Page 21 of Diamond

Unknown

Thought you should have my number too, it’s only fair

I stare at the text, my mood lifting. Maybe I could do with a little side action to take my mind off things here. Yeah, that could be exactly what I need. I quickly add him to my contacts.

Diamond

Well hello to you too

Nash

Busy?

Diamond

I’m fixing a fence

Nash

Is everything okay?

Diamond

I’ll tell you later

Nash

Tell me now

Diamond

I’m busy dealing with a situation

Nash

What situation?

Diamond

Someone cut our fenceline

Nash

Holy shit. I’ll be right over

Half an hour later, he does just that, to assess the fence. Of course, we can’t prove anything, but when my dad arrives, he’s fuming.

“This is bullshit,” Dad says before I’ve had the opportunity to introduce him to Nash.

“Tell me about it,” I agree. “It’s intimidation at its finest, but they’re gonna have to come up with something a little more original.”

“Just don’t go in guns blazing,” Nash says. “What they want is for me to arrest you again.”

Dad looks at me. “Again?”

“Long story,” I huff. “Anyway, Dad, this is Sheriff Calloway. Sheriff, this is my dad, Gus.” The two men acknowledge one another, shaking hands. My dad isn’t like me in the unsociable department. Don’t get me wrong, he’d cut you if you double-crossed him, but he’s a warm person and loves to chat. Burt, meanwhile, barks at Dad’s feet, and Nash pats him on the head.

“Nice to have you in town,” Dad remarks. “I hear you’re doing great things already.”