Page 35 of Axe-ing for Trouble
“I know I’m shady as hell,” I explained. “And I’m so grateful to you and Jude. To your whole family, really. I won’t do anything to hurt any of you.”
Seemingly satisfied, she turned back to her tea.
“Once the dust settles, I’ll be out of here. I’ll collect my evidence and go to the police. I’ve given too much to this to quit now, and I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.”
She nodded slowly. “What you’re doing is ridiculously dangerous, but I admire the hell out of you.” She smirked. “Chief Souza drugged my husband and then tried to frame him. There’s no way that’s not connected.”
“If you’re implying that wasn’t the first illegal activity that sad excuse for law enforcement was involved in, then you would be correct.”
“Excellent. Make sure you take him down too, okay? Get him a nice long sentence. Because no one fucks with my husband.”
“I will.” I dipped my chin. “He attended many poker games with the traffickers. He’s dirty as hell.”
She smiled broadly and stood. “Okay, I’ll get out of your hair. Ice, rest, and do the exercises I showed you. No need to sleep with the sling, but keep it on when you’re awake. Andpleasetry to stay out of trouble.”
Once she was gone, I paced around the house, my mind spinning and adrenaline coursing through me. The longer I stayed here, the more danger I put Jude in. The more danger I put his whole family in.
There was no more time to waste.
I snagged a large dark hoodie from Jude’s closet and pulled a gray beanie over my head, then loaded up on supplies. I couldn’t risk another injury, especially after learning that I was healing well, so riding the bike was out. I’d have to go on foot.
I had about six hours until Jude would return. If I jogged through the trails, I could make it to where I’d hidden in an hour or so. I’d search that area first, and if I didn’t find the phone before I had to return, I’d work from there.
I found a small backpack that I could loop around one shoulder. Once I’d filled a water bottle, I tossed a few snacks into the bag, along with my headlamp and another sweatshirt in case this one got wet from digging around.
I was tying the laces on my muddy sneakers when Ripley padded up to me, her nails clicking on the hardwood floor.
She stood in front of me, wearing a disappointed look on her face. Like she knew I was going against Jude’s orders.
“You can’t tell.” I stroked her ears. “He won’t understand, and I don’t want him getting hurt.”
She lowered her head, as if acquiescing. But when I walked out the door, she followed. Okay, then. I guess I had a friend. Once I hit the edge of the forest, I took off at a jog, wincing as each step made my shoulder ache.
Ripley matched my pace, clearly not letting me out of her sight.
I was anxious and in pain, but at least I wasn’t lonely.
Chapter10
Jude
The diner was the hub of our small town. On any given day, half the population dropped in, sometimes for breakfast and other times for a to-go coffee and gossip.
It was alsotheplace to see and be seen. And to get updates on what was happening around town.
It may come as a surprise, but I didn’t avoid the place. The eggs Benedict was too good for that. Though I limited my visits, unlike Finn and Cole, who practically lived here. Which was why I’d swung by this morning. So I could pick their brains.
Cole, who worked at city hall, coordinating and planning town festivals and events while getting his master’s degree, was one of the most connected people in Lovewell.
Finn ran a wildly popular flight tourism company, and since he was the friendliest and most approachable of the six of us brothers, he had a tactical advantage.
I had barely seen them in the week since Mila had arrived, so when they’d texted, suggesting breakfast, I jumped at the chance.
Every day she was here, I woke up a little more panicked, concerned about how much longer I could keep her hidden.
What worried me more, though, was the concern that she wouldn’t allow herself to remain hidden much longer. I could feel it—her restlessness, her itch to do something, to make headway.
“Morning, assholes.” Gus, the oldest of the six of us, approached our booth, looking as grumpy and sleep-deprived as ever.
