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“Sure.” He was buying her wine. What was the occasion? He opened the merlot then poured it in the stemless wine glass that had been sitting in a drying rack. Someone had used it before her. It wasn’t Whiskey.
A woman.
The rejection mixed with envy. He poured a bourbon neat and sat beside her at the table. She sipped her wine. “It’s good. Thanks.”
After a drink, he scooted closer. “Ruby, you know I trust you more than anyone in this holler.”
Doubtful.
“Okay.”
“I wouldn’t ask you what I’m about to if it wasn’t dire straits.” He sighed and she smelled mint and whiskey on his breath. His dark hair hung in his eyes, and she had the urge to brush it back, but she kept her hands balled on her lap. “You know Nadine was my best girl...”
Ruby’s breath was stolen, and her lungs turned to concrete. He would not. Could not ask what he was about to.
“Baby,” he lightly caressed her cheek, “I got a big, big score, and I don’t trust anyone else to do this. I know you stopped doing side jobs for me because of Lula, and I fully approved and still do. She needs her mama, and work was dangerous. But this is the mother lode, babe. Please. I’m asking you to do this.”
Asking, or was it phrased for courtesy’s sake? “Whiskey, don’t ask me this,” she squeaked, her voice suddenly hidden. Her hands trembled.
His eyes hardened. “It has to be your choice.”
Of course it did. She had a measure of protection some in the holler didn’t have.
“I would never endanger Lula.”
No, just Ruby. “I can’t, Whiskey. I can’t risk it.”
His jaw hardened, and he balled his hand at his side so tightly his knuckle popped. He wouldn’t force her. Couldn’t.
“I was hoping you’d do it because you love me, but... I see you don’t. Guess Regis won that one.”
Ruby stood. “This has nothing to do with Regis Owsley. It has everything to do with I hate drugs. I have a daughter.”
“And I know you don’t want her around all this.” His eyes narrowed. “Let me offer you something no one else can or is willing to. You run this one time for me. Deliver the product, bring back the money. You can keep twenty percent, and I’ll get you out of this holler.”
She snapped her attention toward him. Met his dark eyes. “And Lula?”
“Free to go. I know it’s what you want. You think I don’t know about the money under the mattress, Ruby? You’ll never make enough to leave when you want. I know people. You can change your whole identity if you choose. Go anywhere. Make a life. I’ll make sure you have enough to get settled and for Lula. Maybe she’ll be something better than we ever were. Are.” He shrugged, and she saw the truth in that. He did want better for their daughter, but he wasn’t above using her as leverage.
If she did this one run. She could get out as soon as it was over. Go anywhere. “Can I trust you?”
“Have I ever lied to you, Ruby?”
No. “Then tell me one more truth. Did you ever love me?”
He inhaled and framed her face, slowly kissed her lips. Warm with the taste of spicy bourbon. “As much as one man can love a woman like you,” he murmured against her lips and tears stung her eyes, but they didn’t burn as intensely as those four words flamed over her heart.
...a woman like you...
“I’ll take your deal. I want enough to get in a good place with a decent car and money in the bank. I want Lula in a good school, and I want far out of here.”
“Done.” He grinned and kissed her hard on the mouth and then drew her closer. “Since you’re here...let’s seal that deal.”
A tear threatened to surface, but she forced her cries to remain silent and in the dark.
Chapter Fourteen
Saturday, October 21
