Page 16 of The Trail Boss

The cool night air bit at his skin as he stepped outside. The SUV was still there, its presence as unnerving as ever. Gavin stayed in the shadows, his movements slow and deliberate as he withdrew his Glock and motioned for his men to remain in their vehicle as he approached the SUV from the side.

The engine cut off suddenly, and the driver’s-side door opened. A man stepped out, his face obscured by the low brim of a baseball cap. He turned, saw Gavin, and froze.

Gavin didn’t hesitate and didn’t hide the gun in his hand, although he didn’t point it at the guy. “Something I can help you with?”

The man muttered something under his breath, then climbed back into the SUV, put it in gear and sped off, the tires squealing as they hit the pavement.

Gavin stood there, his hands on his hips, watching the taillights disappear down the street. Whoever that was, they weren’t here for anything good.

When Gavin returned to Roxie’s apartment, she opened the door before he could knock, her arms crossed and her expression both curious and wary.

“Well?” she asked.

“They’re gone,” he said, stepping inside.

Her brow furrowed. “Gone? Where? Who?”

“Don’t know yet,” Gavin admitted. “But I’m going to find out.”

“You’re not going to give up are you? You’re just going to keep digging regardless of what I say or my feelings in the matter, aren’t you?” she asked, exasperation clear in her voice.

“I am,” he said, his tone leaving no room for debate. “And until I know who’s after you, I’m keeping an eye on this place.”

Roxie groaned, throwing her hands in the air. “You’re impossible.”

“Already said that,” Gavin replied with a faint grin.

The energy in the room softened slightly, though it didn’t disappear entirely. Roxie rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath as she turned away. As Gavin watched her, his resolve solidified. She might not want his help, but she needed it. And whether she liked it or not, he wasn’t going anywhere.

6

ROXIE

Roxie adjusted her bag on her shoulder, the night air cool against her skin as she walked from the parking lot to her apartment. Why was it that so many people thought nothing of taking other people’s assigned slots? And why was it that on a chilly night when she was tired and felt like shit that she had to park at the other end of the lot? The night was still, easily more quiet than usual, the hum of distant traffic the only sound breaking the stillness. Her boots tapped against the cracked pavement, the rhythm a small comfort as her mind wandered.

The shift had been long, her back ached, and her head still throbbed faintly from her injury. But at least it was over. She’d survived another day, and that was enough.

She glanced over her shoulder and wondered which vehicle contained Gavin’s men. She knew they were out there and even though she’d be loathe to admit it, she took some comfort in that. Out on the street, the faint glow of headlights in the distance caught her attention. The car was moving slowly, its engine low and steady.

Roxie frowned but kept walking, her pace quickening slightly. It was probably nothing—just someone looking for aparking spot or trying to find their way. Still, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled, a faint unease settling in her chest.

The headlights stayed with her, the car inching closer.

“Don’t be paranoid,” she muttered under her breath, gripping the strap of her bag tighter. “It’s just a car.”

But her pulse quickened despite herself, and when she glanced back again, the car had closed the gap.

The engine roared suddenly, shattering the quiet night. Roxie’s stomach twisted as the car surged forward, the tires screeching against the pavement as it veered into the parking lot at high speed.

“Shit!” she yelped, her instincts kicking in as she darted to the side.

The car swerved, the front bumper narrowly missing her as she stumbled into the small space between two parked cars. Her bag slipped off her shoulder, hitting the ground with a dull thud. She still had her keys in her hand, but she wasn’t sure what good they would do her against someone in a car trying to run her down.

Panic clawed at her chest as she turned to face the car. It stopped abruptly, the engine growling like a predator sizing up its prey.

Where were Gavin’s men? Her heart raced as she tried to process what was happening. Was this real? Who would?—

The car lurched forward again, its tires squealing as it aimed straight for her.

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