Page 39 of No Harm No Howl

“Yeah. I’m good. But they’re getting away.”

“But they can’t follow now. We’ll be safe getting to the airport.”

The police car pulled in front of Russ and Gia. The officer got out and approached them. Rolling down the window, Russ waited for the officer to reach them.

“Are you okay?” the officer asked.

“Yeah. I think so. We’re trying to get to the airport to catch our flight when this guy hit us,” Russ said to the cop.

“Any injuries?”

“No. We’re both good.”

“Stay put for a minute. I’ll try to get you out of here as soon as I can. Is this SUV yours or a rental?”

“It’s a rental. Either way, my company always gets the extra insurance. So I’m not too worried about it,” Russ replied, and the cop stepped back and spoke into the walkie-talkie on his shoulder.

“This should give us the time we need to get home and get things sorted out. I should let Colton know what’s going on, so he doesn’t worry too much.” Russ grabbed his phone and sent a text to Colton explaining what was going on and that he and Gia should be on their way soon.

Smart move. See you guys soon. We are waiting at the jet for you.

“He’s already there and waiting for us,” Russ said to Gia.

“Good. I’m glad they’re safe. I do have to say, I’m surprised that you … well, that you didn’t kill him. Most alphas would.”

“It was hard not to kill him. Trust me, every instinct in my body told me to end him, but I needed answers from him if I wanted to find out who was behind this. When I found out why he was involved, I couldn’t kill him. He was trying to provide for his family. I know what it’s like to be piss-poor. I grew up broker than a joke. So, I can’t blame Colton for doing what he thought he needed to do to feed his family.”

“You sure he told you the truth?” she asked.

“Yeah. I am. I could feel the truth in his words. I could feel his desperation for a better life for his family. He needs help to make the change. I’m in a position to help.”

“You’re a good man, Russ.”

TWENTY-THREE

GIA

Gia felt the full weight of their trip to Vegas the second the private jet landed in Atlanta. They were all waiting until Russ's security team was in place before they disembarked.

“Is everyone ready?” Russ asked as he unbuckled his seat belt once the plane came to a stop.

“Yes,” everyone said at the same time.

“There will be five vehicles out there. Colton, you and your family are going to be taken to a safe house. Everything that you need will be waiting for you, including food, clothes, and anything else. If there's anything at all that you need, let the security guards know, and they will get it for you.”

“I don't know how to thank you for any of this. I really feel bad about my involvement in the beginning. I need to make that up to you somehow,” Colton said.

“You worry about staying safe and keeping your family safe. When this is all said and done, I'm going to put your ass to work, and you can prove to me that I made the right decision. Understood?” Russ said.

“Absolutely. I look forward to proving myself to you. Thank you.” Colton rounded up his family, and they were the first ones to leave.

Russ had done the right thing when it came to Colton. He felt deep in his gut that he had absolutely done what needed to be done. Colton was a good man. He just needed an opportunity to do the right thing. Hopefully, Russ would be able to give him the direction he needed to change the man's life for the better.

“Are you ready, babe?” He turned to Gia.

“All set. Where are we headed?” she asked.

“You and I are going to my house where I know we’ll be safe. I have all the security that we need. No one will be able to get anywhere near the house. Plus, I'm going to double the number of security guards around the property just to make sure. We will get this fucker. All we have to do is sit back and wait for him to make a mistake. And trust me, Damon will make a mistake in no time at all. And when he does, it'll be the last thing he ever does.”

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