Hearths of Fire by Kennedy Layne Read Free Book Online Page B

I need you focused.”
    Doc didn’t bother to utter another word as he got out of her car. The rain was coming down hard but it didn’t seem to bother him as he leisurely took his time to walk up the slightly crooked sidewalk. Catori did notice that he looked around, taking in his surroundings before unlocking his front door. She had a feeling that locking one’s home was an unusual occurrence around these parts, but considering what Doc had done for a living, it didn’t come as a surprise that he liked the extra security. Having faith in his ability to iron out his personal life before arriving in San Diego, she pulled away from the curb.
    Two down, three to go.

Chapter Seven
    ‡
    T he neon lit jukebox in the dilapidated bar played a country western tune that was more rock ’n roll in Catori’s opinion. It was loud, but not so deafening that the rowdy customers couldn’t hear their shouted conversations. It was only eighteen hundred on a weekday, three days after her visit with Doc, but that didn’t stop those whom she assumed were regulars from coming in for their daily bellyful. It was a small dive located in a tiny town situated in northern Nebraska.
    Catori noticed that the loud banter had become more or less diminished as the locals noticed a stranger amongst them. She quickly memorized the layout of the place, noticing the bar to her right, a dartboard directly toward the back, one pool table off to the left, and around eight tables with four or five chairs each located in the middle. There were two small booths located in the far left corner that would be perfect to have a private conversation. The only potential trouble she could foresee were the two men playing a game of pool. It seemed to her that they might have just reached their limit.
    Recognizing her next target, Catori walked directly to the bar and met the gaze of the man she needed to speak with. Daegan Murphy was part Irish and his startling blue eyes were evident of his strong heritage. He kept his head closely shaved to his scalp, but his black hair was unmistakable. The two young girls who couldn’t take their eyes off of his six-foot tall muscular frame obviously found him attractive. Catori just wanted him for his ability to button a man’s pocket at a thousand yards.
    “Daegan, I was hoping you had a moment to speak with me.”
    “For you, darlin’, I have all night.” Daegan flipped the hand towel over his shoulder and then folded his arms before leaning on the bar top. “What can I help you with?”
    Catori couldn’t prevent a smile at his charisma. She had to admit that she was having fun setting up her team. It kept her busy and she found herself feeling closer to Red in doing something that he loved. Seeing the frowns on the faces of the two women who looked as if she had just pissed in their rocks glasses, Catori cut to the chase.
    “It’s what I can do for you.” Catori motioned with her head toward the back booths. “Mind if we talk in private?”
    Daegan’s smile didn’t falter, but she could see that she had his wheels spinning. He tapped the surface of the bar and nodded, giving his consent. Holding up two fingers and gesturing to someone, Catori saw a man at one of the tables stand and head their way. This must be Daegan’s brother, Callum. They were similar in their dark good looks, although Callum appeared to have a thinner frame. She also noticed a wedding band on his left hand, making him out of contention with the women.
    “This pretty lady would like a word with me, Callum. Mind taking over?”
    Callum was more reserved and took the time to look her over, in the direct opposite manner that Daegan had. His brother didn’t like strangers in his town and was making it known. When he finally brought his gaze up to meet hers she didn’t back down. His lips thinned in annoyance, but he acquiesced and stepped around her to lift a portion of the bar. Callum entered while Daegan exited, but not before Daegan tossed