Page 37 of Shadow Strike
“Mom.I didn’t hear you back there.”
“Clearly.”Lucy walked over and retrieved a stack of napkins from under the counter.“Want to tell me about what happened last night?”
Regan’s face went hot.Did her mom know about the makeout session in CB’s room?“I don’t know what you mean.”
“The booth.You and CB.His hands on your face, your lips in a lock.”Lucy leaned against the bar.“Ring any bells?”
“That was—” Regan fumbled for an explanation.“We were just working on something.”
“Kissing.You were kissing.I have eyes, Regan.And I’m not senile.”
“I never said you were.”
“Good.So talk to me.”Lucy’s tone softened.“What’s going on with you two?”
Regan set down the soda and pressed her palms against the cooler’s frosty metal.She should have known Lucy would bring this up.Her mother had always had impeccable timing for uncomfortable conversations.All Regan could be grateful for was the fact Lucy seemed in the dark about the intense kissing session that had happened in her own house.
“I don’t know,” Regan admitted.“It just...happened.”
“Things like that don’t just happen.Not with men like him.”
“Men like him?”
Lucy considered.“Careful men.Controlled.He’s not the type to kiss someone on impulse.”She paused.“Which means he’s been thinking about it.About you.”
Regan’s stomach tightened.She didn’t want to examine that too closely—the idea that CB had wanted her, specifically, rather than just responding to proximity and circumstance.
“It doesn’t matter what he’s been thinking,” she said.“We’re in the middle of a crisis.I’ve got Ryder threatening me, the Outlaws watching my every move, and now the FBI taking statements in my office.This isn’t exactly the ideal time to start a relationship.”
“There’s never an ideal time.”Lucy reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind Regan’s ear.“Your father and I met during one of the worst periods of my life.I’d just lost my sister, I was broke, and I was about to drop out of college.And then I walked into this bar, your dad shoved a beer in front of me, gave me that lopsided smile of his, and I thought—this one.This is the one.”
She’d heard the story dozens of times.It always made her smile.“It’s not like that for me.”
“I’m just saying, don’t let fear talk you out of something good.”Lucy stepped back.“That’s all.”
Her mom thought she’d witnessed the beginning of something.She had no idea how far it had already gone.
Before Regan could respond, CB emerged from the back, his expression unreadable, followed by Claire.Her demeanor was serious now, her mouth set in a firm line.CB introduced her to Lucy.
“Mrs.Hill,” Claire said.“I need to speak with you.”
Her mom straightened.“Me?You need a statement from me, too?”
“From what Regan and CB have told me, the situation with the Outlaws has escalated to a point where I have concerns about your safety.”Claire’s voice was calm but direct.“Once the cease and desist is delivered, they may retaliate.I think Ryder will look for leverage against Regan because of her past investigation into his father.The easiest target is you.”
Lucy’s chin lifted.“I’m not afraid of that boy.”
“With respect, ma’am, you should be.While local law enforcement has been quiet about him, the FBI knows he has a violent streak.I’d like to move you to the Shadow Point Security compound until this is resolved.You’ll be safe there, and it removes you as a pressure point he can exploit.”
“Absolutely not.”Lucy’s voice sharpened.“This is my bar, and I’m not leaving my home.My dog.He’s not taking that from me.”
“Mom.”Regan gripped her arm and squeezed.“Claire’s right.”
Lucy turned to her, surprise flickering across her face.“You can’t be serious.”
“I am.Ryder’s made it clear he will come after you to get to me.”Her voice cracked.“That’s the real reason I hired CB—to protect you.”
Lucy gaped.
