Page 66 of Pick Your Spot

When Triple-A turned to see if they were following him, Fox growled.

“Keep that beast away from me. If he attacks me, I’ll sue.”

Knox’s voice was granite. “You’re trespassing on our property asshole. If he attacks, it’s because you’re a threat.”

Thea patted the dog’s head. “Easy, Fox.” In a lower voice, she said to Knox. “I’ve never heard him growl before. Not even once.”

Knox’s face hardened, and he picked up his pace. “Move it, Gammon.”

Fox’s reaction had Thea more worried than before. Maybe Andywasdangerous, and she’d never seen it. That seemed impossible.

When they reached the trees closest to the farmhouse, Fox didn’t stop. Instead, he kept pace with them, his attention locked on Triple-A.

There weren’t any cars in the driveway and Andy continued to walk toward the road. When they reached the unused farmhouse, Andy turned around. “Thea, I need you to come home with me. I can go to a thirty percent raise, including all the other benefits I told you.”

She shook her head. “I’m not interested. Not at any price.”

He frowned at her. “I don’t believe you.”

Knox moved toward him, hands fisted. “You better believe her. I don’t want to see you near our place ever again.”

Triple-A frowned. He opened his mouth to talk but Knox took another step forward. Andy shook his head and pointed at Thea. “I need you to start next week.” Then he turned and continued walking.

She and Knox followed him to the road, Fox right at her side. A dark sedan was parked down the way a bit. After yelling, “Next week,” at her, Andy strode to it and flung himself into the seat. He spun the car into a U-turn and nearly slipped into the ditch before righting the vehicle and racing away.

Knox turned to her. “You okay?”

She nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist, then rested her head on his chest.

He held her tightly as they watched the car disappear.

She frowned. “That was like a scene from a movie. There are a ton of soil consultants. It doesn’t make any sense that he wants me instead of the people willing to work for him.”

Knox’s hands ran over her back. “Did he ever ask you out? Ever make you feel uncomfortable?”

She shook her head. “No. I never saw any interest from him, and I certainly never felt any.”

He kissed her hair. “I think we need to talk to Marcus Ramirez. I don’t think this jerk is done.”

Chapter20

In The Spotlight

Knox wanted to shut down everything, lock him and Thea inside and keep her safe. Despite the asshole not saying anything physically threatening, the entire scenario felt rife with potential for violence. He wasn’t ignoring his instincts.

With another glance down the empty road, he turned them back to the farmhouse. “How do you feel about heading into Phail. I’d like to report this to their police chief. Talk to him and Troy about it.”

She nodded. “I wish I knew the neighbors here, too. We should warn everyone about Andy. I didn’t think he could be dangerous, but what if I’m wrong?”

He nodded. “Good idea. Why don’t we head to Phail first? I’m sure someone will know at least one of our neighbors. Then we’ll stop and talk to people on the way back.”

She nodded. “I don’t like him being here, but he didn’t do anything threatening.”

“I know but I’d like to let Marcus in the loop.”

Knox felt his tension ease a fraction when they walked into Phail Jail. Because, of course, it was called that. He squeezed Thea’s hand. “I’m betting my buddy Troy had a hand in naming the police station.”

“I love it. Fits this town perfectly.”

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