Page 25 of Stryker

The blond-haired man stepped forwardand reached out his hand. John hesitated for a moment buteventually shook the man’s hand.

“What brings you toMarshall, Detective Woodley?” Stryker asked.

“I wanted to see howsecure John was staying here,” the detective answered while lookingaround the shop.

“And have we passedwhatever inspection you want to call this?” Jason askedcurtly.

“With flying colors. Now Iunderstand what you meant by saying you were safer remaining herethan returning to Hood River.”

“I don’t want to be adick, but with or without your blessing, I’m not coming back toHood River,” John said, wanting to make it clear.

“I understand,” DetectiveWoodley said. “But I wanted to offer my assistance. The team backin Hood River continue to follow up on leads in the case, but Ifeel I could serve better on the ground here.”

“Because you believe thatwhoever killed my parents is coming for me even after all thistime?” John asked.

“Yes.” The detectivewasn’t holding back any punches.

“I still don’t understandthat. What’s changed, other than the ramblings of Aleksandr Popovon his deathbed? Wait, how did he die?” John realized he’d neveractually said.

“Perhaps we shouldreconvene at the lake house to discuss this,” Bricksuggested.

“It’s a good thing I’m noton a tight timeline for these table legs, or I’d never get themdone,” John huffed as he threw the cloth he’d used to wipe away thesawdust back onto his work bench.

“Don’t worry about it,buddy,” Jason said. “Nothing’s more important than figuring outwhat’s going on and protecting you.”

“Agreed,” Strykersaid.

John rolled his eyes. “Okay. Let’s goto the lake house. The quicker we get this over with, the quicker Ican get back to work.”

***

Stryker

Stryker didn’t like unexpectedcompany, or being tested by some outsider to see if they were goodenough to protect John. Who was this guy to decide who was goodenough? The asshole had rubbed him the wrong way from the veryfirst moment he stepped into the shop, and once on his shit list,it was hard to get off.

They allowed the detective to drivehis car to the lake house, while Stryker and John rode in Stryker’struck. His friend had been quiet since meeting thedetective.

“All good?” Strykerasked.

“Yeah, I guess. I didn’texpect the cops to appear on our doorstep like that.”

“Neither did I. I don’tlike surprises. But if Brick cleared him, then…” Stryker gave asatisfied grunt as something clicked back into place in hisneck.

“I guess we should hearhim out, considering he came all this way.”

“I’ll reserve judgmentuntil I know for sure.” Stryker rolled aching shoulders. He wasn’tused to not being active and sitting around at the shop had madehim stiff.

“You don’t trusthim?”

“I don’t trust anybodyI’ve just met. Life has taught me trust is earned, not freelygiven.”

“I don’t blame you. Inyour line of work, trusting someone could have lethalconsequences.”

“Exactly. I want you to besafe, which means going nowhere alone with this detective.Understand?”

“Don’t worry. I didn’tplan on it.” John seemed amused, casting side glances at him. “Youcan be a real bossy arsehole; anyone ever tell youthat?”

“Only a milliontimes.”

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