The Bribe (Calamity Montana)

“HEY, JANE,” I said, pinning my phone between my shoulder and cheek as I typed the last line on a report for the mayor I’d been working on all afternoon. The music in the background was blaring.

“Better get down to the bar,” she said.

My heart stopped. There weren’t a lot of times Jane had summoned me, but when she did, I went racing. I shot out of my chair and gathered up my keys, moving for the door. “What’s up?”

“Just get down here. You’ll see.”

“Jane—”

The noise disappeared. She’d hung up.

Shit. Her cryptic call left me imagining the worst.

Was it a fight? A drunk and disorderly? If things were really bad, the band wouldn’t have been playing, right? Though it could have been the radio blasting. Jane loved loud music.

Maybe someone had taken their afternoon beer too far and broken a bottle over someone’s head. Swear to God, if I walked into that bar and there was a dead body and Jane hadn’t given me a better warning, she and I were going to have one hell of a conversation.

The bullpen was empty as I maneuvered past desks. The only deputies in were Grayson and Carla. Gray was pounding away at his keyboard, finishing up his daily report before the evening shift started rolling in within the next thirty minutes. Carla was at her workstation at the front of the bullpen, sitting behind the bulletproof partition that separated her desk from the lobby. She was bent over her phone, thumbs flying over the screen.

“Carla, I gotta go,” I told her, not slowing down as I headed for the door. “Jane called me down to the bar.”

“Duke, wait!” She jumped out of her chair, following me out the door to the lobby. “I just got this text about Jade.”

My feet ground to a stop and she nearly collided with my back. “What text?”

“You know my cousin Harry. He owns the pawn shop. He’s my mom’s sister’s son.”

“Yeah.” I circled my hand, wanting her to get to the point. I knew Harry. I knew his pawn shop. What I didn’t know was why she’d get a text from Harry about Lucy.

“Well, he usually meets some of his buddies down at the bar on Thursday afternoons for a beer. He’s down there right now and I guess there’s a woman singing with the band. Harry said it’s your girlfriend because he was at the football game and saw you two together but I told him that I didn’t know she was a singer and maybe he had the wrong lady but he said she’s wearing your favorite hat and has quite the voice.”

I blinked, absorbing the string of he said, she said. Lucy was singing? That had to be why Jane had called me down.

“Thanks. I have my cell.” I walked out the door, jogged to my truck and broke every speed limit on my way downtown.

Every parking space in front of the bar was full. So were all those in the three adjacent buildings, on both sides of Jane’s. So I circled around to the alley, figuring I’d find somewhere to park in the rear lot. Nope. Full.

What the fuck? It was a Thursday at four o’clock in the afternoon. Was the entire town here?

I finally found a space two blocks away from First and parked. Then I hustled toward the bar, catching the sound of music before it even came into view. It was loud. Damn loud. Jane must have been in her office with the door closed when she’d called because otherwise, I wouldn’t have heard a word.

The bar’s door was open and when I heard Lucy’s voice, my stomach balled into a knot.

What the hell was she doing? Singing, one of her own damn songs no less, was not how to keep a low profile.

I stepped into the bar, giving my eyes a moment to adjust to the dim light.

The dance floor was packed. Couples were dancing the jitterbug and two-step. And beyond them, there she was. The most beautiful, enchanting woman on earth was standing behind a microphone, wearing my hat.

My hand slapped my chest to keep my heart from escaping.

Damn, but she was exquisite. She had the entire room under her spell with that bewitching voice and glorious smile.

The band members on stage with her had never been so into a performance. They looked like they didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world than by Lucy’s side. She was hitting the high notes on “Ruby River.” It was a hell of a song but she was doing it differently than I’d heard on the radio. She’d picked up the tempo so it was a fast song made for dancing.

But it was still her song. And she was taking a big risk by singing it.

I tore my eyes away from Lucy and scanned the crowded bar, searching for anyone who might be recording this. Everyone seemed too busy listening to have their phones out. There were a few guys from the bank in slacks, their suit jackets draped over the backs of their chairs. The booths were all full and my guess was that word about the impromptu concert had pulled store owners away from their shops to join the party.

Hell, most of downtown was here. How many stores had closed this afternoon so employees could play hooky?

I weaved my way past the cocktail tables toward the bar where Jane and her weekend bartender were slinging drinks, moving faster than they would on a busy Saturday night. Their tip jar was already packed full of wadded cash.

A single empty barstool remained at the corner of the bar, in a space that didn’t give the best view of the stage. No surprise. Everyone wanted a front row seat. All eyes were glued to Lucy.

I sat down and leaned my elbows on the bar, gaze locked on Jane. When she finally spotted me, she jerked her chin for me to follow her into the kitchen.

The two cooks were slammed, flipping burger patties on the grill, plopping them in baskets with fries straight from the fryer. They were too busy to notice me and Jane disappear into her office.

Jane didn’t bother sitting at her desk. She just perched on the edge, crumpling the corners of whatever papers were scattered on top. I’d never understand people who kept messy desks, but I suspected Jane knew exactly where everything was in the clutter of her office.

I closed the door, muting the music, and crossed my arms over my chest. There was no use bullshitting with Jane. I knew her expressions well enough by now to recognize she knew exactly what was happening. “How long have you known?”

“Since the night you brought her in.”

Fuck. “This is not public knowledge, Jane.”

“Haven’t told a soul.” She held up a hand. “The fact that she’s Lucy Ross will stay between us. She doesn’t know I know either.”

“I’ll tell her tonight.”

“Good.” Jane nodded. “She puts on a good front. I doubt a single soul in that bar recognizes her. But . . .”

That wasn’t going to last long. I’d known for weeks we were running out of time. Lucy didn’t want to hide away at her house and be a recluse. I didn’t blame her. Which meant sooner rather than later, we had to shut off the smoke screen.

But first, I had to make sure she was protected. We needed to give Blake more time to investigate in Nashville and attempt to hunt down this stalker.

“Appreciate your discretion here,” I said.

“No problem.” The music beyond the door quieted and in its place the bar erupted into cheers.

A proud smile tugged at the corners of my mouth because Lucy deserved that kind of praise. She had a God-given gift and to hide it from the world was a shame. And I hadn’t seen her that radiant since she’d come to Calamity.

She needed her music, more than she’d been willing to admit.

Jane stood from her desk, ready to get back to her customers, but I stopped her before she could leave.

“Whose idea was it for her to sing?”

“Mine, of course.” She gave me a sly grin. “Lucy Ross is sitting in my bar, I’m at least getting a concert out of her, even if people don’t know who she is. Tonight’s gonna bankroll my whole month of expenses.”

I chuckled, shaking my head as she passed, then followed her back through the kitchen and into the bar, where I took up that one empty stool and ordered a beer. There was no point in returning to work, because though I knew she’d be safe here, damn it, I wasn’t going to miss this show.

Lucy sang for another hour and a half without a break. When she finally told the room they were taking five, disappointment seeped into the air. The guys on stage were sweating as they huddled around her. Andrew, the regular lead singer, was begging Lucy to do one more set.

Lucy didn’t hesitate. She nodded wildly, then turned and hopped off the stage. The second her foot hit the floor, she was mobbed.

People stood from their chairs to shake her hand and praise her performance. She returned them all with a wide and gracious smile as she worked her way to the bar.

Jane met her at the cocktail waitress’s station and escorted her behind the bar. Then Jane aimed one long finger my direction.

Lucy’s eyes followed and when she spotted me, a red flush crept into her cheeks. She walked my way, ignoring the people still vying for her attention. “Hey.”

“Hey.”

“I, uh . . .” She scrunched up her nose. “I kind of joined the band.”

I chuckled and raised up to lean closer, dropping a kiss to her forehead. “I noticed.”

“It’s stupid—”

“But you need it.”

Her eyes softened. “Yeah.”

“I get it, baby.”

“I know you do.” She put her hand on top of mine. “Andrew and Gary asked if I could do another set. I said yes, but that was before I realized what time it was. We don’t have to stay.”

“Yes, we do. I already ordered a cheeseburger.”

Jane slid up to Lucy’s side and set a glass of ice water with a lemon wedge beside her. “You two want a quiet space, just head to my office.”

“Thanks.” Lucy took the water and chugged half the glass. There was a light sheen of sweat on her chest where the V-neck of her tee wasn’t covering skin.

The strum of a guitar filled the air. Past Lucy, up on stage, Andrew and Joe were getting into position for the next song. The guys hadn’t taken a break, maybe fearful that if they left, the magic would evaporate.

“Short break. Sorry,” Lucy said.

“You do what you need to do. I’ll be here.”

“I’m a lucky woman, Sheriff.” She planted her hands on the bar and jumped up, leaning into my space. Then she fused her lips to mine in a kiss that had the people around us whooping and hollering.

The only part of us touching was our lips and our tongues and our noses. And right then, as I kissed this woman, I was the lucky one here. If I spent my life in the wings, watching her sing and spread joy to the world through her music, I’d call it a win.

Finally, she broke away and dropped down on her feet. “One more set.”

“Okay.” It would be two or three, we both knew that. By the time I took her to my bed, it would likely be well past midnight.

“Any requests?”

“Surprise me.”

She grinned and winked, then turned away and sashayed down the bar.

My eyes were glued to her long legs encased in tight denim. Later, I was going to strip off those jeans and that tee and savor every inch of her body. I’d lick her from head to toe until she was breathless and begging me to take her.

The idea of her naked body made my cock jerk. We’d been hot and heavy this past week but no matter how many times I had her, I always wanted more. I took the last of her water, drinking it down, hoping it would cool me off.

Watching her on stage was a turn-on I hadn’t expected. She commanded attention. She stood luminous, glowing brighter than any neon sign. Other men in the bar were drooling over her. I tamped down my jealousy because they might want her, but she was mine.

Tonight, she was going home with me.

Lucy Ross was mine.

The band huddled, probably picking the next song, the guys as animated and excited as Lucy. When she took the mic in her grip, a devilish grin spread over her face as she looked my way.

Fuck, she was going to ruin me. If she looked at me like that all night, I’d come in my boxers like a goddamn teenager. I made an adjustment to my growing erection and signaled for Jane to bring me another beer.

There was no keeping my eyes off Lucy as she started to sing. Her voice, honeyed and erotic, filled the air and the room was hers. The town was hers.

I stared, unable to look anywhere but at my woman. At some point, someone brought me my burger. I don’t really remember eating it but the basket was empty when another someone came to clear it away. People approached me to talk but I didn’t make much eye contact or attempt any substantial conversation.

My mind was on Lucy, and when they finished their set, I tracked her every step as she waded through the crowd to stand by my side. The man in the stool next to mine stood and offered it to her. As soon as Lucy was seated, Jane brought her a plastic tray heaped with a burger and fries.

“Want something other than water?” Jane asked.

“No, thanks.” Lucy popped a fry into her mouth, moaning as she chewed.

“Just flag me down if you do,” Jane said, leaving the two of us alone.

Lucy ate another fry and when her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip, I swallowed hard, doing my best to control myself before I carried her out of here and had my way with her in my truck.

I leaned in and brushed my lips across the shell of her ear. “Watching you sing, baby . . . You’d better be ready for me later.”

She shivered and met my gaze beneath the brim of her hat. “Don’t worry, Sheriff. I’ll be wound up for hours and hours after this.”

I grinned and dropped a kiss to a tender spot on her neck, letting my tongue dart out to taste her sweet and salty skin. I breathed in her cherry scent, cherries and feminine musk, then let my lips linger on her pulse.

Lucy gasped, leaning into my touch.

It took effort to pull away, but if I didn’t, there’d be no way I’d last through another round of songs. The bedroom was calling.

I grabbed one of her fries, eating it as she dove into her burger.

A throat cleared behind us and I turned, blinking in surprise at Melanie’s face. I hadn’t noticed her here tonight—not that I noticed any women with Lucy in the room. “Hey.”

“Hey. I just wanted to introduce myself.” Her eyes went to Lucy as she held out a hand. “I’m Melanie. Travis’s mom.”

“Oh, hi.” Lucy wiped her hand on her jeans before shaking Melanie’s. “I’m Jade. Nice to meet you.”

“You’re a wonderful singer,” Melanie said.

I held my breath, waiting to see how this played out. Melanie had a jealous streak and the last thing I wanted was for anything to wreck Lucy’s big night. But Mel simply smiled, her expression genuine.

Maybe she realized now just how special Lucy was to me.

“Thank you. It’s been a true joy getting to know Travis,” Lucy said.

“Thank you for tutoring him. He, um . . . he probably won’t say it, but he’s grateful. We both are.”

“It’s been my pleasure.”

“Well, I’ll let you get back to your dinner.” Melanie looked at me and something crossed her gaze. A flash of pain and regret. Before I could make sense of it, she lifted her hand and waved. “Bye, Duke.”

“See ya, Mel.”

Lucy faced forward but instead of picking up her burger, she leaned into my arm. “She still loves you.”

“No.” I put my arm around her shoulders. “Mel might love the idea of us together, but she never loved me.” Like I’d never loved her. The two of us would have been better off as friends.

“Why’d you break up again?” she asked.

“Honestly? Because I knew it wasn’t going anywhere. But there’d been a lot of pressure at the time, or maybe I’d just imagined the pressure. I felt like the town expected me to settle down. To have a wife and a family. And there was Travis. I realized one day that I was with her because of how we looked from the outside, not because of how I felt. And that wasn’t fair. To any of us.”

She hummed, settling deeper into my side. “Sometimes, it’s easier to satisfy other people’s expectations than your own.”

Lucy gave me one of those warm smiles that melted me into a puddle. I’d never met a person as empathetic. Maybe that was why people went crazy over her music. Her lyrics were more than just entertaining. They resonated.

“That’s not why I’m with you,” I said. “I stopped giving a fuck if the town thinks I should be married with two point five kids. You know that, right?”

“Then why are you with me, Sheriff?” She held her breath, the world around us disappearing as those green eyes searched mine.

“Because when you’re in the room, I can’t seem to focus on another person. Because you consume my thoughts, day and night. Because your smile makes my whole damn day.” I bent low, speaking so only she could hear me. “Because I don’t care if your name is Jade Morgan or Lucy Ross as long as at the end of the day, you’re mine.”

A smile tugged at her lips. “We have a lot to talk about.”

“We do.” There were things I wanted to say and for the life of me, I wasn’t sure why I’d been waiting. My feelings for her wouldn’t change. “How many more sets are you gonna sing?”

“Two.” She leaned in and took my earlobe between her teeth. “Then you can help me burn off some energy.”

I took her hand and brought it to my lap, dragging her palm over my rock-hard cock. “Two sets, then you’re mine.”

Her breath hitched. “Or maybe just one.”