Page 28 of All of Me

“Gary Bruin, twenty-seven. Graduated from high school but didn’t go to college. He’s had seven different jobs in two years, ranging from stock clerk to farm laborer. Each job lasted a maximum of five weeks. Lives with his mother. Father and mother got divorced ten years ago and father remarried and lives in Denver.”

“I’m gonna kill him,” Shae said and looked like he was going to get up.

Kane leaned over before I got chance to say something that would land me in shit, like forbidding him to go anywhere. “I get it. I really do. My dad was a bastard and a bully. He held illegal dog fights.”

Shae’s eyes widened.

“I would really appreciate it if you’d let me go get this fucker with Ringo. I didn’t get the chance with my dad, as he was already fucked when I got out. I’m sure you can understand I would love to do this for you.”

“And I can screw him up so the IRS will have his ass for years,” Danny added.

Shae smiled, then bent and nuzzled the puppy when he whimpered in his sleep. “I like that idea.”

I smiled and stood, grabbing my keys. Danny grinned, his eyes still on the screen, but Kane reached down and took his lips so forcefully I was surprised the laptop didn’t explode. Everything in me wanted to do the same with Shae. I settled for a shoulder squeeze, even though I wanted so much more.

Chapter Eleven

Shae

Danny glanced at me as soon as the guys had left. “Thanks for that. I think you just made his week. He hates bullies but add animals to the mix, and he’s ready to go postal.”

I wasn’t sure how to reply. To be honest, Danny intimidated me. He was closer to me in age than Drake, but skilled and clever. He always seemed to have the answers to everyone’s questions, and I knew Diesel was very protective of him. I knew Kane’s background and since I’d met him at the gym and he’d been involved in the fight scene, he seemed a lot less scary than his boyfriend.

I glanced down at Maxie. I knew I shouldn’t name him, but I did.

“You gonna keep him?” Danny nodded to the dog in case I was in any doubt about what he meant.

“Sure,” I said flippantly. “I’m day three into a job that may not last, I have nowhere permanent to live, and my body’s fucked. Taking on a pet would be a smart idea.”

Danny grinned and looked up. “You’re kidding me, right? Ringo’s so gone on you.”

A little part of my heart squeezed hopefully at Danny’s words, but I tamped it down. “Drake’s too up in his head about our age difference.”

Danny gazed at me. “Does it bother you?”

“No,” I said quietly. “He’s larger than life, if you get me. I don’t give a shit how old he is.”

“You know he’ll be thinking of you looking after an old man in a wheelchair.”

“I know,” I whispered. “But either one of us could die tomorrow. He makes me feel better about myself. He makes me feel like I could do anything I want.”

Danny nodded. “Well, you convinced me. What can I do to help you snag your man?”

I laughed so loudly I woke the dogs up. We let them out even though I didn’t really want to put Maxie down. The other two dogs were so gentle with him, and I knew he’d had his first shot so I doubted he would be unprotected. We went back inside and gave them all a treat. Then Maxie conked out again on my lap and Sadie and Magic curled up together.

Danny got back on his laptop.

I settled Maxie into a mound of blankets next to the other two and he never stirred, then I went to the fridge and got some chicken sandwiches together because I didn’t know if Danny and Kane had eaten.

“Hmm,” Danny hummed quietly, grabbing a sandwich, and I glanced over just as I heard Drake’s truck pull into the driveway. I met them at the door.

“He’s not there,” Drake said. “Place is a dump and no response from the mom either. We didn’t break in, but that may come later.” I glanced at my phone. It was nearly midnight.

“Well, she’s still listed as living there. Collecting social security,” Danny confirmed. “Although according to her emails, she missed her last two appointments. One with a doctor treating her for arthritis and one with her dentist.”

Danny glanced up. “We can ask for a wellness check tomorrow.”

I sighed, and Drake offered everyone a beer and popped his own can. Danny refused, but Kane took one.

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