“Sure,” Nina said but sounded like she’d rather take a job flipping burgers. “I’ll call you once we have her.”

“Nina, now is the time to tell me you’re unhappy,” she said and Nina just stared at her. “I’d never let anyone just walk away, but I’m sure there’s got to be some other job you might like better than this one.”

Nina’s jaw clenched. “If there’s something you’re not happy about with me, I’ll be happy to move. Remember that, no matter what, I’m loyal to you.”

“We’ll see.” It was a shitty thing to say, but she wasn’t in the mood to placate anyone.

✥ ✥ ✥

“Are you sure you don’t want to press charges?” the deputy asked Muriel as she stood close to the only two cells the small jail had.

The four federal agents stared at her as they held the bars. It was all she could do not to laugh.

“I think Cain wanted to press charges.”

Muriel shook her head. “She’s had time to cool off after these people tried to ruin her vacation. It’s okay to release them with a warning not to do it again,” she said, looking right at Shelby. “Just a reminder, people, the guard dogs aren’t going away, and the signs on the property have been doubled when it comes to warnings about trespassing.”

“You’re going to pay for this,” the new blond agent said.

“For what, exactly? You didn’t have a warrant, you’ve been warned before, and you chose to ignore all that. If you try that again, I’m going to let you rot in here while I appear before a federal judge.” There was nothing worse than a sore loser. “Make sure your friends bring you up to date on all things Casey before you go around making threats. The first agent that led a team out here ended up shooting my cousin on the order of a known criminal. That’s not something we’ll take lying down again.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Not at all. It’s merely a promise that we’ll do whatever it takes to completely destroy you, within the parameters of the law, no matter how much it costs or how long it takes. Believe me, I’m that good, and my team is exceptional.”

“Muriel, may I speak with you?” Shelby asked. “Privately.”

“Deputy, if you don’t mind.” The young man unlocked the cell holding Shelby and the other woman but only let Shelby out, even though there weren’t going to be any charges. “What can I do for you?” she asked as she led the way to a private room.

Shelby closed the door to the small interrogation room. “The dogs are a little much. Do you really think you can keep us off the property?”