Page 102 of Ozzie

Durango steps out of Reed’s office and straight to Moose’s office. He closes the door. While they talk, I return to my desk and manage to concentrate long enough to get an assignment completed before they come out.

“Piper, I’m sorry to leave you, but—”

“Don’t be sorry. Save Ozzie. And Lightning.”

He nods. “I’ll do whatever I can. Text me if you need me.”

“You’re not supposed to be checking texts on assignment,” I say.

He gives me a hug. “I’ll be checking my phone often for updates from Reed and the others.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t hesitate to call if John shows up,” he tells Moose.

Once he’s out the door, Moose turns to me. “Ready to go?”

“Sure. Let me grab my purse.” I take my time grabbing it and putting my phone in.

The last thing I want is to run into Durango before he leaves. He wouldn’t agree with a lunch out. Not with John out there somewhere.

As we walk to the restaurant, Moose keeps looking over at me.

“What’s wrong? Do I have something on my face?” I ask.

He laughs. “No, sorry. You’re very beautiful. And I don’t mean that as a line because Durango made it very clear not to hit on you. I just mean, you are nice to look at.”

I laugh. “Oh, that’s terrible. Please tell me you never use that line on women.”

He stops walking. “Maybe.”

I laugh harder. “Okay, you need new material. First, tell me about yourself.”

“Well, I’m from Montana. I went into the service right out of high school, intending to retire there, but things didn’t work out that way. Now here I am, working with you.”

“Seriously? You’re from Montana? Me too. What part?”

He opens the door as we reach the restaurant. “A small town up north called Plentywood.”

I step inside. “I’m not familiar with that one.”

He laughs. “It’s pretty small and more north than most go. Rough winters but beautiful country.”

We place our orders at the counter, then sit at a table and wait.

“Why did you leave the service?” I ask.

He stares out the window. “It’s a long story for another time.”

Immediately, I realize I pushed too far. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

He grabs a paper napkin and begins folding it. “It’s fine. But let’s focus on you. Durango told me your ex is coming after you. Do you know where he is now?”

“Somewhere between Montana and here, most likely.”

He takes my hand in his. “He won’t get to you while I’m here, okay?”

I gently pull my hand away and stand up. “We forgot to get something to drink.”

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