“It did.”
I hadn’t mentioned to Milo that Piper was my date, but I had a feeling he could guess after seeing us together the other day.
“I really appreciate this,” I added. “You’re a good friend, man. Anytime you need a favor, just ask. You’re first on my list for ink when my studio’s open.”
He nodded, but something darker passed across his features. A moment of uncertainty.
“What’s up?” I asked. “Need a favor sooner?”
He hesitated, then shook his head. “No, nothing like that. But there’s something you might wanna know. That cop who was with Chief Nichols when they responded to the drug tip at your place? Chad Bronski?”
My shoulders tensed. Officer Bronski, who despised me for existing. “Yeah, whatabout him?”
“He was in here yesterday afternoon with his pal Dillon Kirby, picking up a couple dirt bikes that were in for maintenance. They were talking about you.”
“Dillon? Is that the same kid who works at Silver Linings?”
“Yep. He works there. From the way they were shit-talking you, I’m guessing Dillon isn’t president of your fan club?”
“Hardly. Officer Bronski’s the president. Dillon Kirby is the chief executive officer.”
Milo snorted. “Well, Bronski said you were prowling around Piper Carmichael’s house on Friday night.”
“Fuck’s sake,” I muttered. “That was someone else. A guy broke into Piper’s garage, and she called 911. Bronski barely lifted a finger to find the real culprit. He let the guy get away.”
Milo held up his hands. “Look, I knew it sounded like bullshit. I piped up, telling them Piper’s your girl and that must be why you were at her place. I mean, I assume she is, right? That’s who you were out with yesterday?”
The muscle in my jaw worked. Piper had said, over and over, that she didn’t care who knew about us spending time together.
“I’m not sure I can say Piper’s my girl. I’d like her to be. But yes, she was with me yesterday. I was only at her place on Friday because I was invited.”
He crossed his arms, nodding along. “Exactly what I figured. But anyway, when I said that, Dillon seemed pretty pissed off. He clearly didn’t like hearing it. Just wanted to give you a heads-up.”
“A heads-up that certain people don’t like me in this town? It’s not news, but I appreciate it. Hey, you won’t believe what was actually in that suspicious ‘drug’ package planted at my house.”
I told Milo the brick of powder turned out to be powdered sugar. He thought that was seriously messed up, considering how much trouble it caused me in the short term. But funny in a sick way.
“So you still think it was Piper’s ex Danny?” Milo asked.
“I’m sure of it. He all but admitted it to me later that night. Then he said he’d take a payment of two hundred grand inexchange for Piper and their son. Said I could have them if I paid him off.”
Milo whistled. “Dude. That’s fucked.”
“Couldn’t agree more. It could’ve been Danny behind the break-in at Piper’s garage on Friday too.”
“He’s that desperate for money?”
I dragged a hand over my beard. “I don’t know. I have no idea what’s in that man’s head. He’s essentially a coward, though. Sneaks around and threatens and tries to intimidate Piper, but I think he’ll back down.”
I’d seen Danny put his hand on Piper’s throat, and I wasn’t going to forget that. But I’d known many violent men in my past. Ruthless killers. I simply didn’t believe Danny Carmichael was one of them.
I would protect Piper and Ollie from him, but Danny would slink away soon enough. Like a rodent seeking out the shadows.
Milo blew out a breath, shaking his head. “You know, I’m impressed. For someone who hasn’t been back in town long, you’ve made a lot of enemies.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “Let me know if you ever need backup.”
“Thanks.”
THIRTY-SIX
