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Wiz was probably the smartest person he knew and he was certain that in her mind, laws were more flexible than Sam might believe. “Let me know if you need help with that last part.”
Sam put her hands over her ears. “Please remember I’m an officer of the Court and obligated to report crimes.”
Wiz laughed, changing her entire countenance. Her laugh was high and tinkling, like a fairy, and her face turned from solemnly interesting to startingly beautiful. No wonder her ex-husband wanted her back; rich and gorgeous was a killer combination.
But Deb was just as beautiful and her laughter eased Michael’s soul. Plus, Deb probably couldn’t kill him a dozen different ways with her hands. Although, with her knowledge of baking, she could probably poison him undetected, if such a thought crossed her mind, which it wouldn’t. She was too good for a broken vet who couldn’t get out of bed some days. She watched the conversation like a tennis match, bouncing from person to person.
Wiz recovered her stoic expression. “Don’t worry, I’m not doing anything illegal. I wouldn’t do that to you.” She winked, but didn’t smile.
Sam shook her head. “You’re trouble, but the good kind.”
“I sure hope Igor ‘John Scott‘ Koslov remembers that.” Wiz huffed. “And I hope your ex realizes that too, because if he gets in my way, he’s getting run over.”
Sam scowled. “Go ahead. I stopped worrying about him years ago.”
Erin snort-laughed. “Sure you did.” When Sam turned her glare on Erin, she held up both hands. “Hey, I’m on your side. He was an immature ass and still is. He’s not worth your time.”
Sam stood. “But you know what is? All our businesses. So, do some more videos, and I’ll go talk to some other business owners, get them on board.” She picked up her leather portfolio and walked to the door, heels clicking on the slate tiles. At the open door, she spun on a toe. “Watch your backs.”
“You too, Sam.” Michael joined the chorus of concern, and added to it. “You might not be making a video, but by doing the footwork and coordination, you’re making yourself just as big a target.”
She nodded. “I know, but it’s worth it and I’m not defenseless.” She snorted. “Far from it, actually. Don’t forget to eat.” She walked away, hips swaying and the door shut behind her.
Deb locked the door and turned to them, shaking her head. “She’s not telling us something, and I’d bet Trevor Mills is behind it. She never could resist him.”
Erin snorted. “Pot, meet kettle, Deb.” She shrugged. “It might be for the best.”
“Mills better not screw up.” Wiz scowled at the door. “I don’t have a lot of friends, and I’m very protective of them.” She turned to frown at Michael. “But I’m sure you remember that.”
Michael nodded once. “Oh, I do. Don’t worry. I have no intention of messing this up.” And he didn’t. He’d protect Deb with his life. The world deserved a ray of sunshine and light like Deb, and he’d make sure she was safe.
Chapter 16
After lunch, a costume change, and filming several takes, Deb’s finger hovered over the garbage can on her phone’s screen. She could do a better video. But her new pink t-shirt with the words “Cupcake Woman: Putting the Icing on Happiness” surrounding a cartoon cupcake with a sunflower was adorable.
Erin, sitting next to her on the small couch, captured her hand and pulled it away. “It’s good enough. Post it.”
“Too perfect and it won’t look sincere.” Wiz pointed at her. “You know this.”
A burly arm reached over her shoulder and snatched her phone from her hand. “Let me see. You need a man’s perspective anyway.” While they ate, Michael had taken a sandwich outside and had just returned.
Deb blew a raspberry and twisted, reaching for her phone. “No, I don’t.”
Michael held it high, out of reach. Her voice blasted from the phone. Deb gave up and watched his face.
“Hi there, friends! First, thanks so much for reaching out and your concern. I really appreciate it. The hashtag is awesome!” Deb winced at the sound of her forced laugh. “I had no intention of disappearing, but I didn’t have a choice. Organized crime is trying to take over my bakery and the rest of beautiful Marcus, Montana. First, a man name John Scott with ties to the Russian Mob told me I’d better agree to his terrible plans for my bakery or bad things might happen to me. Then two men abducted me, tied me up, and threatened me unless I gave them money I didn’t have. My friends rescued me. The next morning, someone tried to blow up my bakery’s back door! So I ran.”
Deb cringed at the shakiness of her voice. “Good friends helped me hide, but these horrible people hunted us down. We moved, but they found us again. So, we have to go public. I know some of you will think this is a publicity stunt, and others will say I’m faking it, and still more won’t care. But I’m not the only one being threatened. In the coming days, you’ll hear from other business owners who are experiencing the same pressures. And standby for Victory Security’s expose on John Scott and his ties to organized crime. He’s done this to other communities. Hardworking small business owners just like me are being threatened, used, and abused to hide money and the trafficking of people. These criminals are bribing officials and misusing the law, too. Please help me stop them by sharing this video. And if you’re one of the unfortunate business owners who have been targeted, make your own video. Join us. Let’s shine a light on the darkness, expose the evil, and stomp on it. We’ve got to kill it or it will kill us.”
Even on the phone’s tiny speaker her breath sounded tremulous. “I hate asking for help, but I have to. My very best friend, Erin of Coffee & Cars, put together a fund raiser to help keep me in business; the link is in the comments if you can spare a few dollars. If there’s extra, I’ll help the other businesses in Marcus. Whether you can donate or not, remember that we all deserve to live in peace and thrive. America must enforce their laws, or lose their security. Speak up today.”
Michael handed the phone back to her. “Put the link in. I posted it for you because it’s perfect.”
She scowled at him. “You had no right.” But she hadn’t been able to push that button; asking for money made her cringe.
“You were going to do it, I just sped up the process.” Michael lowered his chin and raised his brows. “You did a great job.” He went to the kitchen, and turned, leaning against the counter. “If anyone can make this work, it’s you. You’re so transparently honest and your bravery shines like a beacon.” He smiled, a real smile, not a smirk. “Perfect in every way. Don’t forget the link.” He got a glass of water and returned to his room.
Deb closed her eyes, gathered her courage, and then pasted the fund raiser link in the comments. She put the phone down; she didn’t want to see the replies.
