“It’s not something I can ignore, and you shouldn’t have to either. I’d like you to leave, Mr. Shaw. Or I’d be happy to call Chief Hartley and ask him to escort you off the premises.”
Red crept up Gabe’s throat. “Do you have any idea who you’re messing with?”
“No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me. Men like you always do. But it won’t change anything.”
Rage blazed in Gabe’s eyes. “I was trying to throw the local businesses a few pity dollars, but I should’ve known better than to bother myself with trash.” His gaze flicked to me. “Slumming it is more my brother’s style.”
He pivoted on his heel and stormed out of the coffee shop.
I turned to Aspen, and it was then that I saw she was shaking. I crossed quickly to her. “Are you okay?”
She attempted to give me a smile, but it was wobbly around the edges. “I’m fine. I just hate assholes like that.”
I studied my friend, wondering if there was something deeper going on. I hadn’t known Aspen long and didn’t know her history, but I knew that she was kind, funny, and an amazing mother. Still, there was a deeply rooted fear in her, too. “You sure?”
She nodded. “Come on. Let me get you that coffee.”
I watched her carefully as she poured my drink and got my muffin. I didn’t miss the slight tremble in her hands, but that was the only thing that gave her away.
“Here you go. Shoot me a text so we can figure out our kayak day.”
I handed her a twenty. “Sounds good. Let me know if Gabe gives you any trouble.”
She waved me off. “It was you he was trying to rile. Keep an eye out.”
My stomach twisted. “I will.”
With a wave, I headed out into the sunshine and hopped into my SUV. The drive to the office was only a matter of blocks. Soon, I parked and headed inside.
I lowered myself into my chair and took out my bran muffin.
Eddie pouted. “You didn’t get me anything?”
I grimaced. “Sorry, pal. I got distracted.”
“How easily they forget us when they get fancy new boyfriends,” he grumbled and then winced.
I arched a brow. “Late night?”
His lips twitched. “You missed out.”
“I won’t miss the hangover.”
Noel chuckled. “Especially when he’s on that ten-miler today.”
Eddie took a swig of coffee. “Boot and rally, my friends. Boot and rally.”
I scrunched up my nose. “That’s disgusting.”
“I have to agree,” Jordan said as he strode in from the back. “But do whatever it takes because we’ve got a busy day.”
He launched into our assignments for the day, and we started prepping gear bags. Poor Eddie looked a little green.
I shot him a grin. “Regretting that boot and rally plan?”
“Maybe a little.” He leaned his head on my shoulder. “You’ll nurse me back to health, right?”
I gave him a shove. “Do the crime, do the time.”
