Matt (Big Sky Lawmen Book 1) Read online

  Matt

  Big Sky Lawmen

  Vanessa Devereaux

  Copyright © 2017 Vanessa Devereaux

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, or events, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Published by Coldstream Publishing

  After Dark Imprint

  This is an erotic romance and therefore intended for a mature audience.

  All characters depicted in sexual acts in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Looks like we might get some spring snow blowing into Glacier Valley later today so stay turned to Big Sky Radio for further updates.

  Matt turned off the radio, switched off the ignition in his truck but didn’t budge. Instead, he started drumming his hands on the steering wheel. After the winter they’d had, snow was the last thing they needed. It seemed that and big city crime had recently both blown into his county. He glanced to his left and saw the shiny black car parked across the way.

  He knew who owned each of the cars in the parking lot and this was the odd one out. That told him it had been driven here by the FBI agent who’d called and asked to meet with him to discuss the escalating crime in the area.

  Glancing at his watch, Matt guessed if he didn’t move his butt from the truck’s seat in the next two minutes, he would be late. Obviously the FBI was punctual whereas things around here were more laid back and that’s just the way Matt liked it.

  Why big time crime had to come this way along with the FBI, he didn’t know. One minute to go and Matt still couldn’t find an ounce of motivation to make him drag his ass from his nice warm truck.

  Hell’s bells, let’s just get this over and done with.

  Matt slipped out of the vehicle and put on his cowboy hat and marched into his office before his motivation slipped again.

  Inside was toasty warm, and Penny, the receptionist, looked up at him. He winked her at. Lucky she was old enough not to interpret that as sexual harassment.

  “Morning sheriff,” she said. “Your 9 a.m. appointment is here.” She glanced to the left obviously to let him know she’d put the agent in the conference room. Knowing Penny, he was probably already enjoying coffee and cinnamon rolls that she brought in every day. Always helped to have the wife of a baker work in your sheriff’s office.

  “I’ll go straight in and see him,” Matt said, tipping his hat.

  “And Barney Burnett called to say his tractor was stolen last night and could you go speak with him?”

  “I sure will as soon as I get done with Mr. Agent Man.”

  Matt walked toward the conference room and saw the guy, probably not much older than himself, sitting with a coffee mug in front of him along with a half-eaten cinnamon bun on a paper plate.

  He looked up as soon as Matt opened the door.

  “Agent Lewis,” Matt said.

  He turned around to look at Matt and that’s when he noticed specks of cinnamon spotting the agent’s suit lapel and shirt collar. Those buns were flaky and the cinnamon was a bitch to get out once it got onto your clothing. Matt hoped he had a spouse who was great with laundry.

  “Sheriff Hennessey. So glad to meet you in person.”

  He must have noticed the cinnamon marring his pristine white shirt but before Matt could warn him that brushing it away made things worse, he now had brown streaks all over it.

  “Shall we get down to business,” said Agent Lewis.

  Matt noted that he was acting like it was his conference room and not Matt’s. Guess these guys liked to pull rank wherever they were. Matt took off his hat, hung it on the rack, and then pulled out a chair and sat.

  “I’m sure you’re aware of the recent upswing in criminal activity in the state,” Agent Lewis began.

  “I sure am, but I’m hoping you can help me do something about it.”

  It had started in other parts of Montana, and a few months ago Matt had noticed more reports of money laundering and drug dealing turning up in Glacier Valley. It was the only reason he had opted to meet with Mr. Agent Man today.

  “We know that a lot of it is connected to this man. He’s name’s Mark Vincent.”

  Agent Lewis slid a photo of a man who looked to be in his late forties, across the table to him. Matt picked it up and studied it some more. Judging by the angle of the shot, Matt would guess they’d had him under surveillance. Yep, quite the pretty boy with his perfectly coifed hair that probably cost more to maintain than Matt’s truck. Guys like him were becoming all too common place in Big Sky Country. Pretty soon they’d be outnumbering the cowboys, and Matt wanted to put a stop to it. This was a peaceful family orientated community and surrounding area filled with ranches just like the one he’d grown up on, and he wanted to keep it that way.

  “We know that one of his businesses is an escort service he’s been running out of Missoula for a few months. And that’s where you come in.”

  Matt looked at Agent Lewis.

  “You’ve been undercover before, right?” asked Agent Lewis

  Matt hated to admit it but up to now that wasn’t enough crime or serious enough crime to ever warrant him going undercover. In fact, the only undercover work he enjoyed was in bed with a cuddly female by his side.

  “I can’t say that I have,” Matt said, sliding the photo back.

  “That’s no problem because this one should be an easy introduction. I’d like you to pose as a client and see what you can find out from the woman you’re paired with.”

  Matt lifted his hand. Here was him thinking they were going to take care of things with just his assistance, but it looked like it was going to be the other way around. “Haven’t you got an agent to do this? I mean someone that knows what they’re doing.”

  “I can’t spare anyone right now because we’re juggling several cases. Don’t worry Matt you’ll do just fine. It’s not dangerous. In fact, just be yourself and you’ll ace it.”

  “So let me get this straight, I’m going to pose as a client and meet up with a hooker?”

  “Sort of but I can assure you these ladies aren’t just hired to sleep with the clients. You’ll pretend you just want to talk and you’ll steer the conversation onto her job, if she likes it, likes her boss. You’ll be surprised what some of these girls will tell you.”

  Matt leaned back in his chair.

  “You’re not married right?” asked the agent.

  Matt shook his head. Something his mother nagged him about every Sunday night when he went to his parents’ house for dinner.

  “Girlfriend?” asked the agent.

  Nope another thing that his mother didn’t like especially after he wouldn’t go on a second date with the woman she’d set him up with. Call him picky, call him what you
wanted, but he’d know the right woman when she came into his life. If she ever came into his life.

  “Great so there’s no one you’ll have to explain things to when you get all dressed up and ready for a night on the town.” Agent Lewis slid a card across the table to Matt. “That’s the contact number for Vincent’s escort service. All expenses will be paid by us. You just sign up with a girl and get as much information out of her as you can.”

  “You’re not going to arrest her for soliciting?” Matt asked

  “She’ll be more valuable to us thinking you’re a proper client.”

  Matt took the card and looked at it.

  “Don’t worry it will be a piece of cake.”

  Matt hoped so, he really hoped so.

  Chapter Two

  “Emily Garwood? It can’t be—is it?”

  Less than a minute ago, Emily had accidently stepped back on someone’s foot while she’d been standing in the line at Faraday’s coffee shop in Glacier Valley. She’d turned around, and directly behind her stood a girl who looked like an old school friend. She hadn’t seen her since Emily’s dad had gotten transferred to a law practice on the East Coast and they’d moved away from Montana.

  “Mia Rogers?” she said. Emily hoped it actually was Mia because she didn’t want to seem a complete idiot if she’d confused her with someone else. However, Mia had been exotic looking even when she was young, and this girl had the same dark hair, amber eyes and olive skin.

  “Yes, and it’s Mia Stevens these days. Are you still a Garwood?”

  Emily nodded and then they threw their arms around one another and hugged. Emily stepped back and checked out Mia. She looked so sophisticated now. She’d highlighted her hair with what looked like henna; her make-up seemed to have been professionally applied, and the silver and blue necklace and matching earrings she was wearing looked nothing like the costume jewelry Emily favored.

  “Do you have some time to spare? I mean to sit and drink your coffee while we catch up on old times?” Mia asked.

  Emily looked at her watch. She needed to drive to Missoula in less than an hour because she had to register at the university. However, who didn’t have time for an old friend, and Mia had always had plenty of great tales to share. It made her think how stupid she’d been to lose contact with her and a host of her other buddies. Maybe now she was back in Montana she’d look them up. “Sure, why not?” Emily said.

  They collected their drinks and walked to the back of the store and found an available couch.

  “So you back for a visit or what?” asked Mia.

  Mia had always had been the type to make herself at home anywhere, even when she was a little kid. Emily guessed she’d had to because her parents had parted company when she was young. Both had remarried, and by the time she and Emily were teenagers, Mia spent more time at Emily’s house than her own. Even now in the coffee shop she’d kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet and legs under her body just like Emily remembered.

  “Moved back here last month. I’m starting classes at the university next week,” Emily said.

  “I’m guessing you’ve already got a bachelor’s degree so what is it now your Masters?”

  Emily swallowed some coffee and shook her head. “Nope, following in my father’s footsteps and going to law school. I was teaching, but I got in a road accident and had a load of medical bills to pay, so I figured with the cost of living going up daily that I need a career with better wages.”

  “Well, good for you,” she said, patting Emily on the arm. “You always were a bookworm.”

  “So how about you? You obviously got married,” Emily said.

  “I did, but now I’m divorced, yeah, just like my parents, but I decided to keep his last name.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I mean about the divorce, not about the name. Any kids?”

  “Nope. Never got around to that.”

  “So you working or what?” asked Emily.

  “Yeah, this girl has to keep employed. Got myself a lousy divorce lawyer. I didn’t get as much alimony as I later found out I could have asked for.”

  “Yeah, it happens.” Emily looked at her watch. “I’ve only got about ten more minutes, and then I have to head over to campus to see about either financial aid or even a loan, which I hate to be saddled with after I get my law degree.”

  “I would imagine law school is pricey.”

  “That’s an understatement. I’ll probably have to get a couple of jobs just to pay for my books. And then there’s the rent for my apartment. Montana seems a lot more expensive than I ever remember.”

  “It’s because of the rich and famous pouring into the state and pushing the prices up.” She put her hand on Emily’s forearm. “However, that’s great for my line of work.”

  “Really, where do you work?

  “All over this area.”

  “So you’re a salesperson?” Emily asked.

  “Well sort of.”

  Mia edged in closer to Emily, leaned her way and whispered. “I’m in the orgasm business.”

  “You sell vibrators?” asked Emily, not being able to think of anything else that might fit into that category.

  Mia laughed. “No, I service men.”

  Had she heard right? Her former buddy had always been adventurous and willing to take a risk. Complete opposite of Emily and the reason why they’d gotten on so well. She’d done a ton of things Emily wouldn’t do even in her wildest dreams, so she’d always lived vicariously through Mia.

  “You’re a hooker?” Emily was dying to know, and the question spilled out of her mouth before she remembered they were in a very public place.

  A man reading a newspaper in the armchair next to them turned to look at Emily. She smiled, knowing next time she asked a question like that, she’d lower her voice.

  Mia shook her head. “Well, I do get paid for having sex with men, but it’s much classier than that.”

  Emily hoped Mia hadn’t seen the shock on her face. Probably her jaw dropping had given her away. She wasn’t surprised, though. Mia had always attracted a ton of boys even when they were in elementary school. She’d also lost her virginity when she’d turned fifteen and had taught Emily more about sex than her own mother.

  “Don’t you worry about getting arrested or something bad happening to you?”

  Mia shook her head. “I have a wonderful boss who takes care of everything. He runs it like a legit business. Plus, it pays better than any other job I’ve ever had.”

  Emily looked at her watch. If she didn’t get moving, she’d never make it to Missoula in time. “I really should be going, but I’d love to catch up some more and soon. Let’s not lose contact again. How about we meet for lunch one of these days?”

  “I’d love that. Here’s my card. Give me a call, and let’s set something up.”

  Chapter Three

  “I’m going undercover next week,” Matt said, right before he passed the mashed potatoes to his father.

  “Nothing dangerous I hope,” said his mother. She brought the meatloaf over to the table and placed it by his father before sitting down.

  “Nope, perfectly safe,” Matt said. He’d made the appointment and been told the girl’s name was Mia. He’d never met anyone with that name before. Sounded very sexy which made him wonder if it was her real one or an alias for the job.

  “I’d much rather you quit being the sheriff and worked with your father.”

  “Maybe one day,” Matt said. While he did love the ranching life, since he’d been five, he’d always dreamed of being a sheriff. The people of the county relied on him and his team to keep them safe and that’s what he was going to do even if it meant he now had to do undercover work.

  He took the platter with the meatloaf and helped himself to two big slices just as the back door opened up and in walked his sister.

  “Hi there sweetie. How’s my grandbaby?” asked his mom.

  Matt smiled as his mother rubbed Jennifer’s belly befor
e giving her a kiss.

  At least his sister’s pregnancy had finally taken the pressure off Matt for not getting married and producing grandchildren.

  “Come and sit yourself down. I know you said you were craving meatloaf so that’s just what we’re having.”

  “You are a lifesaver.” Jennifer kissed her father on the cheek and then squeezed Matt’s shoulder before sliding in next to him.

  “Not long now,” his dad said. “I have the crib ready so whenever you what me to drop it off let me know.”

  “Sometime this week would be great. I have a feeling this little one’s going to put in an early appearance,” Jennifer said.

  “You hear that Matt, you better be ready,” his mother said.

  Matt’s brother-in-law was currently deployed so he’d somehow gotten himself roped into being the Lamaze coach and birthing partner.

  “You nervous big brother?” Jennifer asked him.

  “You’re the one who should be nervous,” Matt said. He took another scoop of mashed potatoes knowing his sister was probably thinking about going to town on them.

  “Don’t scare your sister,” his mother said. “It will be a piece of cake. Both of you slid out in two easy pushes.”

  “Marie, honey do you have to say that at the supper table?” his dad asked.

  Matt grinned.

  “The thing that scares me the most is farting. My friend said that’s all she did when she pushed down,” Jennifer said.

  “Oh for God’s sake,” his father said. “This isn’t the topic to talk about over food.”

  Matt burst out laughing.

  “Okay, let’s change the subject,” his mom said. “Matt’s going undercover.”

  “Really?” asked Jennifer, diving into her second serving of meatloaf. “Anything exciting?”

  “Nope, just posing as a client.”

  “What sort of client?” Jennifer asked.

  His mother and father looked at him when he didn’t answer.

  “Escort service, Matt mumbled, hoping no one had heard.

  “Did you say escort service?” his mother asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Hookers?” asked Jennifer.