Page 73 of Lawbreaker

Odalie glanced around at the amused faces.

“He’s a US marshal,” Tony told her with a grin. “But we forgave him after he saved my life.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Hunter,” Odalie said, and smiled.

He cocked his head and smiled back. “And you, Miss Everett,” he said politely.

She was surprised. It showed.

“We keep tabs on him. Just to make sure nobody rubs him out,” he added with a wisp of a smile as he nodded toward Tony.

“And he appreciates it, too,” Tony replied, laughing. He waited until Hunter’s drink was served before he spoke. “What?” he asked.

“Miss Everett’s brother Tanner sent a photograph of a certain nasty incident in the Middle East to a senator he thought would help him with an investigation. Your guy James found out. Now he’s hot for revenge,” he said under his breath. “He’s made certain threats. Make sure your soft targets are covered.”

“I always do,” Tony said. He cocked his head. “He had a senator in his pocket, but I removed the incriminating article.”

“Won’t help,” Hunter said as he sipped latte.

“Why?” Tony wanted to know.

He looked up. “Senator’s got a daughter,” he said. “And you don’t want to know what she’s got her little fingers in.”

Tony cursed under his breath.

“We have options. We’re trying to wait him out while we examine them.” He looked at Odalie. “Your sister-in-law is pregnant. James wants to hurt your oldest brother. He’s mad to do it. Your father has protections around the ranch, I’m told...”

“Dad has two ex-feds on his payroll, and Eb Scott, who runs the counterterrorism school in Jacobsville, Texas, loaned him two mercs just back from overseas duty. They’re covered.”

“How about you?” Hunter asked, and the concern was obvious.

“Two men, twelve-hour shifts,” Tony said easily. “Plus extra men if we need them.”

Odalie stared at him, eyes wide.

He glanced at her and smiled. “What? You think I’d let you walk around unprotected?”

She flushed and then laughed.

“Were there any other eyewitnesses who might be willing to testify?” Hunter asked Tony.

“A contact of mine with one of the letter agencies says one of James’s own agents was in Iraq when the murders happened. He’s tried to quit the agency, but James has something on him, too.”

“Damn!” Hunter finished his latte. “He’s like a poisonous snake,” he muttered. “Just when you think he’s cornered, he slithers under a rock or bites somebody.”

“Blackmail is very effective,” Tony said.

“Yes. I noticed.” He picked up his receipt and looked at Tony. “You’ve got my number. If you hear anything...”

“Sure,” Tony said. “I’ll put out a few feelers.”

“I wish I had your connections,” he sighed.

“No,” Tony said, and he didn’t smile. “You don’t.”

Hunter sighed. “See you around.”

The minute he was out of sight, Tony punched in numbers on his phone. “I’ve been hobnobbing with the heat,” he told whoever he was calling. He chuckled. “Yeah, I figured it would be going the rounds already.” He paused. “No. He says the senator has a member of his family with deadly secrets, so he’s not willing to apply pressure. Not yet, at least. Yeah. Okay. I will. Thanks.” He hung up.