Page 20 of Five for Silver

“One unbroken piece.” Josh rested the coffeeon his thigh. “But actually, I meant today was shit, not yourdriving.”

“We closed a case—”

“Yeah, but that was overshadowed by DIPoole’s visit and then you’ve been quiet ever since.” Josh resumedstaring at the side of Chad’s face. “What’s going on in that headof yours?”

“Nothing.”

“I’d believe you if I couldn’t hear thegears of it turning … and breaking apart.”

Chad chewed his bottom lip.

“Come on, talk to me.”

“The last few months, I’ve done my best toblock Vincent out,” Chad took a deep breath. “Tate, too, but I knewme and Vincent weren’t done. There was always going to beconsequences for breaking my promise.”

“The guy is close to death—a month tops andhe’s falling through the trapdoor to hell. He can’t do anything toyou, Chad. If that was his best play to get you to see him, then hefailed.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Chad flashed a glance in themirror, hoping the pissed of motorist from earlier had gone, buthis breath snagged in his throat when he spotted the red truck, twocars back from them.

“Hey, Josh … you see the red truck twobehind us?”

Josh twisted in his seat. “Just about.”

“Think you can read the plate.”

Josh hummed. “Speed up a little.”

Chad slammed his foot down on the gas.

“Jesus, Chad!” Josh clutched hisseatbelt.

“Have you got the plate?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Josh said, typing it into hisphone. He relaxed back into his seat. “I got the plate, why do youwant it?”

“I think … I think that truck has beenfollowing me.”

Josh’s jaw dropped open. “Why is this thefirst time I’m hearing about it?”

“My therapist thought I was being paranoid,but there it is, following us.”

“I mean, it’s a red truck behind us …traveling the same direction.”

“Just call it in … and don’t flirt it upwith Angel, I want to know who that truck belongs to thiscentury.”

“You’re hilarious,” Josh said, holding hisphone out, and pressing speaker. It only rang once. “Hey, Angel,it’s the devil here…”

“You are insufferable.” Chad muttered underhis breath. He turned away to hide his smile. Angel had caughtJosh’s eye when she transferred to Bardhum six months ago, but he’dnever spoken to her one on one until after the whole beinghandcuffed to a bed by Olivia fiasco. Angel found it hilarious.

“I’ve got a plate that needs checking, youready for it?”

“I’m always ready for you, my prince ofdarkness.” Angel purred.

Chad rolled his eyes. “Seriously?”

“Josh, are you on speaker?” Angel asked.

“No.” Josh replied, taking it off speakerand pressing the phone to his ear. “Registration F11 KEX.” Hehummed looking at Chad. “So it’s insured and up to date on tax,great, and who’s the owner?”

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