“He was running a successful business. Everyone loved him. Everyonedoeslove him. Why would he destroy his business?”
It was intoxicating watching Dare go from zero to one hundred on the protective bear scale and it warmed my heart knowing I had at least one person on my side if things turned to shit. Although how long could I take advantage of his kindness?
“I appreciate this is frustrating, but as long as you’ve done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear.”
Dare scoffed and I slid my foot across the floor to bump his. He turned to me and I pressed my lips together begging him to stop. He seemed to understand because he didn’t push it further.
“It will also be a good idea to decide what you want to do. Whether you want to purchase another food truck, or close down the business, or move it somewhere else. That way you can start getting some estimates to help with the claim?” the broker suggested.
I nodded.
She had no idea what she was asking of me. To plan for the future. I didn’t even know what the future held for me. Not while Victor was still around. I should have ran when he firstappeared. I was just delaying the inevitable by staying. I’d started my life over with nothing before, I could do it again.
But then…
How could I look Dare in the eyes and tell him that? He wouldn’t accept it. He wouldn’t let me go. He had this notion that things could go back to the way they were before, but they couldn’t.
They wouldn’t.
Not while Victor was out there. Out for blood. My blood.
The broker offered me her hand and then she shook Dare’s.
“I’m telling you. He didn’t do this. You guys better not pull this insurance crap and deny him his claim,” he said.
I pulled him by the arm. I just wanted to get out of there when someone else spoke from behind the broker.
“I can assure you, Dare. These guys are legit. They know what’s what. And if I need to vouch for our Zach here, I will. We all know he didn’t do this,” the man said.
“Mr. Wilson.” I offered my hand to the older businessman and serial philanthropist and he winced.
“How many times have I told you? Just call me Jake.” I apologized. “How are you holding on? Good?”
“As good as can be considering the circumstances,” I said and glanced at the broker.
I hoped she didn’t take my reply as an admittance of guilt or something.
“Don’t worry. Everything will be okay. I’ll make sure it is.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Are you just saying that to get my vote?” I asked.
Jake chuckled.
“Of course not, though your vote wouldn’t hurt.”
I laughed.
“I’m just messing with you. You know you’ve got my vote. Wilson for mayor!” I fist pumped the air, making Jake laugh.
“That’s the spirit. I hope I can count on your vote too, Dare,” he said and then excused himself.
We followed him outside and as he entered the store next to the brokers’, we got into Dare’s truck.
He was setting off when my phone beeped and my heart jumped all the way into my throat.
I looked at my screen wishing it wasn’t him. Wishing it was someone—anyone—else.
