Chapter 14

Jackie and Jodi concluded a morning meeting with their employees in the bar. The bar phone rang. It was too early for someone calling in a food order. They didn’t open until 11 a.m.

Trina answered it. “Garvey’s” She was quiet for a moment, and then she loudly said, “Hey, Deputy Dalton.”

Jackie rolled her eyes. Nick had called at least twice a day for a week. He had also stopped by twice. Both times Jackie had avoided him. Couldn’t he take a hint? One night, that was the deal. Jackie yearned for an encore, but she couldn’t allow it. Nick had too much power over her. She had to keep her distance.

“I’m not sure, I just got here. Let me ring the front desk and ask Barb. Can you hold?” Trina said loudly. “Thanks.” She pressed the hold button.

Jackie sighed. How many more excuses could she come up with?

“He’s not going away,” Jodi sang in a high-pitched voice with a smirk on her face. She sat down on a bar stool.

“I know, right? Jackie, you must have put the good shit on him,” Trina said wi