Page 18 of Xavier

My phone vibrates in my hand as Hudson messages back.

I’m gearing up. 10 minutes out.

His response brings a smile to my face. Even though it’s been years since we’ve worked together, he’s still willing to have my back.

Being new to this town has its disadvantages. For starters, I don’t know my way around. I don’t know which streets lead to certain parts of the island.

Second, I don’t know anyone, so I don’t know who to trust or who to go to with this information.

Hudson is the only one I know and trust, so I’ll have to go with his instincts and connections.

There’s always the mayor.

His family has been on the receiving end of the death threats.

Another text comes through.

Mayor is aware of the situation.

That’s one less thing I need to worry about. I can stay focused on the task at hand: gather intel and follow the suspects.

I send a quick reply.

10-4.

Glancing up, I no longer see the two men. My heart races. Did they leave the store or just move to another aisle?

Or worse, did they see me?

Leaving my bobbers behind, I speed walk along the back wall and glance down every aisle.

Shit. They left.

Gripping my phone tight, I race outside just in time to see the two men get into a beat up white jeep.

I call Hudson as I jump into my car. I need to give the men some time before following them.

As soon as Hudson answers, I say, “We’re on the move.”

Chapter Five

BRIANNA

A man grunts as the front door bangs open. The sound of glass shattering and hitting the floor echoes in the empty restaurant.

My heart tries to pound its way out of my ribcage as my breathing becomes ragged.

My gaze moves around the kitchen in a panic. There’s nowhere to hide.

I could hide in the office. It’s across the other side of the kitchen and might take a while for him to get to me.

I shake my head at my stupid thought. No, that is too predictable. Everyone would look in the office first.

My gaze moves to the prep station along the darkened wall. There are boxes of supplies stacked underneath. If I am quiet, I can hide in the corner and scoot a box in front of me.

It’s not the greatest hiding spot, but I don’t think anyone would look there first.

Maybe it will give me enough time to call the police.

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