the ranch together. Although I’m lucky enough to not live in the main ranch house, which Sigmund has a shine to. I’m at the foreman’s house. Am I glad I decided to pick that one. James is cursing having the main house because of that ‘damn singing fucker’.” Shannon smiled.

Dimitri’s breath caught. The smile changed her from lovely to beautiful. Shannon twisted her hand, pulling out of his hold. Dimitri drew back, realizing he’d been holding her.

“I need to get James out of jail.”

“Leo really arrested him?” Dimitri asked in disbelief.

“No, a new deputy who thinks he has something to prove did.” Shannon’s face-hardened and her gaze became fierce.

Dimitri blinked, captivated by the woman who seemed to have a quicksilver personality. He’d first pegged her as reserved then funny and now she looked like a warrior ready for battle. Shannon inclined her head then turned and strode off. Dimitri watched her full-figured shape as she made her way through the tables to the door. Her stride was confident. Her loose purple T-shirt fell to mid-thigh, and she wore black jeans and sneakers. It was understated like herself. Her face, from what he’d been able to see, was sans makeup—it had looked soft and ready to be touched. Dimitri drummed his fingers on the table, unable to look away as she continued her trek. When she exited, he glanced at the tabletop, wondering what the hell had just happened.

You just met a woman who, for all intents, actually captured your attention with only a few words.

“I’ll be damned,” Dimitri said.

“Did you say something, Dimitri?” Carol the waitress slid their food onto the table.

He lifted his head and replied. “No. Wrap that to go.”

He pointed at the food Shannon had ordered.

“She left you. Must be crazy.” Carol smiled flirtatiously.

Dimitri didn’t reply, his mind still on the woman who’d just left.

Exiting the bar, Shannon Conner resisted looking back at Dimitri. He had a similar look to his brother and her boss, Leonardo Wright. Rugged masculine features that weren’t thought of as traditionally handsome but gave him more of a sexy, edgy look that made a woman wonder if she could tame him. His dark sienna skin made his light brown eyes even more compelling. Then again, it could be the intensity in his gaze. As he looked at her, it was as if he was seeing all her secrets. It was unnerving yet exhilarating. She’d heard of Dimitri from her fellow officers—heck, she knew about the whole Wright family—but hadn’t worked with him until today.

In McKingley, their name was known along with the McKingleys as descendants from one of the founding families of the town. Both families were well respected. From what she’d heard, Dimitri was the oldest of his siblings and he was known as a loner. Many speculated he would be a hermit if not for his job, and said he only spent time with his family or friends and usually at private gatherings.

By the time Shannon had made it to her vehicle, she had already dismissed the meeting in the bar with Dimitri. With efficient motions, she headed to the station and to the door once she’d arrived. Her face remained composed, although inside she seethed and would let the deputy who had arrested her cousin know it. Shannon already knew why the jerk Mario had picked James up despite Leonardo telling them to not arrest him. Mario had been trying to get her to go out with him, and she’d refused on numerous occasions. Yesterday he’d gone too far and it had become physical. Shannon had only knocked him on his ass, though she could have hurt him very badly if she’d been so inclined. Hell, James could have too, but he hadn’t out of respect for Leonardo. The men had become friends after all Leo’s visits out to the ranch about James trying to kill the rooster. Even before their friendship, Leo had been more amused by James who had a tendency to run after the rooster naked. Not by choice but because James waited until it was so much on his nerves that he ran out of the house so focused on killing it that he forgot he didn’t have clothing on. Shannon knew it hurt James’ pride that one rooster was out-smarting him.

Mario was lucky James respected Leo or he’d be in a world of hurt. James was an ex-Navy SEAL and until recently, Shannon knew Leonardo hadn’t known. Since he’d found out, James had told her they met often for some hand to hand. People saw James’ open nature and mistook it for him being easy going. Shannon strode inside and slowed as she heard a familiar voice.

“Deputy Reed, why, after you’ve been informed not to arrest Mister Conner, did you?” Leo raised his hand, stopping Mario before he spoke. “Before you answer, be careful how you respond. Because I am already inclined to fire you.”

“What…? I’m a good cop. You can’t fire me over him,” Mario sputtered.

“Not him. Over your lack of listening to commands, laziness and accosting a fellow deputy even though they have told you no to your unwanted advances more than once.” Leo glared at Mario then shifted his gaze to Shannon.

She hadn’t even thought he’d known what was going on. Leo focused back on Mario.

“Get out of my sight before I do fire you. One more thing and you
are
gone,” Leo stated in a deadly voice.

Mario turned. He spotted her and glowered, fury on his face. Mario passed her and butted into her shoulder. Shannon controlled her reaction to pivot and knock him out.

Can’t do that, Shannon.

Leo strode over then halted before her. His hands were behind his back. Shannon didn’t need to see it to know the palms were over each other. She stifled a sigh. It was his lecture pose. Shannon didn’t see him do it to anyone but her, his family and friends. She knew it was because he saw her as a friend since hanging out at the ranch with her and James. Although she was glad for his friendship, she could do without the lectures.

“How’s Deyon?” She tried to forestall the lecture.

Leo scowled then said, “That reminds me, I need to talk with her.”

“Lecture, you mean,” Shannon muttered.

Leo frowned at her. “You’ve been spending too much time with Deyon.”

Shannon smiled. She did enjoy the vivacious woman and her snappy attitude. The best part was that Deyon understood Shannon enjoyed her solitude and preferred staying in to going out, so Deyon often came over and they cooked, ate and chilled out together. Deyon had even made her a few outfits that fit her personality and wouldn’t take payment for it. In turn, Shannon had taught her to kick-box. Leo was still peeved at that one, saying Deyon was enough trouble with her weapons. After seeing Deyon’s weapons’ room, Shannon actually liked her even more.

“I promise you can talk”—she made quotes with her fingers—“another time. This time I might even listen. But let me get James out of jail before he decides to let himself out.”

“Too late.” The cheerful voice of her cousin came just before he strode into the room. “You all really need better cells. The locks are useless.”

“You broke out—” Leo turned to him. “Oh, for Christ’s sake, he didn’t even let you get pants at least.”

“Nope. He had an axe to grind. You better handle it or I will.” James strolled closer, seemingly unconcerned with his nakedness.

“I don’t need either of you to handle it. I’ll deal with it,” Shannon stated.

Leo and James exchanged a look then focused on her. She didn’t like it at all. Shannon crossed her arms over her chest, staring down James.

He smirked then said, “Uh-oh. The look. Come on, cuz, I need to get home.” James headed for the door.

“Wait for some pants.” Leo hurried to his office before returning and throwing him a pair.

James donned them, keeping a tight hold on the waistband so the pants didn’t fall off his lean frame. He then left.

“Shannon. I know you can handle it, but I’m your boss. If you have any more trouble with Mario at work, come to me,” Leo said firmly.

She nodded although she didn’t plan to do any such thing. She followed James outside then stopped, putting her hands on her hips and watching him where he sat in the passenger seat of her black Wrangler Rubicon. Shannon got in the driver’s side and poked him in the shoulder, pushing her thumb in.

“Quit it. You know I hate that.” James swatted at her hand.

“Stop breaking into my jeep.” She did it again.

“Spoilsport. It’s my fun. You don’t want to take it away from me.” James crossed his arms over his bare chest.

“That face isn’t going to work on me.” Shannon started the jeep and drove out of the parking area, heading home.

James turned on the radio, tuning into the soft classic station they both enjoyed for the drive.

* * * *

Shannon frowned at the pot bubbling on her stove. James nudged her out of his way with his hip. Shannon took the hint and moved back to sit at the table by the window. She put her one leg under her and sat.

“I’m not in the mood for chilli,” Shannon said.

“I asked you what you wanted for dinner and you said chilli. So we’re having chilli.” James glared.

Shannon put her hand under her chin and her elbow on the table. He was right. She had stated it earlier this morning after he’d asked what she wanted. Although they lived in different houses, since it was just the two of them, they shared the cooking duties. At the times it was her turn to cook she went to James’ place and made the meal then took some for herself if there was any left. And
vice versa
. A knock on the door made her glance up. Shannon frowned—they weren’t expecting anyone. She put her hand on the table to rise.

“I’ve got it.” James went to the door.

Shannon resettled, watching as James opened the door. From where she sat, she couldn’t see who was there.

“Hello. I’m looking for Shannon.”

She recognized the speaker. Curious, Shannon wondered what he was doing here.

“I’m James, her cousin. And from the look of you, you’re a Wright. Hmmm…if I go by what Leo told me, you don’t look neat as Jonathon would so you must be Dimitri, the oldest brother. Why are you looking for Shannon?”

“James,” Shannon said warningly.

“The tone. Come on in then.” James stepped back.

Dimitri entered the kitchen and paused by the door. “And you’re Conner, the one who chases the rooster naked.”

“Stick around long enough and you might see me do it.” James chuckled and went back to his pot.

Dimitri focused on her then moved toward the table.