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“Inspection first, then we’ll see.” Pete nodded slowly. “I think we’ll find some bullet holes, but not much else. They didn’t use any rocket-launched weapons or grenades here, they just sprayed the place with bullets. Plus, the new shed at the house will have soaked up a bunch of those rounds. The ATV is the only thing that might be done for.”
“Use ours, Pete,” Wiz said. “It’s faster.”
“But not as useful.” He frowned.
Sounded like a well-worn argument. Michael put his hands on the table and levered his body up. His shoulder and arm nerves ignited, but he made it to his feet. The meds were working. “Nic, you and I can trade off telling the feds and the press “no comment” and blocking them from Deb while she gets a good look at everything.”
“Actually, I’d be better at that.” Kim grinned. “I can get one of our usual babysitters to watch the kids if that’s okay with you, Wiz.”
Wiz smiled, a real smile, and once again, Michael was dumbstruck by how beautiful she was. She said, “If they’re okay staying here with just us, I’m sure we can keep them entertained for a couple of hours.” She reached for Tom’s hand and gripped it. “We’ve been talking about adopting a pair of girls, members of one of the local tribes. It would be good practice.”
Michael smiled despite his pain. That would be an amazing gift for everyone involved.
Kim grinned. “That’s awesome. Let me talk to them. Isa’s easy. Sophia? Sometimes. But if they’re okay, I’m okay. Nic?”
Nic chuckled. “You may find yourselves regretting that offer in the future.” He watched his wife walk away. “We can always use more help now that Deb’s so busy with her business.” His smile died. “Sorry, Deb.”
She shook her head. “It’s okay. We’ll see how it all looks. But right now, I’m not sure I want to reopen.”
Michael squeezed her shoulder gently. He couldn’t blame her. “Wiz, do you have another vest that will fit Kim? Even if the feds are surrounding us, I don’t think any of us should be out there without protective gear.” He grimaced. It was too dangerous to have both parents out there. “Kim should stay here.”
“I’m going.” Kim pointed at him. “I’ve got to get out there sometime and today will be safer than tomorrow.”
“She can wear mine. I’m not going anywhere.” Wiz shivered.
Tom put his arm around her shoulders. “Nic can wear mine.” He huffed. “Still can’t believe I’ve got a bullet-resistant vest at all, especially in the middle of nowhere, Montana. But it’s good to be prepared.”
Michael nodded. “Agreed. Thanks for buying extras. I hope we can find the gear I lost last night, or I’ll owe you a replacement.”
Wiz waved her hands across the table. “No, don’t worry about it. Just come back safe.”
“Will do.” After cleaning up, he joined Deb and the bakery crew downstairs, putting on vests and checking weapons. His previous AR-15 was still out on the pasture along with his phone, but Wiz had plenty of extras. He adjusted Deb’s vest; survival and not baking had tightened her abs and built some leg strength. Being stronger was good, but he’d be happier when she was back to baking full time. If she wanted to keep the muscle, the gym was a safer way to work out.
Once appropriately attired, they took Nic’s SUV to town. Michael warned the Copperline folks they were inbound, and they’d come in from behind the lumberyard. Nic drove through the delivery door and into the cavernous warehouse, parking so they could drive away easily, and they all got out.
Nic strode to a tall, dark-haired man with the face of a Greek hero. “Geo! What are you doing here?” They shook hands.
Geo grinned, his teeth blinding white in his deeply tanned face. “All my other sites are quiet. This one? Not so much.”
Michael joined them, and shook. Then Nic introduced his wife and Deb.
Geo kissed the back of Deb’s hand. “Finally, I meet the lovely Deb. It’s such a pleasure.”
Gratitude turned to jealousy. Michael held back his instinctive lunge to break them apart. He wasn’t a caveman.
Deb chuckled, but slid her hand from his. “Such a charmer. I am very pleased to meet you. Thank you for all of your help. I know I can’t repay you, but let me know if you need custom cupcakes or birthday cakes, or anything else.”
“Of course, sweet Deb.” He turned toward her bakery and swept an arm out in half-bowing motion. “After you.”
Michael jumped in front of her, wincing at the electric shock the movement caused. But Geo’s chivalry could get her killed. “Me first. I don’t care if the Secret Service is out there, I’m checking it out before you leave the safety of this building.”
“My people are already out there. We’ve got it covered.” Geo’s voice was desert-dry. “And the Fire Marshall cleared us for entry.”
Michael didn’t care. He opened the door, emerging onto the expanse of asphalt in front of the lumber yard and surveyed the bakery and surroundings. The stench of burned building and the blackened hole covered by particle board, drew his attention first, but he didn’t linger. On the bakery roof, one of Geo’s people watched the perimeter with a rifle. Behind the bakery, another of Geo’s people faced away from them. An older red SUV with the words “Fire Marshal” on the door sat in the bakery’s small front parking lot, along with a couple of big black SUVs with US Government plates. Eight or so people stood in the former outdoor seating area, wearing FBI, ATF, and Sheriff’s jackets. Cameras lined the sidewalk, reporters in open coats over fancy clothes yelling questions. He turned back to Deb and Kim. “Lots of reporters and Feds. Are you ready?”
Kim pushed in front of Deb. “Yes. No comment for now.”
Michael walked out, holding his new AR-15 pointed down, with his finger off the trigger. Keeping his head on a swivel, he walked to the back of the bakery, ignoring the shouts from the reporters. At the back door, he stood aside to let Deb enter the codes.
