Page 80 of Secrets in Calusa Cove

Dawson rolled to his feet. “I almost shot you.”

“Is that any way to say thank you for saving your ass?” Fletcher asked. “Again.”

“Yeah.” Keaton leaned over Fletcher’s shoulder, smiling. “We’re always coming in and making sure you don’t get shot.”

Hayes blew through the door, stumbling and grumbling something about always having to tie up the loose ends. “What’d I miss?”

“Only Dawson bitching about us making sure he didn’t die today.” Fletcher chuckled.

“Jerks.” Dawson leaned down, helped Mo to his feet, and cut his ties. “Is Remy here?”

“Yeah. He’s dealing with Paul and Benson and trying to get in touch with Agent Pope.”

Dawson nodded. He squeezed Mo’s shoulder. “Go outside. Don’t talk to anyone except Remy. Tell him we have a deal but tell him he has to wait for the details. He’ll honor that.”

“Thank you.” Mo wiped tears from his cheeks. “I’m sorry for what I’ve?—”

“It’s all good.” Dawson smiled. “We’re moving forward.” He let out a long breath and made his way toward Audra, who leaned against the far wall. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” She twisted her long hair with her fingertips. “I have answers. I know what happened. I should be happy.”

She dropped her head back and closed her eyes.

Dawson palmed her cheek. He wanted to take away all the pain. All the anguish. But he knew he couldn’t.

“They murdered my dad. Fed him to the creatures he loved the most because they’re greedy bastards. It was all for nothing.”

He pulled her to his chest and kissed her temple. “I wish I could make you feel better, but I know I can’t. Just remember, what we did tonight was a good thing. And we saved Mo and his family from a potentially similar fate. Hopefully, Trevor will keep his word, and we’ll shut down a massive cartel.”

She glanced up at him and smiled weakly. “Can you really keep Mo from going to prison?”

“If it weren’t for him, we might’ve died. So, yeah. I’m going to pull whatever law enforcement strings I can to make sure that the worst thing that happens to him is maybe a few months in county jail or probation and community service.” Dawson kissed her sweet, loveable lips. “Mo was trying to make some cash to help his poor mama have a comfortable end to her life where she’s already struggling. I can sort of understand that. My nana had some medical issues her last few years, and that guilt of not being there for her has always haunted me.”

“You’re an amazing man,” Audra said softly. “I’m sure your nana was so proud of you.”

“She was.”

“Good Lord,” Hayes said. “This is not the time or place for this mush.”

“Besides, doesn’t the police chief have work to do like booking drug dealers, coordinating with the DEA, and inventorying the haul?” Keaton asked. “And whatever else it is you do.”

“I think our work here is done.” Fletcher came up behind Dawson, slapping him on the back. “I’m tired. I’m ready to go back.”

“You can leave right after I take statements from all of you.” Dawson laughed. “And then you can give my girl here a ride back to my place.” He kissed her softly. “I might be a long while doing whatever it is I do. I hope you’re not planning on leaving anytime soon.”

She smiled up at him. “Not for at least a week.”

“I was hoping for more time than that.” He cocked his head. “But I’ll take that for now.”

“Hey, Chief.” Remy stuck his head inside the shack. “I kind of need you out here.”

“Yeah. I’m coming,” Dawson said. “Duty calls.”

Audra rested her hand on his bicep. “Guess I’ll see you back at the cabin.” She slid her hand down his chest. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For believing me.”

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