Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 179794 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 899(@200wpm)___ 719(@250wpm)___ 599(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 179794 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 899(@200wpm)___ 719(@250wpm)___ 599(@300wpm)
“Find anything?” the saleswoman asked helpfully.
Giving Charline the tablet back, Reaper shook his head. “Not even close. Thank you, anyway.”
Seeing a hefty commission about to walk out the door, the saleswoman made another suggestion. “The new owner lives in Lexington. Ms. Cassidy just returned from a buying trip from London. I could ask her if she has a black diamond that hasn’t been entered into our website yet, or if she’s seen anything she could procure on your behalf. Would you like me to call?”
“Yes.”
Stepping to the side of the counter, Reaper texted Dalton that he was taking longer than expected. When Dalton’s text came back that they were still eating lunch, he relaxed. He didn’t like leaving Ginny alone. The only reason Reaper left Ginny with T.A. and Dalton was that the alarm was set, and the security was monitored by The Last Riders. Viper had installed the system when Winter’s aunt had lived there and Winter was often visiting.
Seeing the saleswoman talking on the phone, Reaper texted Shade.
Who’s working in the security room?
Shade texted back before he put his phone back in his pocket.
Nickel.
Reaper, shot off another text.
Ginny’s at T.A.’s house. I want either you or Rider working security until I get there.
Will do. On my way.
“Mr. James,” the saleswoman signaled him.
Reaper pocketed his phone as he moved back to the counter.
“Ms. Cassidy has one black diamond wedding set that hasn’t been entered into our database. She’s sending me a picture. Give me a moment, and I’ll get my personal phone.”
The woman went to her office, coming back with her phone. Setting it on the counter, she had already clicked the text, showing the ring.
His breath hitched in his chest. That was Ginny’s ring.
“Ms. Cassidy procured it in London on her buying trip. She had intended to offer it a client of hers who collects unique jewelry. The diamond is ten carat, set in titanium. The smaller diamonds surrounding the larger stone are one carats. The stones in enhancers are—”
“I’ll take it. Have her send it.”
The saleswoman’s phone wobbled in her hand when she picked it up. “There could be a slight problem with the sale.”
“What’s the problem?”
“This ring only comes in one size. As the band is titanium, it cannot be cut down to size.”
Reaper pulled a ring off his pinky and handed it to the saleswoman. “What size is this ring?”
Reaching to the side, she picked up a metal sizer. The beaming smile she gave him as she handed the ring back eased his worry. “Size seven. The ring will fit. I’ll just go to my office and get an application for credit—”
“I don’t need credit.” Reaper took out his wallet and pulled out his bank card. “I can pay cash. Make sure you add the expediated shipping so it will be here tomorrow.”
The woman looked like she was going to cry with happiness as she took the debit card from him. “Yes, sir. I’ll inform Ms. Cassidy that the purchase has been made and have her ship it out immediately.”
As he waited, Reaper checked in with Shade to make sure everything was cool with Ginny. He had just received the thumbs-up when the saleswoman returned to the counter. Signing the receipt, he put his card back into his wallet.
“Thank you. If you give me your number, I’ll call you when the ring arrives.”
“I’ll be in town tomorrow. I’ll just stop in,” he said, refusing to give his number.
“Very well. I’ll look forward to seeing you then.” Smilingly, she came out from behind the counter to walk him to the door. “Thank you. Your wife is going to be ecstatic with your choice.”
Reaper rudely went out the door, ignoring her spiel, trying to hurry back to Ginny when three black Escalades sped past on the street. The dark tint made it impossible to see inside, but that wasn’t what drew his attention—it was how fast they were traveling on the main street of the tiny town.
“Wow,” the saleswoman said. “I’m surprised Greer hasn’t caught them.”
Striding out to the sidewalk, Reaper noted their direction. When he saw the brake lights flashing as they turned the corner, Reaper was already moving to Viper’s SUV.
“Fuck me.” Since he’d been in the store, there were new cars parked in front and back, so close to his vehicle that there was no way to get out unless he used Viper’s car as a battering ram.
Not wanting to lose precious minutes—if his bumpers became hung up on the other cars—he took off at a run. Taking out his phone, he called Knox. “Get to Dalton’s house,” Reaper ordered.
“I can’t. I’m ten minutes away. My deputy is missing—”
“Call Shade,” Reaper cut him off. “Tell him to send everyone to Dalton’s house. Now!”
Kicking his feet faster, Reaper shoved his phone in his pocket. Running across the street, he dodged around Mick as he was putting a sign in the diner’s window. Straining his body to move faster, Reaper reached to his back, taking out his gun.