Page 173 of Knockin' Boats
“Just talk to a lawyer, okay? For your own sake.”
He swallowed hard, looking from me to Sawyer. “That boat that got hit. The people. They’re okay…right?”
“The boat owner, Noah Wells, ended up with a broken leg and three cracked ribs. We got him out of the water and treated fast. He’s recovering up at the county hospital.”
I had no idea Sawyer had checked up on him, butof coursehe had.
“You could have killed someone. And fleeing the scene like that? It doesn’t look good.”
Julian set down his plate, looking queasy.
“Do the right thing,” I implored him. “Rick will throw you under the bus if he needs to. Trust me on that.”
Applause echoed.
“Congratulations, Mr. Dixon, on being such an upstanding member of the community. Please come accept your award,” the speaker said.
Rick jogged up to the podium, took the heavy crystal plaque, and flashed a smarmy smile to the crowd.
“Thank you. I’m only paying back the amazing success this community has given me. I am so blessed with a reputable business, a lovely family, and a town that is truly the best place to call home.”
“Which he lives in for approximately three months a year,” I muttered.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the development plan for the Skyline Casino, Retail & Resort development. I know it will only bring more tourism and prosperity to this amazing place. And hey, the more we prosper, the more we can give back, right? Thank you.”
“He’s not full of himself or anything,” Sawyer said.
“By Rick standards, that was circumspect.”
Julian had left our side during Rick’s speech, and now he intercepted him. They stood close, intense expressions on their faces, and they both cast frequent looks our way.
“Guess we probably didn’t help the situation with your stepdad,” Sawyer said.
“Nothing would help that,” I said. “He’s got a lot of people fooled, including Julian. The guy is reckless and dangerous, but that’s because Rick hasn’t set the right standards. He trusts Rick when he says nothing will happen to him. If we achieved nothing else, I hope Julian really does go see a lawyer, because he’s going to be fucked.”
“Yeah,” Sawyer said. “I’m not crying too hard for him. Not after what I saw that night.”
I grabbed his hand and squeezed. “I get it. Believe me. I just want people to stop believing in Rick’s act.”
Rick brushed past Julian and headed my way.
“You and I need to talk,” he said shortly. Then glanced at Sawyer. “Away from this crowd.”
He stalked out of the tent toward the lakefront.
I hesitated a beat, but Mom motioned for me to follow with an encouraging nod. Her eyes were full of hope.
I grimaced. “If I’m not back in fifteen, send out a search team.”
“Fuck that. I’m going with you.”
I didn’t fight him on it. It was reassuring to have some backup when facing Rick.
We followed him down to the path that ran alongside the marina.
“So, what is there to talk about?” I asked Rick.
He spun toward me, nostrils flaring when he spotted Sawyer. “What did you say to Julian? Huh?”
