Page 95 of Under the Radar

I breathed out. “Wow.”

Maxx looked livid. “You don’t raise your hand to any woman. Especially my wife. I wasn’t giving him a chance to touch her.”

Charly tossed her hair. “I could have taken him, but whatever.”

Maxx snorted, and Charly hid her smile. She loved it when he got protective.

Dom continued with the story. “Jim Albright looked shocked. And suddenly, he was questioning Dan’s story. It turns out Jim’s daughter was in an abusive relationship. Only things he hates more than thieves are liars and men who hit women. Dan had totally snowed him, but Jim was looking at him with different eyes, seeing how he reacted to Charly. What you said about him pushing Hannah and harassing her.”

“How had he even made that connection between Albright, me, and the garage?”

“A couple of the guys were at the bar and talking about their new job a couple of nights ago. We think Dan must have recalled seeing Albright’s name in an old case file, put it together, and went to Jim with his whole concocted story. He took information from the files on you and Wes and conveniently tied them together, knowing what Jim’s reaction would be, given the history.”

“Where is Dan now?”

“At the station with the chief. Maxx called the cops,” Hannah said. “And Charly called me. I took personal time and came home.”

She leaned over. “The chief wants to talk to you. Today. But first, we’re going to the hospital.”

“Where does the contract stand with Jim?”

Maxx shrugged. “In limbo. He apologized. Explained his side and realized how he overreacted. He’s called twice since he left. His wife called him an idiot when he told her about it, apparently. He wants to apologize to you as well. He regrets his actions. He was younger when the robbery happened. It hit him hard, and he took a huge loss because he didn’t have much insurance. He was angry and bitter, and Dan knew exactly how to rile him up. Jim wants to talk to you. I told him the contract would depend on the outcome of that conversation.”

“Maxx—”

He held up his hand. “Charly is right. We’ll hurt a bit, but we’ll recover. You are more important than the money, Chase. Why don’t you know that by now?” he demanded gruffly.

I blinked. “I just got it.”

“Well, don’t forget it.” He stood. “We’re taking you to the hospital. Then to the station. Stefano and Dom will head to the garage and make sure everything is good there. Tomorrow, you are back, broken hand or not. You can work with one.” He met my gaze. “Your resignation is not accepted. You understand?”

I nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

* * *

I had two broken knuckles. The doctor decided surgery wasn’t needed but put me in splint and gave me painkillers. I was instructed to keep my arm immobile and above my heart as much as possible for the next forty-eight hours. Charly informed me I was off the rest of the week, refusing my objections. I was pissed. I couldn’t work, I wouldn’t be able to help with the deck, and I was feeling slightly ill from the whiskey I had gulped down earlier. The effects from the liquor were gone, leaving only the lingering aftermath.

Hannah stood beside me, stroking my head, her touch light and gentle. I leaned into her caresses. “What a shit day,” I muttered.

“I know.”

“Fucking OD.”

“I know.”

“Wish I’d kicked his ass a little more.”

“It wasn’t his ass you punched, Chase. Might have been softer.”

I laughed, opening my eyes and meeting her amused gaze. “I’m sorry, Hannah.”

She cupped my face. “You were defending me. Protecting your family. You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“I still have to talk to your boss.”

“And Mr. Albright.”