Page 6 of Diamond

“Better take two guns.” He smirks.

I roll my eyes. “I’m sure I can handle one outlaw biker.”

“Ah, you see, that’s where you’re wrong,” Duncan points out. “They’re not outlaws, they’re legit, so you might wanna keep that lingo to yourself if you don’t want to face the wrath of Diamond.”

“Right, and you arrested them for being law-abiding citizens?”

He shrugs. “Like you said. The Stilettos need taking down a peg or two.” He can’t hide his grin. Clearly, he doesn’t really share that sentiment.

“Is this because she threatened to tell your momma what you did?”

Duncan immediately stops laughing. “She wouldn’t really do that…” He glances at his phone, looking worried. “Would she?”

Jesus Christ.

“The Stilettos won their way into the people’s hearts; that’s why they’ve skated under the radar for way too long, Benson included,” I remind him. “But the law is the law.”

My deputy shrugs. “I like Diamond. She’s tough, sure, but she’s a good woman. Even if she trades low blows every now and again, it’s just her nature, you know, after everything.”

I pique a brow. “Everything?”

The phone rings, saving him from having to answer me.

I head out to my truck, pondering what he was about to say. It doesn’t take long to get to Diamond’s ranch, Rustic Grove, a.k.a., the clubhouse. It’s about a ten-minute drive from town. The land itself is huge, acres and acres as far as the eye can see. There are several barns, sheds, and buildings. It’s fully secured with fencing—no surprise there—but what I don’t expect is somebody guarding the gate when I pull up in my truck.

The young woman on duty is chirpy, giving me a once-over before raising her eyebrows. “Morning, Sheriff Calloway.”

“Hello there…” I glance at her patch, but it reads: Prospect. Of course it does, because like any MC, the Prez has minions. “What’s your name?”

She thinks for a second. “My real name, or my biker name?”

I’m glad I’m wearing shades because I’d hate for her to see my deadpan expression. “Your real name will be fine.”

“Oh, okay, it’s Lisa, I’m new here.”

“Pleased to meet you, Lisa. I need to speak with Diamond.”

Her face falls. “Now’s not really a good time, sir.”

And I bet I know why.

She just got some bad news.

“Unfortunately, the matter is urgent,” I insist.

She shifts on her feet behind the gate. “I’ll have to radio the house. If I let you in unannounced, Diamond will be pissed.”

There goes the element of surprise.

I really don’t feel like amusing Lisa, but I came here waving the white flag, not wanting to barge in like a bull.

I try to keep my tone jovial when I say, “Call ahead, Lisa. I’m here on official business.”

She doesn’t realize this, but I will be getting through this gate whether she allows it or not.

I know what Diamond is capable of. And now she knows what Lanzetti is up to, I’d be surprised if she wasn’t already over at his place, guns blazing like a firing squad. She isn’t—I checked on the way here.

“Do you need a warrant or something?” Lisa asks suddenly.