Page 106 of Stockman's Stowaway

‘I’ve done nothing to you.’ Gavin held his hands up, taking a step back from the redhead.

‘Yes, you did.’ Bree scowled, taking a step closer, the shotgun rock-steady against her shoulder. ‘I absolutely abhor any man who dares to hit a woman. Just so you know, I have a tonne of unresolved daddy issues that need sorting out, starting with you as my golden therapy pill.’ She then aimed, with finger on the trigger. ‘Any last words?’

‘Mia?’ Gavin went white as a ghost.

Mia could only shrug, because Bree was serious. And scary.

Forty-five

Cap looked at his big brother for help. There was no way he was going to tackle the redhead holding a shotgun, because they all knew Bree wasn’t afraid to use it. ‘Ryder?’

Ryder rolled his eyes. ‘Bree, you will not spend the rest of your life in prison for murdering this douchebag.’ He stepped forward and in some seriously fancy military move, he’d removed the shotgun from her hands and unloaded it in a matter of seconds.

‘Hey, that’s my shotgun. Give it back.’

‘No.’ Ryder rested it on his shoulder. ‘The first rule of murder club isno witnesses.’

‘I’ll back you up, Bree,’ said Dex. ‘I’ll supply the rope.’

‘Stuff the rope, let’s use the chain,’ said Charlie, poking at Gavin’s chest. ‘We don’t like anyone hitting women round here, boy.’

‘No one is murdering anyone.’ Cap stepped up, playing his part as the family’s peacemaker, and put himself in front of Gavin.

‘Can I at least hit him?’ asked Dex. ‘Just one punch, or five.’

‘Oh, me too. I’ve always wanted to play dentist.’ Bree tried to push past Ryder.

‘No.’ Ryder held her back. ‘Dex, stop stirring up the redhead.’

Ash calmly strolled up to Gavin with a grin on his face. ‘You know what would work in this situation?’

‘What?’

‘If you were to leave.’

‘Fine. No problems, I’m happy to go.’

‘Nah, mate, I don’t think you’re getting me,’ said Ash. ‘You need to leave the Territory. Because Bree and her grandfather know everyone, and the Territory is a small place. None of the locals like women-hitters, which is what you are.’

‘Mia lied. It was just an accident.’

‘We all saw the damage you did.’ Cap’s fire instantly refuelled, to hiss through gritted teeth. ‘The bruises.’

Sarge growled and Cap gripped his halter. ‘Easy, boy.’

‘Get that dog away from me.’ Gavin stepped away with his eyes widening.

‘It was you!’ Mia made stabbing motions at Gavin with her finger. ‘You poisoned Cap’s dogs.’

‘Mia? Is that true?’ Cap was so stunned by her words, he nearly let go of the dog.

‘I’ve got him, Cap.’ Ash took control of the shepherd’s halter.

Charlie poked up his hat’s brim. ‘Girlie, are you saying this mongrel who hit you, also poisoned Cap’s dogs?’

‘I wish I’d thought of it sooner, but it only made sense now.’

Dex stepped right behind Gavin. ‘Don’t move, arsehole. It seems we have some unfinished business.’

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