Rocky Mountain Rescue, Elle James [rooftoppers .TXT] 📗

Mr. Curry shook her hand, his eyes narrowing. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Ramirez.”

His face wasn’t familiar, but something about his voice…

That was the trouble with losing her memory. She tried to read too much into everything. Every prior military man was a suspect. She just didn’t know which one was the actual bastard who’d attempted to murder her.

The politician and his aide turned to the three men. Gunny introduced them. “These guys are with a start-up that just leased my basement. You might be able to use their services. They’re the Brotherhood Protectors Colorado Division. From what I understand, they’ll provide security services. But here, talk to Jake. He’s the one in charge, and he’ll be better able to explain what exactly they can do for you.”

JoJo hung around for a few seconds more, hoping to be able to hear more of the aide’s voice, but Stover was doing all the talking, and they listened as Jake talked about the Brotherhood Protectors and what their role was and how they could help politicians and others with their security needs by providing bodyguards or security personnel.

As the men talked, JoJo studied the politician and his aide. She didn’t know any other politicians, but this one’s military background was apparent. He stood straight with his shoulders back and his head held high, as did his aide. She wondered if he was also prior service and, if so, what branch of the military?

After a few minutes she excused herself. “I think I’ll go help RJ clean up the bar and get it ready for tonight’s crowd.” She turned to Gunny. “Everything’s ready as far as machinery goes. All the ATVs are running, and I can hook up the trailer to the tractor tomorrow morning for the hayride.”

He nodded. “Thank you, JoJo.”

JoJo escaped with a creepy feeling crawling over her skin. Nothing about the new Brotherhood Protector triggered any weird feeling, but the politician and his aide…

JoJo’s stomach clenched. Something about them didn’t ring true. But was it because they were politicians, and JoJo had a natural distrust of anyone who was a politician? They tended to be so focused on getting elected, they never seemed to show their true selves. At least, that’s how she saw it. Most of them seemed to go around kissing babies when they really didn’t like children at all.

No matter how she felt about Stover and his aide, she had to keep a game face on through the weekend while helping Gunny and RJ make this event a success. If Stover got elected, he’d have connections, and he could recommend the Lost Valley Ranch to his friends. That would bring in more business for RJ and Gunny. JoJo would keep her opinions and her weird feelings to herself.

She entered the Watering Hole through the back door and found RJ in the kitchen scrubbing the stove after what appeared to have been a busy lunch.

“Need some help?” JoJo asked.

RJ looked up, sweat pebbling her brow. “You bet I do. Grab a scrub pad and help me with the pans in the sink. The weekend guests ended up arriving right at the end of the lunch rush. I told Gunny go on, I’d take care of the cleanup. Did you get to meet them?”

JoJo nodded. “I did.”

“What did you think?” RJ asked.

“I think we’ll have a busy weekend,” she said.

RJ shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. Is he the kind of guy you would vote for?”

Her stomach clenched again. “I don’t know anything about him, what he stands for or what his platform is.”

RJ nodded. “I guess we might figure that out over this weekend.”

JoJo pulled up her sleeves, tied an apron on over her clothes and went to work scrubbing the pans in the sink.

“Emily called and asked how she could help this weekend,” RJ said.

JoJo’s brow furrowed

“I’m looking forward to seeing her,” RJ smiled. “It’s been a while since she’s been out to the ranch. You know she lived here while you were on active duty, right?”

JoJo nodded. “Gunny had said something to that effect.”

“Are you two doing all right together?” RJ asked. “Not that your interaction with Emily is any of my business.”

JoJo nodded. “We are getting along fine.”

“I don’t know what kind of therapist she is, but she’s a good friend. She really cares about people, and she’s a good listener.” RJ chuckled. “I guess that’s a good thing since she’s in the business she’s in.”

JoJo nodded.

“The offer is still open.” RJ glanced over at JoJo. “Anytime you need a friend to talk to, I’m here for you.”

JoJo glanced up from the pan she was scrubbing and smiled. “I know that, and I value your friendship.”

“I know deep down you’re hurting about something,” RJ rushed on. “I wish I could help you with it.”

JoJo tensed. “I know that too. And you know I’d do anything for you and Gunny. You’re mi familia.”

RJ grinned. “I’d give you a big hug right now, but I’m up to my elbows in grease.”

JoJo laughed. “Well, thank you. I’d appreciate you not hugging me right now. These clothes have to last the rest of the evening.”

“Fine, I’ll save it for later,” RJ said. “I have a room set aside for you to stay in tonight. And when Emily gets here, I’ve got a place I can put her up as well. She’s going to stay the weekend. If Stover’s campaign team is all male, it might get man-heavy. Might be nice to have a few other women around.”

“Agreed,” JoJo rinsed the pan she’d scrubbed, dried it and put it away. She started on the next one.

RJ sprayed the grill with water and scrubbed some more. “Look, JoJo, I know something happened to you on your last deployment. Something that put you in the hospital. It really would help if I knew what it was so that I can help you to recover from it. I mean, were you injured? Were you taken