“I called the hotel, they never said anything about a note.”
“I’m sorry. I thought I would be there and back quickly. What I didn’t realize is that Chandler has lost his mind.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“He was upset with me over Geoffrey telling me that he wanted me back. It was just all the alcohol he drank last night. He doesn’t really want me. But now he wants an annulment and Chandler is furious. Apparently, Geoffrey’s family was going to help connect Chandler with people that could help him make his dream of having a reality television show come to life.”
“Jesus, like anyone wants to watch that egotistical asshole on TV,” Renard said.
“Geoffrey’s parents pulled out when Geoffrey asked for an annulment. And Chandler blames me because he thinks I somehow lured Geoffrey back to me. He said some things about working with Frank to get money to fund the show.”
“Frank, who?” Jake asked.
“I don’t think I ever heard his last name.”
“What sort of work?” Renard asked.
“I don’t know, but he gave me a creepy vibe when I met him.”
“Anything else?” Jake asked. “Did anyone threaten you?”
“No, I just left.”
“And that’s when you were attacked?” Jake asked.
“I don’t want to talk about that part.”
Butch glared down at her, and she swallowed heavily.
They wouldn’t believe her. Would they?
But if anyone would . . . it would be Butch. Shit. Maybe she should tell him.
Jake sighed. “Well, when you’re ready, I’m here to listen. I’ll look into this Frank guy, but don’t hold your breath. Both of you stay away from Devout. Butch, take Lara home, look after her. That’s all you need to do. Got me?”
Butch didn’t look all that convinced.
28
Butch was still furious as he pulled up outside the bunkhouse two hours later.
But he was angrier at himself than anyone else.
Anything could have happened to her. He should never have left her alone. She said she’d sent him a text, but he’d never gotten it. Her phone must have died before it was sent. And he didn’t know what had happened to the note. Probably the cleaners threw it away.
Fuck. He really needed to get her a new phone.
“Butch?” she whispered as he turned off the truck.
He undid his belt and then did the same to hers. “Wait there.”
“Okay,” she replied, watching him worriedly.
He knew he had to give her some reassurance. That was his job. But he was too busy beating himself up right now to manage that.
He’d ended up overriding her objections and had taken her to see Doc in Haven. He’d prescribed some rest and lots of fluid. He lifted her out of the truck and carried her into the bunkhouse.
Come on, man.
You’re supposed to be looking after her.
He needed to comfort her. Coddle her.
And he’d do that . . . right after he figured out how. What did the other Malone women like?
Fuck. He had no idea. Chocolates? Flowers?
Nope.
“Are you ever going to talk to me again?” she asked as he set her down on his bed. “Are you mad at me because you had to bring me back here? If I can just charge my phone, then I can leave.”
She got off the bed. She was moving slowly, like she was stiff and hurting.
He hated that. So much.
His hands clenched into fists.
“What are you doing?” he grumbled at her.
“Putting my phone on the charger so I can call an Uber.”
“No Uber or taxi will come out here,” he told her. “Too dangerous.”
“Dangerous?” she asked.
“Tanner is fond of shooting at people he doesn’t like.”
Her mouth dropped open. “What?”
“Raid, too.”
“Butch! That’s terrible. Renard said something about that but I thought he was exaggerating.”
“It’s not like they aim for people. Usually tires.”
“Good Lord.”
He gave her a firm look. “Sit back down before you fall down. We need to get you clean then into bed. You’re exhausted.”
He guided her back to the bed and made her sit before he started pacing back and forth.
“There’s going to be some rules.”
“Rules?” she repeated, looking dazed.
“Yes. Rules. To keep you safe and healthy.”
“I need rules?”
“Every woman in Haven has rules. Even the ones who Jake keeps an eye on. They know not to put themselves in danger and to call him if they need help.”
“I . . . they do?”
“I thought you knew about Haven?”
“I mean . . . I thought I did. I guess hearing it and living it are two different things. But I don’t . . . I mean . . . I don’t think I need rules.”
He shot her a sharp look. She had to be joking.
“You do. Rule one. No lying. Rule two. Your phone must be charged at all times. We’ll get you a new one. Rule three. No leaving the ranch without telling me, and if you’re off the ranch, you will text me every half an hour to let me know you’re okay. And you’ll tell me when you will be back. Rule four. You obey all safety rules and laws. Like no texting while driving. Always look both ways when crossing the street, things like that.”