Page 9 of Jameson’s Salvation

“All of it. Even if I could’ve afforded to buy it back from her, I couldn’t go it alone. I tried for a year, but even being only two-hundred and fifty acres, with the old equipment and everything that goes into the daily operations, I had to admit it was too much for me. It sucked when Mom had to sell it off, it sucked more when Reggie got it.”

Nixon’s face was stone and Jameson knew his friend was feeling Kennedy’s loss. Nixon loved his dad’s farm and had given up a lot to come home and take care of it. Jameson hadn’t had much of anything growing up. His mom had done the best she could after his dad bailed, but they’d had to move a lot, so he’d never grown attached to places or things because he’d known he wouldn’t have either for long. He couldn’t begin to comprehend the connection either of them felt.

“Jameson’s right, we’re not takin’ your money.” Nix lifted a hand and stopped Kennedy’s protest. “Hate to have to pull this card, especially because I knew your dad and he was a proud man, never took nothing from nobody without payment. But you’re in the position to let pride get in the way. You need our help, we’re gonna give it, and there’ll be no repayment. I don’t want to get into your personal business but unfortunately, we’re gonna have to do that, too. Jameson’s gonna take you to the sheriff’s station and you’re gonna talk to Jonny Spenser. But before you do that, Holden’s gonna check and see if Dillinger or anyone else in that office actually filed a report—”

“There are no reports filed involving Reggie Coleman harassing anyone. No reports on him for anything, actually. Not even a speeding ticket in the last twenty years,” Holden cut in.

“Didn’t think so,” Nix continued. “When you’re done at the station, head over to Kennedy’s. Her house is situated back from the road and surrounded by trees—I want cameras up ASAP.” Nixon’s directive was aimed at Jameson so he nodded his understanding.

Kennedy frowned. “Wait. Cameras? Is that necessary? All I wanted was some sort of dirt I could use to make him stop,” she protested.

“We’ll find that. But in the meantime, you need to be safe. I’m assuming you live alone.”

“Well, yeah.”

“Right. You gotta man that stays over regular?”

Jameson once again stiffened. The thought hadn’t crossed his mind that she might’ve had a man. But now that Nixon had brought it up, Jameson’s gut soured and he held his breath waiting for her answer.

“I don’t have time to clean out my damn truck, you think I have time for a man?” she joked, but there was something behind her flippant comment that made Jameson believe Nix had hit a sore spot.

“Then yes, the cameras are necessary. It’s better to have them up and not needed than need them and not have them.”

“But—”

“How far back do you want me to dig?” Holden asked Nixon, cutting off Kennedy’s protest.

“As far back as you need to go to find something,” Nix answered.

It was time to leave. Holden was going to start asking questions that Jameson didn’t want her to hear. But more than that, he didn’t want her freaked out, and there was no doubt, Nix and Holden’s conversation would do just that. A man like Reggie Coleman didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to be a prick—he’d been perfecting his tactics for a good long while. And Jameson would bet Mrs. Nickels the widow wasn’t the first woman Reggie’d fucked over, he’d bet she wasn’t even the fifth. So if sweet, pretty Kennedy Lane didn’t already know, Jameson wanted to keep it that way.

“Come on, Kennedy, let’s head to the station.”

“But—”

“I want to get to your place before it gets dark.”

“Can I talk?” she snapped.

“Sure, when your ass is planted in my truck and we’re on the road.”

“But we need to talk about me paying.”

“We did, and it was decided you’re not paying.”

Kennedy’s whole body transformed as she looked like she was getting ready to lose her shit. Her face was tinged pink, steel infused her spine, and she stood taller. And finally, her sexy bedroom eyes flashed with anger.

“No one decides anything for me, Jameson. You two may think you’ve decided, but that doesn’t mean it’s a done deal.”

“Think about—”

“I am thinking, Nixon, and I’m thinking that you doing this for free feels like shit. I pay my bills. I make my own way. And it has nothing to do with pride and everything to do with what’s right. I don’t take advantage of other people’s kindness. You’re already doing me a favor by looking into this on short notice. I won’t have you doin’ it for free and I certainly won’t have you come outta pocket on it. I pay or I’ll find someone else.”

“How many summers did you come over here and help my pop?” Nix asked.

“He paid me.”

“How many?”