Naomi met Peter’s gaze straight on. “Get out, and don’t come near me again.”
“The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.” Peter was quoting Scripture again. He opened his mouth to continue, but was cut off.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves!” Bear’s booming voice filled the pub. He towered over Peter, glaring down at him. “By their fruits you will know them!”
Peter took a step backward, fear on his face.
Up on stage, the band stopped playing.
And then Rain was there. “What’s going on? Who are you people?”
Peter and Ruth looked at her, saw her dreadlocks and tattoos, the expressions on their faces turning to contempt.
“This is a den of harlots, a home for the servants of evil,” Ruth said.
Naomi laughed. “There is more true Christian kindness among these people than you’ve ever shown anyone.”
Ruth drew her hand back to strike.
Chaska caught it, held it, his voice laced with menace. “Don’t you dare, bitch.”
Ruth looked up at Chaska, eyes wide with shock.
“Get your hand off my wife, or I’ll—”
“You want to take me on, preacher man?” Chaska held fast to Ruth’s wrist for a moment, then gave her a little shove and released her, moving to stand between her and Naomi. “I’m game. Go ahead and hit me—or have you never hit anyone who wasn’t a woman or a little child? You’re a stinking hypocrite.”
Team members had gathered around them now, Eric and Austin pushing their way to the front.
“Need some help, Belcourt?” Austin asked.
“Hey, Joe,” Eric called. “Looks like it’s time to take out the trash.”
Joe came up beside them. “I don’t know who you are, but this is my house, and these are my guests. Get off my property before I have you arrested—and before these men kick your ass.”
“One last chance, Tabitha,” Peter said.
“That’s enough.” Chaska grabbed Peter by the collar, dragged him toward the door, which Moretti opened for him. “Don’t come near my woman again.”
He shoved Peter out the door.
Ruth ran after her husband, the doors shutting behind her.
“Rico, make sure they leave the property,” Joe said to a big man who wore a hairnet on his beard. “I don’t want them hanging around out there.”
Naomi turned to Rain and Joe. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know—”
Rain hugged her. “It’s not your fault, sweetie. Some people are just nuts.”
Joe rested a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” She was fine—if she ignored the shaky feeling inside.
“I hope you’ll stay and enjoy the rest of the evening with us.” Then Joe turned toward his patrons. “Sorry for the interruption, folks. It’s over. Enjoy the evening.”
The band started playing again.
And then Chaska was there, drawing Naomi into his arms. “They’re gone. I watched them climb into their car and drive away.”