Page 109 of Love Bomb

“I know, dismantle the explosives,” Bain said wearily. “Could you make sure everyone stays this side of the perimeter until I’ve managed to clear it?”

“I’m on it,” Matt said. He jerked his head, gesturing behind him.

Sure enough, there was a row of men, including Kade and Darach, patrolling the perimeter line.

“Thanks,” Bain said. “Last thing I need is somebody getting curious and poking around in there. As soon as I get Rona settled, I’ll clear it out.” He paused. “Are there going to be any legal repercussions over tonight’s adventure?”

“Not from me,” Matt said. “The folly’s still standing, and nobody’s been hurt. Just get the place cleared up and we’ll all move on with our lives.”

“Thanks,” Bain said.

Rona, however, wasn’t ready to move on with her life.

“Can’t we just blow it up?” she pleaded with Matt. “We’re all set up and everything.”

“No,” Matt said. “Unless you have written permission from the local council.”

“Dougal’s here and he wants the thing gone,” Rona said. “Doesn’t that count for something?”

“He isn’t the whole council. And I’m fairly certain the head of the historical society might have some objections to you blowing up the folly. They made it a listed building for a reason. It’s unique and it attracts tourists.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Rona said. “Nobody ever comes out here.”

Matt grinned as he pointed to the crowd. “Looks like the folly is here to stay. It’s become quite the attraction.”

“This is so unfair,” Rona started. “It’s not our fault that Sandra wanted to get blown up along with the folly. We went to a lot of trouble to bring it down. Couldn’t you just look the other way? Just this once?” She batted her lashes at him.

Matt grinned at her before patting Bain on the shoulder. “Good luck with your new relationship. You’re going to need it,” he said.

Then he strode off.

“I’m so mad I could spit,” Rona told Bain as Matt walked away. She turned her big cow eyes on him. “Can’t you just press the button now and call it an accident?”

“No.” He pointed after Matt. “Because the nice officer will arrest me, then I’ll lose my license to deal with explosives, and after that I’ll lose my business because I can’t do my job, which means I’ll end up living with my parents. Do you want that?”

She spent a moment considering her options.

“No,” she said at last, very begrudgingly.

Kirsty came hurrying over. “Just wanted to give you a head’s up that your parents are here,” she said to Rona.

“And this night just keeps getting better,” Rona wailed. “Kirsty, about the stun gun thing. If you were to say accidentally zap yourself. Would there be any lasting side effects?”

“You didn’t?” Kirsty’s eyes went wide.

“I’m talking hypothetically here,” Rona lied, making Bain grin. “But would your muscles still hurt afterward? And when might that go away?”

“In a couple of days,” Kirsty said with a shake of her head. “Hypothetically.”

“Which reminds me.” Bain unzipped his pocket, took out the offending stun gun, and handed it to Kirsty. “Can you make sure this gets back to Benson Security?”

Kirsty nodded.

“And,” Bain said. “Could you also make sure that Rona never gets her hands on another one?”

Kirsty grinned. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“To be fair,” Rona said to Kirsty. “You weren’t specific about what end of the stun gun is pressed to the victim.”