Page 68 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Not a friend, either?”

“Not even close. He’d be happy to see me buried six feet underground. He’s the husband of the woman I killed in the accident.”

Dean whistled. “Why is he in Otter Creek?”

“That’s the million-dollar question. I don’t have an answer at the moment, but I will soon.”

“Watch your step, Mase.”

He held up a hand. “I know. I get it. I’ll take precautions, but I’m finished taking whatever the Fitzgeralds dish out.”

“If you need help from the police, you can trust Stella Armstrong.”

That made Mason pause in the act of opening the first box. “You sound like you know her well.”

“We go back. She bailed me out of a jamb. I would trust her with my life and Leah’s.”

There was a story here, but he knew from past questions that Dean would veer away from divulging details. People had a right to privacy, except for him apparently. His life was an open discussion forum on the grapevine around town. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The two men worked quickly to replace the knobs and locks throughout the apartment building. When they finished, they returned to the first unit and worked through the list of repairs and jobs to complete.

They found unexpected damage in the first two units that slowed them down. By the time they broke for lunch, he and Dean still had eight units to complete work in.

Sitting beneath the closest tree, he slid his phone from his pocket and called Nicole. “I’m going to be late again. I’m sorry, sweetheart. The inspector is coming tomorrow. Everything has to be perfect.”

“I understand. You’ve rearranged your plans often enough to accommodate my crazy schedule. It’s my turn to return the favor.”

“I’ll make it up to you.”

“Hmm. Sounds promising. I’m looking forward to it.”

The laughter in her voice made him smile. “No problems at the salon?”

“Not unless you count another dog who roamed too close to a skunk.”

He groaned. “Oh, man. That’s a smelly job.”

“Oh, trust me. I know. Our whole shop smells like skunk at the moment. Everyone who walks in gets this funny look on their face.”

“I can imagine.”

“Delaney’s for dinner again?”

“Tennessee Steakhouse stays open late. What about a double date there with Linc and Dawn?”

“I like it. I’ll talk to them when Linc arrives although I won’t classify this as a double date. I don’t want to scare them away from each other if they haven’t figured out where their friendship is headed. I’ll text you and let you know what the verdict is about the steakhouse. I love you, Mason.”

“Love you, too, baby.” More than she could possibly know.

“Nicole and Dawn are okay?” Dean asked when Mason ended the call.

He took a bite of his wrap and swallowed before he replied. “They’re fine. Matt Rainer is keeping an eye on them until Linc takes over this afternoon.”

“Why would Riva’s killer come to the shop? It’s broad daylight.”

“Didn’t stop him from attacking Riva.”

Dean scowled. “True. I’m worried about Leah. That’s A Wrap is close to Pet Palace.”

---