“Hang on, doll.” He caught Rissy’s hand and hauled her along with them as they walked. “What are we doing? Talk to me.”

“I used to hide from Carver,” she blurted while they were still in the small hallway with relative privacy and a little less noise. “He would...get after me.” She shook her head, unwilling to spill her guts to Armie and Rissy. “I hid and that’s what he wants to know. Where I hid. It must be where Janet put the drugs or the money or both.”

Confusion kept Armie’s brows pulled together. “I’m not following, hon. Slow down and take a breath.”

She stepped out to the floor and realized Denver was still surrounded by a group of admirers. She couldn’t disturb him, not yet.

What to do?

She searched the room while trying to decide, and there at the bar she spotted Detective Riske and Detective Bareden. It looked as if they’d just come in together because they weren’t yet seated, were only chatting with Rowdy and his wife. They were casually dressed, clearly off the clock.

She didn’t know the men well but she’d met them through Cannon and Yvette. Lieutenant Peterson she did know, and hopefully the lieutenant would be joining them.

Cherry smiled at Rissy, patted Armie. “I’m going to talk to the detectives. No, Armie, I don’t need you with me. It’s...private. If you’ll just go back to the table, I’d appreciate it.”

Armie searched her face. “You’re okay?”

Thinking she might finally be able to rid herself of Carver, she nodded. “Yes, I think I am.” On impulse, she gave him a hug, then, because she felt so hopeful, she gave one to Rissy, also. “Don’t disturb Denver, but if he finishes up, tell him I’m with the detectives.”

Hoping to catch them before they got seated, she left Armie and charged up to the bar.

Carver’s threats were about to end.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

ACROSS THE ROOM, Cherry saw both Stack and Leese watching her, on alert. Since Armie stood guard nearby, neither of them bothered to intrude.

She had the most amazing friends. Yes, for a while there Carver’s intrusion had rattled the very foundation of her newfound life. But not anymore. She’d do whatever she had to do to protect her independence, her friends and her growing relationship with Denver.

Her smile trembled, but she hoped it would be reassuring as she made a beeline for the bar, stepping up right between the two big cops.

Brows lifted, they looked down at her.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but...” She clasped her hands together to hide her nervousness. “Will Lieutenant Peterson be joining you?” Please, please let her be part of their group.

Detective Bareden, a hulk of a guy, shook his head. “Margaret and Dash are taking a three-day weekend away.”

Well, damn. Cherry chewed her bottom lip.

The other cop, Detective Riske, said, “Something we can help you with?”

She stuck out her hand. “I’m Cherry Peyton.”

“We’ve met, right?” Bareden asked her.

“Yes, briefly.” She nodded at each of them. “Detective Riske and Detective Bareden. I’m surprised you remember, though.”

Riske leaned on the bar and crossed his arms over his chest. “Margaret mentioned you before she took off. Asked me to keep an eye out. Snakes and bugs in your car, right?”

She shuddered in memory. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Has something else happened?” Bareden asked.

“No. Yes.” She shook her head, a little hyper with the possibility of finally putting an end to Carver’s reign of terror. “I’m so sorry to interrupt your evening, Detectives, but could I speak with you privately for just a minute?”

Rowdy braced his forearms on the top of the bar. “Problem, Cherry?”

She fashioned a stupid, unconvincing smile. “I don’t think so. I just realized something...important.”

Rowdy’s stare took her apart, then he nodded and to the men said, “You can use my office.”

“All right.” Bareden took a sip of his drink, stood, and good Lord he was a big man. Even bigger than she’d remembered. “Call me Reese, by the way. I’m off-duty.”

Close behind her, the other detective, who wasn’t as big, which in no way made him small, said, “I’m Logan. We’re both friends of Cannon’s, and by extension, Denver.”

“Did you need us to fetch Denver for this conversation, Cherry?”

It nearly put a crick in her neck to look up at Reese and once she did, she forgot to stop looking.