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“You’ll have to come back when my Vanessa and Gary return and join us for family dinner.”

“That sounds nice,” I said. “Thank you.”

“What do you want to do with the rest of the afternoon?” I asked Drew, sliding into the truck.

Drew pretended to think. “Well, we could go to my place and make out. Or, we could go to your place and make out. If neither of those sound good, I’d also be game to drive out to Cattle Point and make out. You choose,” he said generously.

“I’m sensing a theme here.”

He gave me a boyish grin. “You are one smart lady.”

After an afternoon in his apartment at The Anchor that went way beyond making out, I felt like I could face the evening ahead with a semblance of calm. No matter what happened with Owen, I’d be fine. We’d be fine.

Drew insisted on coming with me to the meeting with Owen. After thinking it over, I’d agreed. I didn’t want to face him alone. Maybe that was cowardly, or maybe it was smart. I needed to show Owen I wasn’t easy pickings anymore.

Chapter 27 – Drew

Anya’s ex smirked as we approached him in the park above the marina. He stood about five-ten, but he had the burly shoulders of a bulldog. On the surface, he looked like any other tourist. It was the subtle sneer when he noticed our joined hands that gave him away.

“Princess, you couldn’t quite face me alone, huh?”

I wanted to wipe the cocky grin off his face and take some skin with it, but Anya’s restraining hand on my wrist reminded me why we were here. Owen would cook his own goose. So long as he kept his hands to himself, he walked away. Something about the taunting gleam in his eyes made me think that was unlikely.

“Let’s get this over with,” Anya said, each syllable clipped. She stalked ahead, leading the way down the dock towardThe Codfather.

“Hey, Captain Nick. Now still a good time?” Anya called as we reached the fishing boat bobbing gently against the pylons. Agent Harris emerged from below. His salt-and-pepper curlswere covered by a fisherman’s cap pulled low. He spit into a cup, the rank odor of chewing tobacco floating on the breeze.

“Sure. Come aboard.” He extended a hand for Anya, helping her across. I stepped easily onto the deck, Owen following me.

“Owen,” he introduced himself as he and Agent Harris shook hands.

“Captain Nick.”

“You’re a fisherman?” Owen asked.

The grizzled captain shrugged. “I do this and that. Whatever I need to make the payments onTheCodfather.”

Owen cast an assessing gaze across the deck, taking in the worn furnishings and aging electronics. “You catch much lately? I’ve heard this is cod and halibut country.”

Nick lifted a shoulder. “That and salmon. I run occasional charters near Victoria. We catch our limit.”

“Nice,” Owen said.

“But I’m open to other kinds of charters too,” Nick said.

Owen’s face stretched in a grin, all razor-sharp teeth. “Just what I like to hear.” He pulled a bottle from his jacket pocket. “Can we talk below over a glass of bourbon?”

Owen flicked a dismissive hand to Anya and me. “You can go. The grownups have business to discuss.” His predatory smile returned, his teeth flashing white in the gloom. “I’ll be in touch.”

“That’snotthe deal.” I enunciated each syllable carefully so he couldn’t misunderstand me. “You’re not to contact her ever again.” I stared him down, pleased when he looked away.

“Owen, we were through long before I left Detroit. I’ve granted you this final favor, for old times’ sake, but those times are over. I’ve moved on. You should too.”

I was proud of Anya for sticking up for herself.

“And if you need any extra incentive to leave the island, I’m happy to give it to you,” I said mildly, forcing a pleasantexpression through gritted teeth. The muscle ticking in my jaw beat with my pulse.

Owen held my gaze. I imbued my expression with every ounce of pain I wanted to cause him. Every threat I couldn’t share aloud. His eyes flickered. Owen gave Anya a dismissive smile.