Page 30 of Scarred Souls

“I’m not finished.” Sage held one finger up. “What I was going to say is that beneath all that bossiness and snark, he’s one of the good ones. I’ve known Vaughn for years, and when we were putting the team together, he was the first to sign up. And if that isn’t convincing enough, just know that the man standing next to you has saved the lives of countless women who were living their worst nightmare. In my book, that makes him a hero.”

Hope gave a small nod. Would Sage’s words be enough for her to trust me?

I took the phone back and smirked into the camera. “A hero, huh?”

“Shut up,” Sage snapped. “You know you are. Don’t make me regret saying it out loud.”

“I’m going to remind you every chance I get. Might even buy a cape.”

“With any luck, it’ll get caught around your neck and strangle you,” she said with mock sweetness.

I laughed and then realized Hope and Daphne were watching with matching confused expressions. “I’d better go. Make sure you give Esme those special pellets I bought. And extra lettuce in the afternoon.”

“I will. Brandon’s kind of busy around the ranch today, so if you need anything else, call me. And give Hope my number. Tell her to call if she needs any pro tips on how to piss you off.”

“Yeah, I don’t think she needs any help with that. Later.” I hung up, slotted the phone in my pocket, and turned to Hope. “Now do you believe me?”

“Maybe,” she said hesitantly. “Enough that I’m willing to hear you out at least.” She glanced over her shoulder toward the yard when one of the strays howled. “I need a few minutes to finish taking care of the dogs. Dee, can you show Vaughn inside?”

“That depends.” Daphne propped one hand on her hip. “Can I have my shotgun back?”

I picked the weapon up and perched it on my shoulder. “I’ll look after it for now.”

“I don’t need it anyway.” The doc turned and limped up the three steps to the porch. “I’ve got plenty more in the house.”

I followed her. “I’m not even remotely shocked by that.”

“I also know how to kill someone in their sleep and make it look like an accident.”

“Noted.” I was starting to like her.

I paused at the top of the stairs to watch Hope walk around the side of the house with the black mastiff following.

“She won’t run, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Daphne opened the front door, and a half dozen mutts swarmed my ankles. “She always thought this day might come. Reckons this is her home now, and if her past catches up with her, she’ll face it. Stubborn girl refuses to let anyone get caught up in her mess and intends to go without a fight if her old man ever comes to claim her. Not that I’d let that happen, but it wouldn’t be the first time she’s sacrificed herself for the good of others. You’d do well to remember that when you start asking your questions.”

“You think she’ll answer them?”

“If it means taking down Carlos Espinoza and getting you out of here, then yeah, I’d say she’ll help however she can.”

Inside the house was organized chaos. Potted plants in every corner made the interior almost as lush as the tropical garden outside. There were shelves of dog-eared books against one wall, and in the middle of the living room were five large dog beds, which I assumed belonged to the pack of mixed breeds who wouldn’t stop sniffing me. From an old leather sofa, a milky-eyed golden retriever lifted its head to scent the air. The space smelled like hairy mutt and disinfectant, reminding me this house operated as a vet clinic.

I followed Daphne toward a small kitchen at the back of the house. Through a sliding glass door, I spotted Hope by the cages scooping dog food into a bunch of shiny bowls. The strays yipped excitedly, watching her prepare their breakfast.

Grass covered most of the large yard, and nearer to the beach was another small dwelling. Either a workshop or casita. Beyond all that was the shimmering blue Pacific Ocean.

“Coffee?” Daphne asked.

I turned and saw her reaching into an overhead cabinet. “Black.”

Her eyes traveled over my dark clothing, and she grunted. “Figures.”

The doc poured two cups and placed one on the breakfast bar for me. “Hope’s got a fiery temper, but she cools off fast. She’ll come inside soon. She’s just gonna need a hot minute to digest what you’ve sprung on her.”

“You calmed down quickly.” I propped the unloaded shotgun against the wall and sat on a barstool.

“I always thought if someone came for her, there’d be a lot more bullets fired.” She sipped her coffee and leaned against the counter. “I might have judged you hastily. Jury’s still out.”

I gestured toward the leg she’d been limping on heavily. “What happened to you?”

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