Page 73 of Caught in the Crossfire

Todd frowned. “The guy who attacked me didn’t demand my wallet, watch, or cell phone. He just went after me with that hammer.”

“I doubt you’ll believe me,” Mason said to Gage, “but I don’t have ill will toward Todd or you. My prison time was justified. I apologized at the sentencing hearing, and I meant every word. I’m sorry for your loss and my role in taking the lives of your wife and daughter.”

“You’re still breathing. From where I’m standing, an apology isn’t good enough,” Todd snapped.

“No, it isn’t,” Mason agreed. “But an apology is all I have to offer. That and a promise that nothing alcoholic will ever touch my lips again. I’ve kept that promise for fifteen years. If I slip up, I guarantee my wife will have strong words to say about it.”

“You’re married?” Gage seemed surprised by that.

“Not yet. In two months.”

Todd cursed softly as he turned his gaze toward Nicole. “I warned you how dangerous he is.”

“You’re wrong.”

Gage frowned at Todd. “You warned her off?”

“What did you expect me to do? Leave her vulnerable to this drunk? Look what happened to Allison and Stacey. I’m not letting another family suffer like ours if I can prevent it.”

Linc’s eyebrow rose. “Hard to call a man a drunk when he doesn’t consume alcohol.”

“That you know about. What he does in private, who knows?”

Mason snorted. “The police keep close tabs on me and with the way the grapevine works in Otter Creek, law enforcement would know if I bought alcohol in this town. More important, I won’t disappoint Nicole by breaking my promise to her.”

Todd sneered. “Too bad you weren’t a teetotaler fifteen years ago.”

“You’re right. I made a stupid choice, one I’ll have to live with the rest of my life.”

“At least you have a life. Stacey and Allison don’t have one.” His voice broke. “They died on the side of the road. It should have been you.”

Nicole slid her hand into Mason’s, hurting for everyone involved, especially Mason who had fought to rebuild his life and overcome the stigma attached to his past. He’d made all the right moves and chosen the path of honor and dignity, and still people wouldn’t let him move forward.

“Enough, Todd.” Gage sent him a quelling glance before turning back to Mason. “Look, this isn’t getting us anywhere, and I’ve said all I intend to say to you. If you crossed the line into vengeance, you’ll pay. I’ll throw every bit of influence I have into making sure you never see the light of day again outside of prison.”

“A waste of time,” Todd muttered, his hate-filled glare locked onto Mason. “No two-bit hick cops will hold him accountable.”

Mason tightened his grip around Nicole’s hand. “One more thing, Gage. How did you know where to find me?”

Gage frowned. “Your father speaks highly of you and this town. We knew you would be here with Rio.”

“How did you find me when you arrived in town? I work at several different job sites around the county. How did you narrow your visit to Oakdale?”

“I received an email telling me where to find you.”

“Who sent it?” Linc asked.

“I don’t know. The sender didn’t identify himself.”

Mason and Linc glanced at each other, then Mason asked, “Would you forward the email to me? I have a friend who might be able to trace it to the sender.”

“You think it’s important?”

“I believe a murderer is using you to get to me. Worse, I’m afraid he’s setting up both of us.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“You expect us to believe that?” Todd’s voice, filled with derision, carried in the still night air. “You’re a liar and a con artist, Kincaid. And your woman? She deserves whatever she gets if she doesn’t dump you and run as far away from you as possible.” He looked at his brother. “Let’s get out of here. I need some clean air.”

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