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“Daddy, it ain’t funny,” Charlotte said. “You’re lucky you didn’t get shot.”

“Oh, I knew what I was doing, honey. Their arms were lame, weapons hanging at their sides.” Owen Bridges chuckled from behind his desk, trying to make sense of the piles of mess left from the earlier debacle.

“All due respect, sir, your daughter’s right.” Coy chimed in. “We were all a bit amped, hypervigilant, and a little trigger-happy if I do say so myself.”

“Nah. I’d been standing outside a solid few minutes listening to y’all before I even let my presence be known.” The older man admitted. “I wanted to hear the description of the unwelcomed asshole who made this mess… he owes me a God damned window.”

“Know him?” Nash asked while taking jabs. “Seems your type.”

“Now, son, that’s about the ballsiest thing you’ve said since I met ya. I respect that.” Owen said, earning a satisfied grin from Nash, “Wipe that shit-eating grin off your face, and don’t ever talk to me like that again.”

Nash bobbed his head, his suddenly a grimace, “Sorry… Sir.”

“Are you really that weak and easy to rile up?” Owen shook his head. “You come here, guns a blazing to save my daughter, but sound a little like a pansy right now, if ya ask me. Toughen up.”

“Yes. Right… Sir.” Nash replied.

Coy shook his head and chuckled, “Ellis Steele. What do you know about him?”

“A lot.” Owen shared. “But not nearly enough?”

“Which means what, Dad?”

“It means I’ve had my eye on that prick since he came to town and can’t seem to find anything dirty on him.”

“You’re not friends?” Charlotte asked.

“Not even a little bit.”

“There’s pictures… of you… all over the guy’s office. Sounds like you’re pretty friendly to me.” She shared with her father.

“Ever heard the phrase, keep your enemies closer? He’s public enemy number one.”

Kenzie took an ice pack Owen had given her off her head and tossed it in the trash. “Care to elaborate?”

“Not really,” Owen said matter of factly. “But I’ll tell ya this. He’s squeaky clean. Too clean. I’ve had a bad feeling about that asshole since he arrived in town, but I can’t find a damn thing on him. Someone owns him. Someone with money and reach so they can keep his dealings nice and private.”

“Someone with authority and resources,” Coy said.

“One hundred percent. He’s more of a politician than a lawyer. I don’t like the riffraff he hangs around.”

“You mean, like the Governor?”

“No, the others. Everyone thinks he’s great. He’s invited to everything like a damn socialite making his rounds.”

“You think he’s in someone’s back pocket, doing their dirty work for them,” Coy questioned.

“Something like that, but I’ve never been able to prove it. Hence, the squeaky-clean part.” Owens tone deepened to something more menacing, “I don’t like him, though. Not one bit. His behavior is too familiar, guessing you feel the same way, Coy.”

Coy nodded, “Organized crime?”

“You got it. He reeks of it, but we haven’t had issues down here in I don’t know how long.” Owen tossed his hand in the air in frustration.

“There isn’t any activity in the area, you’re right,” Coy confirmed.

“I know. You’re to thank for that. You and your team.” Owen grinned and winked.

“You know.”

“Of course, I know. I know exactly who you and your sister are. Her husband is a good guy. I know you work with the President’s brother, too. Those Wyatt men are good people. So is your organization. I’ve never had the opportunity to work alongside any of you, but I’m very aware of who y’all are and what you do.”

“I suppose as high ranking as you were, it makes sense you’d be privy to information.”

“Son, they don’t tell us shit on the border. I went looking for it myself and used my connections. You have to be pretty resourceful to be in the know and to make a difference. The longer I held my position, the harder it was to do my job. I’m more effective now that I’m retired, given my own background. I know you don’t need my help, but know you have it if you need it.”

“We appreciate that,” Coy said. “Might take you up on it, but what’s in it for you?”

“I think ol’ Ellis Steele and his outfit are owed something from me. And I intend to pay that debt as soon as I find out who’s behind his paycheck and fancy suits.”

Coy’s brow furrowed, “Debt? What do you owe them?”

The corners of Owen’s mouth curled into a menacing grin. “Revenge, son. Revenge.”

“Revenge for what?” Coy questioned.

“Ah, nothing for you to worry about. I think you have your hands full as it is.” Owen paused like he was lost in thought while a flash of emotion washed over him ever so briefly, “I owe an old friend.”

“What did they do to your friend?” Coy asked.

“I’m not sure. That’s the mystery, Stone. As is the reason my company tonight stopped by and went through my office.”

“Well, if we can offer a hand in any way, we’re happy to help.” Coy nodded, not wanting to pry too much, but deep down, he knew there was a connection there. It wasn’t a priority, but definitely something he’d keep an eye on.

“I appreciate that and may take you up on that at some point.”

Charlotte stood, “We should probably get back to the ranch. I need to fix up the sheriff, and all my supplies are out there.”

Coy and the others followed suit and made their way through the house as Owen Bridges saw them out.

“You sure you don’t want help securing that window?” Coy asked as they stood on the front stoop.

“Nah. I have someone coming to fix it up.”

“The offer to come stay at the ranch stands if, at any point, you feel unsafe here with that guy loose.” Coy reminded.

“I’ll be alright out here –– got my friend,” Owen said, propping his weapon on his shoulder.

“That’s an impressive friend. Didn’t know civilians could have a HK416 registered.” Coy raised his brow, questioning the weapon reserved typically for active-duty Special Operatives like SEALS and the like –– not retired border chiefs.

“Yeah, well… You know what they say.”

“No, I don’t.” Coy grinned.

“Then I guess it ain’t my place to tell ya, son.” Owen winked. “Y’all be safe getting home. I got security out in those woods now. They’ll expect you comin’ through. Don’t pay them no mind.”

“Security?” Coy raised his brow and scanned the perimeter.

Owen smiled. “Put in enough time on the job, and everyone owes you a favor or two.”

“That’s a pretty big favor,” Coy said over his shoulder as they walked toward the tree line where they hid their vehicles.

“Lucky guy, I guess,” Owen said before turning and going back inside his home. “Oh, and there’s a rig waiting out on the road to pick up your tail to the ranch. Figured you lead, put that hair-brained brother and my daughter in the middle, and let my guys cover their backside? They’re trained. Vetted, of course.”

“And if I say no?” Coy asked.

“They’ll follow you anyway. Have a good night.” Owen left before Coy could further protest.

No sooner did he disappear inside than a crew pulled up with a brand-new window — in the middle of the night, no less — ready to replace the one a common enemy had broken earlier that evening.

“Shit. He wasn’t kidding.” Kenzie said quietly to Coy. “Look around. He has people everywhere.”

“That old man isn’t a retired Border Chief. He ain’t retired at all.” Coy snickered. “We need to do another deep dive on Owen Bridges.”

“What are you thinking?” Kenzie asked. “Friend or foe?”

Coy opened Kenzie’s car door for her and hesitated for a moment as he looked back at the security crawling all over Owen Bridges ranch, “My money is on… friend… with a foe in common.”