My 6-year-old granddaughter phoned me in panic just after midnight. “Mommy says the baby is coming! Help!” I asked, “Where’s daddy?” She answered, “He k!cked mommy’s tummy and left.”…..

His wife just had surgery. Give him another week, then start with fingers. Harry’s hands clenched into fists. These men discussed breaking bones with the casual tone most people use to talk about the weather. What about the Freeman situation? Garrett asked nervously. Handle. Trent smiled coldly. Amazing how cooperative people become when they realize their family’s safety depends on their silence.

You can’t keep beating people into submission forever. The stranger said eventually someone’s going to fight back or go to the authorities. Trent’s laugh was harsh. The authorities work for me, friend. Deputy Timonss, Judge Moss, half the city council. This town runs on my money and everyone knows it.

What about the new sheriff? Lau, what about him? He’s one man. By the time he figures out how things work around here, he’ll either be on the payroll or looking for a new job. Harry memorized every word, every name, every detail. Intelligence gathering was half the battle. You couldn’t fight an enemy you didn’t understand. Speaking of business, Rafe continued, “Your wife’s situation is causing problems.

People are asking questions, talking about pressing charges.” Trent’s expression darkened. My wife isn’t your concern. It is when it brings heat on the operation. Maybe you should have thought about that before you kicked her in the stomach. She had it coming. Tren snapped. Mouthy was telling me how to run my business, threatening to leave and take Lydia with her.

I don’t respond well to threats. Harry’s vision went red around the edges. It took every ounce of his self-control not to charge through the door and beat Trent to death with his bare hands. But that would be stupid, emotional, the kind of mistake that got people killed or imprisoned. Harry had waited this long for justice.