Chapter 16 Havoc
Havoc
Idon’t like being watched.
Never have.
The truck at the end of the driveway doesn’t move.
Doesn’t leave.
Just sits there like it belongs.
Which means whoever is inside wants us to know they’re here.
I step out of the barn and lean against the truck like I’m not paying attention.
Wolf joins me. We were in the barn hunting for anything else Tank might have buried.
“You calling the rest of the guys?” he asks.
“Already did.”
Right on cue, two engines growl up the dirt road.
Ace’s Jeep pulls in first.
Blaze follows in a black pickup.
Aspen steps out onto the porch when she hears the vehicles.
Confusion crosses her face as the two men climb out.
Ace tips his hat toward her.
“Ma’am.”
Blaze nods politely.
“Afternoon.”
Aspen glances at me.
“You called reinforcements?”
“Just precaution,” I say.
That’s a lie.
Ace immediately notices the truck down the road.
“Friend of yours?” he asks.
“Nope.”
Blaze studies the distance.
“They’ve been there long?”
“About an hour.”
He whistles softly.
“That’s bold.”
Dylan runs out of the house, then Buddy races beside him.
“More Rangers!” he announces like we’re a traveling circus.
Ace looks down.
“Well, look at that,” he says. “You must be Dylan.”
Dylan beams.
“Yes sir.”
Buddy sniffs Ace suspiciously.
Blaze crouches beside the dog.
“Hey, Ranger.”
Buddy wags instantly.
Traitor.
Aspen steps closer to me.
“Is something wrong?” she asks quietly.
I keep my voice calm.
“Just making sure nothing goes wrong.”
Her eyes flick to the truck again.
She sees it now.
“Are they watching us?”
“Yes.”
I don’t sugarcoat things.
Aspen inhales slowly.
But she doesn’t panic.
Tank chose well.