Page 7 of Tempted
He drags on his jeans and shirt from lastnight and closes the door behind him. A few minutes later, I hearhis voice. I peek through his window, which gives me a perfect viewof the courtyard, and I see him talking to the sheriff.
“Got reports last night of two men onmotorcycles chasing and shooting at a car,” the sheriff addressesGage.
“I can assure you, Sheriff, neither I nor anyof my men were chasing or shooting at any cars.”
“For once, I believe you.”
Gage scoffs. “Oh, really? Why?”
“Description of the car being shot at matchesyour Mustang.”
Oh, shit.I look closely at Gage. He’ssuper cool, showing no signs of fear or even anxiety. He’s greatunder pressure. His actions last night proved that.
“I don’t see how that’s possible. Car’s beenin the shop, getting some more modifications done.”
The sheriff doesn’t look convinced. “Whereyou were last night around eleven?”
“I was at Chiquita’s. Two of my guys werewith me and can verify that. Along with everyone else who saw methere.”
“Mind if I take a look at your car?” He jerkshis chin toward the trailer. “Or maybe just what’s in that trailerthere.”
Oh, no.If I remember anything fromlast night, it’s that the car, along with two dead bodies, are inthat trailer.
“You got a warrant?” Gage asks.
“You got something to hide?”
They stare each other down until Gagechuckles and shakes his head.
“You know what? Since we’re such goodfriends…”
The way he said “friends” indicates they’reanythingbutfriends.
“...I’ll do you a favor,” he continues. “I’lllet you look in my trailer, without a warrant, just to ease yourmind.”
“Appreciate it,” the sheriff repliesdryly.
Gage motions to one of the guys who thensprings into action and moves toward the trailer. I hold my breath.Dear God, I’m about to go to prison for murder.I watch asthe guy climbs into the trailer and some others attach a ramp toit. Seconds later, the Mustang comes rolling down, looking like itjust came off the lot.What the fuck?How did they fix itso quickly?The detective walks to the trailer and peersinside. He turns back to Gage with a not-so-pleased look. I cantell he knows he’s been duped.Damn, these guys aregood.
“Well…thank you for your cooperation, Mr.Hunter. Have a nice day.”
“You, too, Sheriff Renley.”
He takes one last look around then climbsinto his patrol car and drives away. I let out the breath I’ve beenholding.That was close.I turn away from the window and seemy jacket and phone sitting on the chair in the corner. I hit thebig, red punching bag as I pass by, grab my phone, and climb backonto the bed. His room is neat but pretty basic – the bed, a chestof drawers, a nightstand. There’s also a flat screen TV mounted onthe wall. Lying on my stomach, I check my messages. Just a fewcalls and texts from Chrissy. I better call her back.
“Ray! Where the hell are you?” She answers ina panicked voice.
“I’m fine. I’m at the clubhouse.”
“Oh, shit! Did you stay there lastnight?”
“Yes…”
“Oh, my God! Did you –”
I quickly cut her off. “No! Nothing happened.We just slept.”
“In the same bed?”
