Page 39 of Second Chance Savior

“River, don’t youdareleave me in here. I can hardly breathe.”

“Just be patient a little longer. You can do it.” I decided not to mention that the trunk had a quick release on the inside, as all modern cars did. A measure to prevent kidnappings.

For now, I needed her to stay put.

Her muttered curses followed me as I got out. I’d onlymade it a few steps toward the house when a bulky figure separated from a tree trunk, leveling a shotgun at me.

“Don’t move, asshole. I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but you picked the wrong property.”

I held up my hands. “I’m looking for a skinny guy, butt-ugly, barely knows how to swim…”

The shotgun lowered with a curse. “Rubicon. You piece of shit.”

I smiled. “Hey, Tank. Good to see you too.”

“What’re you doing skulking around my house?” Griffin Hodgson moved closer, and his features came into view. Huge shoulders, hair buzzed in a crew cut.

“Told you I was in town,” I said.

“Yeah, I remember. You called out of the blue yesterday, asked me to watch a building, then said never mind. Now you just show up in the dark? Your momma didn’t teach you manners?”

“It’s been slightly hectic. Give a guy a break.”

“Please don’t tell me you were in that mess at the botanic gardens that’s all over the news right now.” Hodge chuckled like he was kidding.

“So you want me to lie?”

He groaned and shook his head. “Gotta be fuckin’ kiddin’ me. What did you get yourself into?”

Before I could answer, there was a thump from inside my trunk. It popped open, and Charlie’s head appeared. Must’ve found the release button.

“I thought I was going to suffocate in there.” She took a deep inhale of fresh air.

Hodge glared at me and lifted an eyebrow. For him, that was the same level of reaction as someone else jumping three feet into the air.

“Do I want to know why you have a woman in your trunk?”

“Either way, you’re about to find out. Did you miss me?”

“You know, I really didn’t.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

River

Both Hodgeand I offered to help, but Charlie insisted on climbing out of the trunk by herself. Once she was standing on the ground, Hodge lifted her hand to his lips, and then my friend, make thatformerfriend, actually kissed the back of it.

“I’m Griff Hodgson.”

“Sorry to show up unannounced like this,” she said.

“Nah, no worries. My home is at your disposal. Are you injured?”

“Nothing serious.”

“Lieutenant Governor McKinley, I presume?”

“You recognize me? Or is my face on TV? I heard what you said about the news.”

---