Jed nodded to Neely, who put the bag on the table and slid it toward Gentry.

“Proof we’re serious.”

Mick opened the bag and pulled out a stack of money. He released a low whistle. “There must be fifty thousand in here.”

“One hundred,” Jed said, his voice firm.

Crappy doodles. That was more money than I’d ever seen at one time. Where had Jed gotten that much cash?

“You makin’ a deposit?” Mick asked, flipping through the bills.

“No,” I said, interrupting Jed. I was supposed to be the money person. “It’s a show of good faith. Jed is my associate, but I’m the money source. Just like you have a money source.”

Mick’s eyes narrowed. “I have my own damn money.”

I sat up tall. “Let’s get one thing straight, Mr. Gentry. I can cut through bullshit like a knife through butter. I consider you barely one step above Skeeter Malcolm right now. Jed claims you are a sound investment, but I’m skeptical. Like Mr. Malcolm, you’re hiding from the law. That makes you unstable and unreliable.”

He clenched his fist. “If that’s your opinion, why are you here?”

“Opinion?” I asked. “What properties do you own in Fenton County? Your strip club burned to the ground. What else do you have?”

“I have a distribution ring in Big Thief Hollow.”

“Which was busted by the sheriff weeks ago and hasn’t regained its footing since. Frankly, I think I’m backing the wrong horse.”

Mick scooted his chair back and banged his palm on the table with a loud thud. I was proud of myself for not flinching. “Your man here said you wanted to discuss a partnership. All I hear is you insulting me.”

My hands were in my lap under the table, but I lifted the hem of my dress slightly, my trembling right hand just below the band on my leg. “Mr. Gentry,” I said with forced patience, “you are not your own man. You have been bought and paid for. I would love to continue my presence in Fenton County, but you’re not even there. We’re currently in Columbia County. I want to either meet your backer and hear his long-term goals, or I’ll find a surer bet for my investment.” I shot him a dismissive sneer as my fingers grabbed the handle of my gun. “I don’t deal with middlemen.”

Mick’s face reddened and he released a loud growl as he stood, flinging his chair behind him. He turned his attention to me, looking about ready to lunge across the less than three-foot-wide table to throttle me.

Jed tensed, but I had already pulled out my gun.

“Go ahead, Mr. Gentry,” I said, pointing the weapon at Mick’s forehead. “Make another brash move, and I’ll eliminate the middleman all together.”

Bull made a move for his weapon, but Jed already had a gun trained on him.

Mick cursed a blue streak, teaching me a few phrases I’d never heard, but I just stared at him with feigned patience, trying to hide my fear and keep the gun steady. My heart was pounding so hard and fast in my chest, I struggled to catch my breath.

Mick’s eyes narrowed. “I’m going to kill you. I’ll wrap my hands around your neck and squeeze the life out of you.”

My heart skipped a beat, but it was galloping so fast I barely noticed. “I’m sure your benefactor doesn’t want that. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here talking with me now. Am I right?”

He didn’t say anything.

“Sit down, Mr. Gentry.”

If looks could kill, I would’ve splattered around the room in a million small pieces. But Mick retrieved his chair and sat, looking like he was about to have a stroke.

“Are you ready to have a civilized discussion?” When he didn’t respond, I continued. “Here’s what is going to happen. You are going to call your benefactor and tell him that I’m giving him forty-eight hours to contact me to set up a meeting. If I don’t hear from him within that time, I’ll set up my own operation in Fenton County. Mr. Malcolm’s run off, and Jed’s pledged his loyalty to me, so I’ll have him take over.” I pushed out a breath. “But frankly, I like to have equal partners, not just underlings. So tell your benefactor that I have a plan for Fenton County that will increase his investment tenfold within a few short years. But I need to meet him face to face, and he’ll need to tell me his own plans for the county.”

“He’s never gonna meet with you,” Mick spat out.

“I think he will,” I said with more confidence than I felt. “Forty-eight hours.” I stood, still pointing my gun at him. “Jed will send you my number. You will call or text me. I am in charge now.”

If I’d just pissed off Jed, he hid it well.

“Now slide that money back over, please,” I added sweetly. “That isn’t for you.”

Gentry gave the bag of money a forceful shove. Neely Kate zipped it closed and slung it over her shoulder.

“And be sure to tell your benefactor that I refuse to meet in backwoods hovels. I’ll name the place, and it will be civilized.” I lifted my chin. “We’re leaving now, and if you try to touch one hair on any of our heads, you will regret it until your dying day, which will be much, much sooner than you’d like.”

Neely Kate headed for the door first, and I backed up until I reached the doorway. Jed was close behind, still facing the two men, his gun trained on them until he left the room. Then he gave his attention to the door.