Drake Sisters 04 - Dangerous Tides

him."

    "That's bullshit. Is he threatening you?" Tyson stood up so fast the chair hit the floor with a loud thud.
    "Damn it, it is my problem if he's really threatening you. I introduced you to him. Just pay him the money and get it over with."

    "He won't take the money now, Ty. Let it go. I didn't want you to know because it's my problem and you're a hothead when it comes to things like this. You know me. I always say I'm going to quit playing Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    cards, but then I think one more game. I'll take care of it the way I always do."

    "What do you mean he won't take the money?"

    Sam shook his head. "He told me this morning that he'll wipe out the debt if you'll arrange for him to talk with Libby Drake. If not, he can't guarantee my safety."

    "He said that?" Fury swept through Tyson. At last, someone to focus his anger on. "He actually threatened you?" Tyson began to pace back and forth, unable to contain the energy and adrenaline flooding his body. His fingers curled into two tight fists.

    "Not in so many words. He's too clever for that. I don't want you approaching Libby about it. I'm the one dumb enough to get myself into a tight place and I can find a way out of it."

    "I'm calling the son of a bitch, Sam. We were friends."

    Even as he said it, Tyson wondered how true it was. Yes, they'd grown up together, but even as a child, Ty had been detached from others around him. Ed had enjoyed their outdoor trips, but they didn't move in the same social circles. Hell, Ty didn't have a social circle. "Leave it to me. I'll take care of it."

    "No! Stay away from him. You already came close to dying." Sam paled considerably. "You don't think he could have had anything to do with your harness failing, do you?" He covered his face briefly. "Maybe you're already in danger because of me."

    "I doubt he could have gotten to the harnesses, Sam."

    "Well, if he did, no one's likely to ever know it, now that the evidence has disappeared. I still can't believe it disappeared right out of Jonas's car in front of everyone."

    Tyson shook his head. "No one's seen it. Most likely a kid in the crowd took it out of the Jeep before the police had the area roped off. Everyone was so curious and a kid would be tempted to take a Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    souvenir, at least Jackson said so when I called him to ask about it. Jonas is still in ICU and I doubt if anyone's been able to question him yet."

    "So much for the Drake sisters and their miracles," Sam said. "You dodged a bullet on that one."

    Tyson turned back to his work, hiding his expression. "You know, Sam, it seems a little strange that someone would attack the sheriff without a reason. I think someone wanted that harness." Ty voiced the conclusion his mind just wouldn't let goof.

    "I doubt his attackers knew he was a sheriff. He wasn't in uniform and he wasn't in a marked car. There were a lot of people around. It was dark, but you'd think someone would have noticed." Sam shrugged.
    "If Edward Martinelli's people had anything to do with it, they could probably pull it off though. They're pros."

    "Jackson said the area was roped off as soon as possible and the forensic people went over everything so maybe they'll turn up fingerprints, or whatever they do. I just don't see how anyone could have gotten near the Jeep without someone noticing."

    "When did you talk to Jackson?" Sam asked.

    "I wanted to know what happened to the harness. Brannigan called twice about it as well as talking to you and I thought we needed to make certain we followed up so I called this morning."

    "Well, it's scary that it disappeared like that," Sam said. "We're all using those harnesses and if one was defective, we're all in danger. Everyone's nervous about it. The CDF has been testing the harnesses and so is the manufacturer. So far, no one's found any problems. I don't know, Ty, whoever has to be the next dope on a rope isn't going to be happy and I can't really blame them."

    "It had better not be you," Tyson said, meaning it. "I can't afford to lose you, Sam. You're the only family I have."

    There was an awkward silence. Sam flashed a sudden grin. "You mean I'm the only one who'll put up with you." The smile slowly faded. "Seriously, Ty, don't contact Martinelli. I'm not up to planning another Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter,