Page 77 of Maverick

“Chasity?”

“Detective Martin.” My breath caught in my throat.

“I’m not certain how to tell you this.”

“What are you talking about?”

“There’s been a development you should know about.”

While I heard her words, they weren’t registering, at least in the forefront of my mind. I slowed down as I rounded a curve, trying to make out what I was seeing.

The asshole driver from before must have been in an accident. I slowed down even more, my throat closing, and I was suddenly lightheaded.

“I’m sorry. Would you repeat what you just said?”

I could tell the driver was slumped over the steering wheel. Jesus. What in the hell had happened?

“I said…”

“I need to go.” Ending the call, I pulled the car over, taking several deep breaths before unlocking the door and stepping out, leaving the car door open. I had to help the driver.

He’s coming after you. He’ll find you. You need to leave Montana.

Swallowing hard, I couldn’t do this to myself. No. This wasn’t going to happen again. I backed toward my vehicle, reaching into the back passenger seat, wrapping my hand around the weapon. I wasn’t going to be a fool ever again. If the son of a bitch came for me, I wouldn’t hesitate to point the barrel right between his eyes.

My hands shaking, I headed toward the truck, leaving a wide arc between me and the truck itself.

What if the driver was suffering a life-threatening injury? I glanced behind me, hoping there would be another vehicle but there wasn’t. I moved forward cautiously. “Hello. Are you hurt? Is there something I can do to help you?”

There was no reply, but it appeared the driver had run into a ditch. I took another two steps, keeping a distance. “Can you hear me?” I couldn’t tell if it was a man or a woman. I crept a little closer. Then I heard a horrible moan. There was no doubt the driver had suffered a medical emergency. Maybe that’s why he or she was driving erratically.

“I’m here to help. Just relax.”

As the driver moved, I held my breath.

Then the person stepped out.

And I recognized his face and his sickening smile.

“Hello, my pet. Did you miss me?”

Pop!

CHAPTER15

Snake

Waiting.

I wasn’t a patient man, especially today. There was no particular reason other than I hadn’t gotten any sleep.

Or the fact I was eager to see Chasity again.

As I shifted in my seat, it was difficult not to grin given my cock hadn’t stopped aching since the night before. While I knew I wasn’t good at dating, I had plans on asking her out for dinner after going to the art show. That is if I survived the event. Maybe she could suggest the restaurant since I hadn’t been to anything other than dive bars since my return.

Or maybe we’d eat in.

The thought drove a dozen filthy images into my mind.

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