Page 7 of Dead Drift

Parker stepped toward Griffin. “If you come across anything you need my help on, just call. I’m happy to help you . . . to help Jenna . . . in any way I can.”

Griffin clapped him on the shoulder. “I know and I appreciate it. I’ll call if I need your input. You take good care of that lady.”

Parker nodded, clearly torn between the desire to find his first love’s killer and to be at his current love’s side. He’d made the right choice by staying, at least in Luke’s mind, but what did he know about relationships anymore?

After Griffin and Finley departed, Parker said, “It’s late. I appreciate you all being here, but it’s not necessary. Take Tanner home, Declan.”

Declan looked to Tanner and nodded. “Kate, how about you take my second guest bedroom? Tanner and I haven’t been comfortable with you staying alone since the shootout on the boat, and after tonight—”

“Shootout?” Luke could feel his eyes widening, his brows hiking. What were they talking about?

“It’s a long story,” Kate said.

“One I’m very interested in hearing,” he replied.

“One that can wait until morning,” Declan said.

“I’m fine,” Kate said. “I’ll stay on my boat.”

“Katie,” Luke said.

She gave him an are-you-kidding-me look of exasperation. “I can take care of myself.”

“I’m sure, but . . . why don’t you stay with me?” Luke countered.

“What?” she and Declan said at the same time.

“I would feel best if we stick together. I have a motel room. You can take the bed. I’ll take the floor.”

Declan looked at Kate.

She swallowed. “I’ll stay on my boat.”

Stubborn woman. “Fine, then I’m staying with you,” Luke said.

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes. I am.”

“And we’re exiting this throwback to a decade ago,” Declan said, taking Tanner’s hand and turning to Luke. “See you at the office at nine. We have a lot of work ahead of us.” He left with Tanner, closing the door behind them.

“Shall we?” Luke said.

Kate looked at Parker.

“I’m going to get a cup of really bad coffee,” Parker said, leaving them to duke it out as they always had. There’d always been a strong love between them, but strong wills to match. It was addictive, really, the fire that existed between them, fueling the other until they ended up in a passionate embrace. They’d been a mess but a magnificent one. And he’d let it all go.

She linked her arms across her chest and stared at him.

“I’m coming with you whether you invite me or not,” he said.

“So you leave for over seven years, then suddenly I’m your responsibility?”

“You just got shot at.” He was trying to protect her. Didn’t she get that?

“It wasn’t the first time. Doubt it will be the last.”

“What?” What kind of PI jobs was she working? And what was the shootout at the boat?