Page 105 of Ozzie

Reed drives us to our homes with instructions to shower and rest. I shower, then check my phone. A text from Durango. He’s on assignment. Maybe something went wrong.

Durango:Piper said some things to me that I’ve been thinking a lot about. As much as I’m worried you’re going to hurt her, it’s not my decision to make.

I reread it several times. Is he saying what I think he’s saying?

Ozzie:Does this mean I have your blessing?

Durango:Blessing might be a bit strong. But I won’t stand in your way.

I’ve got the biggest grin on my face. I need to see Piper now.

Ozzie:Thank you! You won’t regret this.

Durango:I better not.

I chuckle at his last message as I walk out the door. Piper should be getting home from work right about now. I pull out my key but remember Reed mentioned Moose is here. He wouldn’t expect anyone to walk in the door, so I decide to knock.

Footsteps grow louder as I’m certain Moose is checking to see who it is.

“It’s Ozzie,” I say.

He opens the door with a puzzled expression. “Reedmentioned he was driving up to get you and Lightning. I’m glad you’re free.”

I nod. “Yeah, that’s not a place I want to stay. Can I come in?”

He steps aside. “Of course.”

I slip off my shoes and walk to the kitchen. Piper is sitting in a chair, holding a guitar. When she sees me, she sets it down and runs to me.

“I’m so happy the charges were dropped.” She pulls back. “They were, right?”

“Yes, they were.”

I turn to Moose. “I got it from here. You can head out.” My words come out harsher than I meant.

Moose’s brow shoots up.

“Hey, don’t be rude,” Piper says.

“Sorry, I’m still irritable from the whole ordeal,” I say.

The guy smiles. “It’s okay. But if you want to rest, I’m fine here.”

“Thanks, but I want to talk to Piper alone.”

Moose moves his gaze from me to Piper. “Well, let me confirm with Reed since he assigned me here.” He spins around with his phone and calls Reed. When he’s done, he turns back to us. “You might want to call Reed. He said it’s okay for me to leave, but he wants a word with you.”

Yeah, Reed isn’t going to be happy with me since he ordered me to rest. But there was no way I could do that.

“Thanks. I’ll give him a call.”

He collects his jacket and says goodbye to Piper while I get myself a glass of water.

“He’s gone,” Piper says.

“Durango is okay with us,” I blurt out.

She stares at me. “What? When? How?”

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