Fifty degrees.
And a star strewn sky perfect for the fireworks finale to ring in the new year.
I gripped the wheel as the engine made another clunking sound. “No. Please, no.” I patted the dash. “Just another five miles. Please don’t do this to me.”
Just as I hit the steep incline, I watched the RPMs slowly drop and the engine whine to a stop.
I pressed my forehead to the steering wheel. “No, no, no.”
Then I threw my head back with a tension breaker scream.
Chapter 2
Ripley
“You gotta be fucking kidding me!”
I paced the oil-stained cement floors ofMurdock Automotive. I was half dressed for my brother’s wedding. There was one lone mechanic on duty since the rest of them were going to be guests at my brother’s wedding.
It was a whole damn town affair.
Sullivan Murdock, the town golden boy, was getting married.
All of my brothers were falling like dominos to be truthful. My mother, Anna, wouldn’t be happy until every one of us was locked down and married, but at least she’d be off my back for a little while. Sully was about to link up to Nora, and my younger brother, Cameron had done a surprise quickie wedding just a few weeks ago during Thanksgiving of all days.
I knew for a fact that the rest of my brothers were itching to do the same.
Not me.
That was a hell no.
And the least of my problems at that moment.
“Yeah, Rip. I ran in for a coffee and I came out to a goddamn boot on my front tire.” Steve, my tow truck driver on for that night, was on the phone.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I didn’t know they made boots that fucking big,” I muttered.
“There was a note with it.”
I sighed. Of course there was.
“It’s from the mayor.”
“Mother fu—” I cut myself off when I saw my brother peek out from the large bay we were using to get dressed. The girls had taken over my folk’s house for getting ready. Handily, my shop was closer to the pavilion anyway, it was a win-win.
I pitched my voice lower. “There’s not much we can do about it tonight. The whole fucking town will be at my brother’s wedding.”
“Well, since there’s no tow truck until tomorrow, does that mean I get to come now?” Steve’s tone was hopeful.
I sighed. “Yeah. If you can find a way there, you got it.”
“Hot damn. Tawny is going to crap her pants if I can take her.”
I rolled my eyes. “Looks like you’re gonna be the hero of the night. Go on and get out of there. Where is the tow truck stranded?”
“On Hope near Church Pizza and the café.”
“Great.” At least I could get a pie when I had to beg the mayor to get the boot off. “All right, take off. I’ll see you tonight.”
