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“What the hell?” Wolf barked.

Trigger pointed at me. “Mace?”

I lifted one hand. “Hello, Trigger.”

He came off the porch so fast Max moved in front of me.

“Easy,” I told him.

Max held his position as Trigger stopped three feet away.

Trigger looked at the dog.

Then at me.

Then back at Max.

“You brought backup?”

“He has better manners than you.”

“That is hurtful.” Trigger put a hand against his chest. “Probably true, but still hurtful.”

“Are you going to stand there all day?” Wolf asked.

“I haven’t decided.”

Trigger stared at me for another second.

Then he hit me.

Not with his fist.

With his entire body.

His arms locked around my shoulders, and he nearly knocked both of us into the side of my truck.

“You stubborn son of a bitch.”

I held on to him.

“Good to see you too.”

“You couldn’t call?”

“I have a phone.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

“I know.”

Wolf came down the steps more slowly.

When Trigger finally released me, Wolf gripped my shoulder.

“You staying?” he asked.

“I parked.”