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"Or perhaps I should just ask ested

Zeke leaned forward, his aroes any further let ht noon’t brook any interference in ue You don’t want toyour contacts should have warned you of Youin front of you, but let me assure you, Mr Walker, this dus to him"

Thick lashes narrowed over violet eyes as John stared back at hi on to your woman in this town?" he asked "I stopped by Jonesy’s before co here His face is a little worse for wear and yours isn’t much better, even two days later What did Caitlyn think of your beating up on the man that protected her for four years?"

"What did you think of the reason he received that beating?" Zeke’s smile was cold "Or didn’t you ask hi your treat it?"

Jonesy had lied Zeke had to adht the bartender would bother to lie

"What happened will stay between ed "If you have any questions or objections, then I iue"

"With Caitlyn," John stated again

"How old are you, Mr Walker?" Zeke asked then "Twelve? I think by now you’re well aware of the name your sister prefers, as well as the one that suits her best If you can’t stop with the immature comments, then you can leave my office now"

Silence filled the room as John stared back at him with eyes that were like chips of violet ice Finally, the younger htened in his chair and his expression srandmother, Callie Walker, were e of subject didn’t surprise Zeke Whatever answers John had been looking for about his sister had evidently been answered The air of confrontational disrespect had evaporated and clear, icy purpose filled those violet eyes This was aand eliet your infor

John’s lips titled "Let’s say I have my sources as I’m certain you have your own, Sheriff

Joe, Jairandmother were important to Caitlyn But even more, they were close to her I’d like to know if her life is in danger as well"

"I don’t know" Zeke leaned forward and watched the younger man intently "At thisprecautions just in case"

"By sleeping with her?" There was a spark of anger in his eyes now

"By taking precautions," he repeated coolly

John gri to assume you didn’t stop and see your sister before you arrived here," Zeke said, rinned wryly "My balls are still intact What do you think?"

"I think your sister must have kno to use that knee of hers before she ever rinned

"Let’s just say I’ve experienced her wrath more than once But in all fairness, I’irl has to kno to protect herself"

Zeke inclined his head in agreement "And sometimes, a fist is needed rather than a knee," he told the brother as he thought about his fight with Jonesy

"Then essentially, you have no idea who killed Joe, Jairandmother, Callie?"

Zeke shook his head "All I know is that a woether Joe and Jaiether; they were due to randirl was She was supposed to call h she had slipped in the bathtub, hit her head, and drowned The coroner’s report says otherwise Callie Walker was randsons were"

John reached up and rubbed one finger over his lower lip thoughtfully as Zeke stared back at hi soht she knew," he mused quietly "She was hospitalized for over a week, Sheriff Mayes"

"I’m well aware of that, Mr Walker," Zeke stated quietly "I intend to ain"

"As am I" John stood to his feet then The deliberate slouchiness he had displayed when he first entered the office was no longer apparent The younger race and predatory awareness now

"John"

John turned back as he reached the door, his expression brooding

"Yes, Sheriff?"

"I don’t need civilian interference in this This is et that"

His lips quirked "I’ as you stay out of reed "And my relationship with your sister"

John arched an eyebrow "You’re not her husband, and that’s the only relationship I’m required to stay out of whereyou’d do well to remember"