Page 64 of Hard Rain

Of course they did.

Daniel’s grin appeared a second later.

Also for Whip.

Blond hair caught the sunlight pouring through the open bay doors, making him look less like a mechanic and more like somebody who should’ve been selling expensive watches in a magazine.

Twenty years later and the bastard was still unfairly good-looking.

“Whip Tauber.”

“Daniel Jones.”

The grin widened.

Axel immediately disliked how happy everybody seemed about this reunion.

“Long time.”

“Too long,” Daniel said, wiping his hands on the grease rag.

Axel cleared his throat.

Neither of them paid attention.

“Nice to see you too,” he muttered.

Daniel finally looked his way.

“Oh. Hey, Axel.”

Whip barked a laugh.

Axel narrowed his eyes and stalked toward the open bay doors.

Maybe this place did have drugs.

DECISION

The repair shop smelled like motor oil and old engines. Daniel somehow kept the place cleaner than most restaurants in Fern.

Axel stomped over and claimed the jamb of the wide doorway before Whip finished greeting Daniel. Some habits were so automatic the man probably didn’t realize he was doing them.

“How long’s it been?” Daniel asked.

“Six months since I brought the Jeep in.”

“It’s due for a tune-up.” Daniel laughed and smiled at him.

Across the room, Axel scraped a boot loudly against concrete.

Whip quirked his lips.

There it was.

The same jealousy had surfaced with Tomas. Then Deputy Chase.

Now Daniel.