Page 58 of Just Another Chance

“You know I’d do it,” Sawyer says, “but, uh, the NYPD and I have a bit of a history.”

“What?” Tanner exclaims and frowns.

“Long story,” Sawyer replies vaguely. “Needless to say, I’m not exactly their favorite person, so you may wanna call yourself.”

As Tanner and I wonder what he means, Sawyer drops down, pulls a zip tie out of a pocket and secures Randy’s wrists.Hmm,I think, and watch him. Sawyer definitely has some secrets and apparently not even Tanner knows what they are. Even though I’m curious, I have much more important things to take care of right now. Like getting Randy into police custody and taking Owen home.

By the time the police arrive, I realize Sawyer has already made a quick exit and slipped out the side door.Interesting.We explain the situation and the detective who we spoke to earlier arrives. Tanner and I are talking to him when Randy is cuffed and walked out the door.

Thank God.It feels good that he isn’t a threat anymore, but we still have the loan shark to deal with and I remind Tanner and Detective Freeman. The police detective asks if we’d be willing to help him set up a trap and I’m instantly wary. As much as I want the bastard to go down, I can’t risk Owen and I tell him as much.

“We’ll make sure Owen is out of the apartment and under protection,” he reassures me. “In a few days, this guy is going to show up at your door and demand the money your stepdad owes. With your help, we can catch him in the act and arrest him. That way you’ll never have to worry about it again.”

“That sounds dangerous,” Tanner growls. “I don’t want you going back to your apartment. You and Owen are going to stay with me.”

“Can you give us a second?” I ask Detective Freeman. He nods, steps away, and I turn to face Tanner. “I appreciate it and we’d feel much safer at the loft with you.”

My words seem to appease him. Slightly.

“But Detective Freeman is right. That guy is going to come back– maybe to my apartment this time, maybe to your loft next time, maybe even the flower shop. He’s not just going to give up just because Randy is in jail. Randy never had the money in the first place.Youdid. And I swear to God, Tanner, I can’t handle knowing he’s still out there and that he might show up one day and come for you. I don’t want to live looking over our shoulders. I need this to be done. I want to start my life with you. Please.”

I can see his golden-green eyes soften and the moment he relents. “If we do this, every precaution in the world needs to be taken to make sure you’re secure.”

The detective must overhear because he takes a step closer. “We will do everything in our power to protect Addie and Owen. There’s nothing for you to worry about, Mr. Beckett.”

Tanner grunts in response. Then he reaches for me and Owen asleep in my arms, pulling us closer, into the warm circle of his arms. “Are you sure? Because you don’t have to do this. They can track this guy down and-”

“I’m sure,” I say in a firm voice. “I want to expedite his ass straight to prison.” A little smile curves my mouth. “Maybe he and Randy can be cell mates.”

“As long as you're sure,” Tanner says.

I nod and turn to Detective Freeman. “I’m in,” I assure him, my voice full of determination. Whatever it takes, I’m going to do it because I want this over once and for all. I don't have to worry about my coach turning into a pumpkin or my dress turning back to rags.

I’m ready to end this and start my happily-ever-after with Tanner. Because when this is all said and done, I’d love nothing more than my foot to slide into that glass slipper perfectly.

After finishing with the detective– for now anyway– we meet Sawyer out at his Jeep and climb inside.

“Everything okay?” he asks, eyeing us in the rear-view mirror.

“It will be,” I answer, looking down at Owen who’s starting to wake up and fuss. I coo softly to him as we head for Tanner’s loft. When his eyes drift shut again, I lean back against the seat and, for the first time in a long time, I have a good feeling. Like everything is finally going to be okay.

“It better be,” Tanner states as though reading my mind. “Addie volunteered to help capture that thug who came around demanding payback.”

Arching a dark brow, Sawyer frowns. “Is that a good idea?”

“No,” Tanner instantly replies.

“Yes,” I say.

He sighs, clearly frustrated, and I lay a hand over his arm.

“Trust me,” I whisper.

“I do.” He covers my hand with his. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not terrified that something might go wrong.”

There’s nothing I can say, so I just give him a reassuring smile. Could something go wrong? Of course. But I don’t say anything because I refuse to ever lie or keep secrets from Tanner again.

After a moment, Tanner leans forward, eyeing his younger brother. “So, bro, care to elaborate on why you and the NYPD don’t get along very well?”

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