There’s a pause, then a slow exhale. “You sure it wasn’t just old fiberglass giving up?”
“It’s clean,” I snap. “Hole’s clean. That ain’t rot.”
Another pause.
“Bethany?” Holler says.
I shake my head automatically, even though he can’t see it. “She’s mean. She ain’t stupid. That’d be war. She knows that.”
“You sure?”
“No,” I admit, jaw tight. “But this feels different.”
“Want me to bring a boat and get you?” Holler asks.
My eyes drift back to Brittany. She’s staring at the water like it might climb up the dock and grab her by the ankle.
“No,” I say.
“You sure?”
“Yeah. Morning. Bring one in the morning.”
He grunts. “Legend’s already asking where you are.”
“Tell him I’m watching the perimeter.”
“That what you’re calling it?” Holler mutters.
“Shut up.”
He chuckles once, but it dies fast. “Be careful, VP.”
“I am.”
I hang up and stand there a second longer than I need to.
Truth is, I could’ve left. Holler would’ve been here in twenty minutes if I asked. But Brittany’s safer with me here tonight, and that ain’t just me telling myself what I want to hear. Whoever shot my boat wanted me stranded or wanted me dead, and either way, they were aiming at my access to her.
I step back inside.
She looks up fast, like she expects bad news.
“You call for backup?” she asks.
“Morning,” I say. “We’ll deal with it in the morning.”
Her brows knit. “So you’re staying?”
“Yeah.”
She nods once, like she don’t know whether to be relieved or annoyed.
“I’ll take the couch,” I say.
“You better.”
That almost makes me smile. Almost.
