by Wilder, L.
“I guess she walked.”
As I wrote myself another note, I gave him another little nudge. “The school is over seven miles away from here. It would’ve taken her hours to walk from there to here.”
“Then, I guess she caught a ride.”
“Oh, I see.” I jotted another note, then asked, “Any idea who she got the ride from?”
“I don’t see what any of this has to do with anything!” he argued. “The point is, Katie is a fucking liar. Why don’t you write that in your goddamn notes?”
“There’s no reason to get upset, Mr. Coburn. I’m just trying to get a grasp on why Katie would make up a story like this, especially when it pertains to her father. In my experience, kids don’t do that unless there’s a really good reason.”
“I just told you the fucking reason, lady, but you aren’t listening!”
“Do you still have the smart start ignition interlock installed in your car?”
“Yeah. Stuck with that shit for another four months,” he admitted. “Why do you wanna know?”
“You had it installed because you were convicted of a DUI. Is that correct?”
“Yeah.”
“If you are found guilty of drinking and driving again, you could end up serving up to a year in jail, lose your license, and possibly be fined up to thirty-five hundred dollars, correct?”
I could tell he was starting to lose his patience when he snarled, “Yeah, I guess.”
“I’d say that’s a pretty good reason not to get caught again.” I waited for a moment, and then I went for it. “So much so, a person might even get a friend or a family member to blow for them to ensure the car’s ignition interlock system isn’t triggered.”
His eyes narrowed as he growled, “I know what you’re getting at, and I done told you that Katie was lying about that. I don’t even drink anymore. Haven’t touched a drop since the night I got arrested.”
“That’s great.” I kept my voice calm and steady as I asked, “Would you be willing to take a breathalyzer test to prove it?”
“Now?” he asked with surprise.
“If you don’t mind. It would really help with my report.” I reached into my bag and pulled out the portable breathalyzer I’d brought from the office. “It’s the same kind that police officers use when they pull someone over. Once you blow, I’ll record the reading, and we’ll go from there.”
“Fine. Just give me the damn thing.”
I pressed the button to power the device, and once the indicator light came on, stating that it was ready to test, I instructed, “Okay, I need you to blow into the mouthpiece and don’t stop until I tell you to.”
He did exactly as I said, and when I told him to stop, he pulled his mouth away from the breathalyzer. I could feel the tension radiating off him as he waited for the results. He knew what was coming. While he’d managed to carry on a conversation with me, I’d caught a few slurred words. That, along with the fact that he reeked of the stuff, made it less of a surprise when he blew a .11 blood alcohol content. I jotted down his results, and since he’d already shown signs of agitation, I figured it was best for me to get the hell out of there. I calmly placed the test and the rest of my belongings into my bag and stood. “I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me today, Mr. Coburn. Our conversation was very insightful.”
I gave him a quick smile, then started down the steps and towards my car. I’d hoped that he wouldn’t come after me, but I wasn’t that lucky. “Wait! What did it say?”
“I’m sure you know exactly what it said, Mr. Coburn.” I opened my car door and quickly got inside. Before I closed it, I told him, “I have another appointment, but I’ll be in touch.”
“So, that’s it?” His face grew red with rage as he roared, “You’re not even going to give me a chance to explain.”
“I gave you a chance, Mr. Coburn.”
I closed the door and started my car, and as I went to back out of the driveway, he slammed his fist into the hood. I didn’t stop moving, fully aware of what would happen if I did, and rushed back to my office. While I didn’t have enough evidence to have Katie removed from the home, I did have enough to warrant a few surprise home visits. I had to make sure that Katie wasn’t in any danger, but after what occurred today, I wouldn’t be going back to that house alone. I’d have a police escort accompany me to ensure the safety of both Katie and myself.
When I got back to the office, I went straight to my desk and started working on my reports. Once I was done, I decided to go through my messages and cringed when I came across several missed calls from the animal clinic. I figured they were checking to see if I’d found anyone to take Duchess. I’d called everyone I knew, pleading with them to help me out, but no one was interested in taking on such a large dog. I wasn’t ready to give up just yet, so I’d been dodging the clinic’s calls. Sadly, it looked like my time was running out, and I’d have to take her to the pound like the vet had suggested. Accepting defeat, I picked up the phone, dialed the number to the clinic, then said to the receptionist, “Hi, this is Landry Dawson. I’m calling about Duchess.”
“Okay, how can I help you?”
“I just wanted to let you know that I haven’t found anyone to take her, so I’ll to have to bring her over to the pound.” Disappointment washed over me as I said the words. “I’ll be by there after work to pick her up.”
“I’m not sure I understand, Ms. Dawson. Duchess was already picked up last night.”
“What? By who?”
“Memphis Animal Control shut down a big puppy mill a couple of days ago, and they brought the dogs here to seek medical attention. We were running low on space and no longer had room to kennel Duchess for you. We tried calling several times, but when we couldn’t reach you, we contacted Mr. Hanson. He came and picked her up last night.”
“Really?”
“Yes, ma’am. He also took care of the bill.”
“Oh, I had no idea. Thank you for letting me know.”
“No problem. I hope you find a good home for her. She’s such a great dog.”
“Thank you. I hope I do too.” I was about to hang up when I realized I had no way of contacting Clay. “Hey … Do you happen to have Mr. Hanson’s number?”
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but I’m not allowed to give out personal information.”
“But—”
“I’m really sorry.”
With that, she hung up the phone. Damn. Now what?
CHAPTER 9
Prospect
“What’s the deal with the mutt?” Rider asked as he stepped over her and made his way to my station. “She your new sidekick or something?”
“No, not exactly. Just keeping an eye on her for a friend.”
He crossed his arms as he leaned back against the counter and studied me for a moment. “This friend wouldn’t happen to be the chick you helped out the other night, would she?”
“Yeah, that’d be her.”
“And this is the dog she hit?” Without giving me a chance to answer, he glanced down at Duchess and said, “Man, she’s a big one.”
“That she is, and she’s only a pup. Still got a lot of growing to do.”
“Damn. What kind of dog is it?”
“She’s a Great Dane, Rottweiler mix.” I glanced down at Duchess. She was lying down with her head perched high, her black coat glistening under the bright lights of the garage, and her big black eyes were staring right at me, like she knew I was talking about her. I couldn’t get over it. That crazy dog was the most easy-going, trusting animal I’d even been around—something I wouldn’t have expected from a stray. “Apparently, it’s an expensive breed or something. At least, that’s what the vet told us.”
“Seriously? Why would anyone would wanna mix a Dane with a Rot?”
“Couldn’t tell ya, but she’s a damn good dog.” I turned my attention back to the tailgate I’d been working on. “Hasn’t moved from that spot since we got here.”
“How long
you planning on keeping her?”
“Just a couple of days … maybe more. Depends on how long it takes Landry to find someone to take her.”
“She isn’t gonna keep her?” he asked, sounding surprised.
“Can’t. Her apartment doesn’t allow pets.”
Rider leaned down and started stroking her head. “She’s a pretty thing. Shame she can’t keep her.”
“She wanted to, but her hands are tied.” I shrugged. “Maybe she can find a home for her.”
“Gus okay with you keeping her at the clubhouse?”
“Yeah, he was cool with it as long as she doesn’t interfere with my prospecting … which it won’t.”
“I didn’t figure he’d mind, but it was good you checked with him.”
“I had my doubts, especially since she’s so fucking big, but you should’ve seen him when he laid eyes on her for the first time.” I chuckled as I went on, “He actually wanted to keep her for himself, but Samantha wasn’t having it. Said between Harper and a new grandkid on the way, they had enough on their plate, but I’m hoping he might be able to talk her into it.”
“Why don’t you just hang on to her?” Rider stood up, but didn’t take his eyes off Duchess. “You’ve been talking about getting a place of your own. Might be nice to have a dog around when you do.”
“I thought about it, but not sure I’ve got the time or the patience.” I took another quick glance over in Duchesses direction, and just like all the times before, she was still staring right at me. “But I gotta admit, she’s growing on me.”
“I can see why.” Rider finally turned his attention away from the dog and over to me. “Before I forget, come by the house after work tomorrow night. Darcy’s making dinner, and I’ve got some things to go over with you before our run on Monday.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Yo, Rider,” Blaze called from his office. “You got a minute?”
“Be right there.” He turned, and as he started towards Blaze’s office, Rider looked over to me and said, “You should keep her. Chicks love dogs.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Once he was gone, I tried to turn my focus back to my work, but my head just wasn’t in it. I was too distracted by that damn dog. It wasn’t her fault. Hell, she hadn’t made a fucking peep since we got to the garage, but every time I looked at her, I thought about Landry. I should’ve touched base with her the night before to tell her that I had Duchess, but I knew what would happen if I heard her voice. I’d want to see her, be close to her, and finally get that kiss I’d been thinking about since I’d last seen her. I had hoped that putting a little time and space between us would’ve helped make things easier. It hadn’t. In fact, it only made me want to see her even more. In my gut, I knew another day wasn’t going to change that, but each time I went to grab my phone to call her, I found another reason to put it off. I was starting to run out of excuses.
“Yo, Clay, there’s someone here to see you!” I heard Blaze call out to me.
“Who is it?” I asked as I turned and started towards the office but stopped the second I saw the scowl on his face. He was standing next to Landry, and it was clear that he wasn’t happy about her coming to see me at work. I hadn’t given her my number or the garage’s address, so I had no idea how she’d managed to find me. I continued towards them and tried to collect myself, but I was rattled by the situation. My tone sounded harsher than I intended when I asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I was looking for you.”
“But how did you know where to find me?”
“I have my ways,” she answered with a nervous smile.
Before I could respond, Blaze interjected, “I take it you know her?”
“Yeah, her name is Landry.” Seeing the curiosity in his eyes, I added, “She’s here about the dog.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll let you two get to it, then.”
With that, he nodded and headed back into his office, leaving us alone to talk. Landry looked amazing in her black dress pants and fitted teal sweater. It was damn near impossible not to just stand there and soak in her curves. Hell, I probably would’ve still been gawking at her if she hadn’t finally spoken. “I talked to the animal clinic, and they said you had Duchess. Is that right?”
“Yeah. They ran out of kennel space because of some puppy mill or something. They called me when they couldn’t get in touch with you.” I motioned my hand over to my station where Duchess was still lying on the floor. “She’s been hanging out with me ever since.”
“I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
The second Duchess spotted Landry, she started wagging her tail so hard her entire body shook. I figured she’d get up and rush over, but surprisingly enough, she remained seated in her spot. I leaned down and patted the side of my leg, then called, “Duchess! Come here, girl.”
Still sore from the accident, it took her a moment to get up, but once she was on her feet, Duchess trotted over to me and leaned her head against my thigh, panting as I rubbed her head. Landry knelt down beside her as she whispered, “Hey there, sweet girl.”
“Have you found anyone willing to take her?”
“No, not yet.” I could hear the torment in her voice as she continued, “I’m worried I might have to take her to the pound.”
“I could keep her a while longer if you think that would help?”
“Really? You’d do that?”
“Sure. It’s not like she’s any trouble.” My attention drifted to Duchess as she sat down with her rear centered on my boot. I ran my hand over her head and added, “And I kind of like having her around.”
A smile crossed Landry’s face as she said, “From the looks of it, she definitely likes being around you.”
I was so wrapped up in Landry and our conversation about Duchess, I never noticed that T-Bone and Gauge had walked over to us until they were both standing just a few feet away. I knew what they were doing. Considering how beautiful Landry looked today, I might’ve done the same thing if I was in their shoes, but unlike them, I would’ve simply taken a quick look and kept my mouth shut. When I noticed the goofy smirk that crept across T-Bone’s face, I knew I was in trouble. “Who’s your friend, prospect?”
“Landry Dawson.” She stood up and turned to them as I said, “Landry, this is T-Bone and Gauge.”
T-Bone’s eyes skirted over her as he replied, “Nice to meet you, beautiful.”
“Nice to meet you too.” Clearly nervous, her back stiffened as she shifted a little closer to me. I could easily sympathize with how she was feeling. Hell, I could still remember how intimidated I was when I met them both for the first time, but it didn’t take me long to figure out that they were both good guys. I hoped the same would hold true for her. Her voice was strained as she asked, “Do you both work here with Clay?”
“We do.” Gauge was dishing out the charm as he smiled and asked, “So, what brings you to our fine establishment?”
“I came to check on Duchess.” Landry ran her hand over the dog’s head, then turned her attention me. “And to see Clay, of course.”
“Duchess your dog?” T-Bone asked.
“Technically, no.” A light blush crept across her face as she continued, “I actually hit her with my car the other night, and Clay was nice enough to help me get her to the vet. I was hoping to find someone to take her, but I haven’t had any luck yet.”
“I can do some asking around. See if I can find anyone who’d be interested,” Gauge offered.
“I’d really appreciate that.” She smiled as she looked over to me and said, “I’m sure Clay would appreciate it too. He’s offered to keep an eye on her until I can find someone.”
T-Bone lifted his chin as he studied me for a moment, then asked, “You tell her about Friday night?”
The club was having a party Friday night. The guys had been busting their asses for weeks prepping for the next big pipeline run, and a party gave them an excuse to blow off some steam. I’d found
out earlier that morning that they’d also invited my uncle Viper and his boys to come down and share in the fun, so I had no doubt that it would be a hell of a party. There were countless reasons why I hadn’t mentioned it to Landry: first, I was just getting to know her; and second, I was prospecting. I knew what the club’s parties were like. Big or small, everyone there would cut loose and have a big time, except us prospects. There wasn’t a lot of fun to be had since we were the ones responsible for making sure shit stayed in control. Prospects had to guard the gates; keep tabs on the food and alcohol to ensure there was always plenty for the brothers, and that was just the beginning. Simply put, we had to remain on hand in case one of the brothers needed us. I wouldn’t have time to blink at that party, much less entertain a guest. I didn’t want Landry to think I was holding out on her, so I simply responded, “No, I hadn’t had the chance.”
“What’s Friday night?”
“We’re having a party at the club,” T-Bone answered. “If you don’t have plans, you should come by.”
“Um … Well, maybe. I’ll see what I have going on, but thanks for the invite.”
“No problem. Hope to see you there.” T-Bone gave me a quick nod before he and Gauge started back over to their work stations. “It was nice meeting ya, Landry Dawson.”
“You too!” Once they were gone, she turned to me and said, “They seem nice.”
“Yeah, they’re good guys.” As much as I hated to cut things short, it wouldn’t be long before Blaze got on my ass. “I guess I better get back to work.”
“Oh, yeah. Of course.” Landry knelt down and whispered something to Duchess before saying, “Thanks again for keeping an eye on her for me. I really appreciate it.”
“It’s really no problem.” I reached in my back pocket and pulled out one of the garage’s business cards, then took a pen off the front counter to write my number down and offered it to her. “Just give me a shout if you find someone to take her.”
“Okay, I will.”
When she turned to leave, Blaze stepped out of his office and said, “You just gonna let her walk out of here like that?”