Page 22 of Edge

“I don’t think Muzzle or Snarl are smart enough to know how to do that,” I said.

“Maybe not, but I’m sure they could pay someone who is,” he countered.

I swallowed thickly. He was right. They could easily do that. But would they?

“I don’t even know if they’re looking for me.”

“You reported them to the police and got them arrested for murder. They’re looking for you,” he said confidently.

“It was an anonymous tip.”

“You may not have given your name, but they knew who the tip came from. Who else besides you would know about their fingerprints and where the murder weapon was?”

“Yeah, that was the only part of my plan I couldn’t figure out how to get around. At least their arrest bought me some time. Once they’re found guilty and sentenced, I won’t have to worry about them anymore,” I said.

Edge grimaced.

“What?”

“I told you I recognized your last name and the town you were from. Before I came up here to talk to you, I had Byte search your father’s name to see if I was right,” he said andpaused. “The charges were dropped against your father and brother.”

I nodded in acknowledgment and took a few moments to process his words. “I shouldn’t be surprised. People have always said the cops in Fairbanks were dirty.”

Edge was quiet for a few moments while he sipped his coffee. “Do you have a gun?”

“What?”

“A gun,” he repeated. “Do you have one?”

“No.”

“You need one. And you need to know how to use it. I have one you can hang onto for a while. Are you free to go target shooting tomorrow?”

“Hold on,” I said. He was moving too fast. “You want to give me a gun and teach me how to shoot it tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” he said simply. “You need to be able to defend yourself if something happens. If you’re comfortable with a gun and know how to use it, you’ll be able to do that.”

“You mean if my father and brother find me,” I clarified.

He nodded. “Would you be able to shoot them if you had to?”

I didn’t even have to think about it. After what they did to me and what they threatened me with, it was a no brainer. “Oh, yes.”

Edge chuckled. “Thought so.”

“I was wrong about you,” I admitted.

He grinned. “I know.”

“You do?”

“You were terrified of me, and you didn’t hide it well.”

“I’m sorry,” I apologized.

“It’s okay. I knew something was going on with you, but it makes more sense now.”

“I almost died when Irene pulled up to your clubhouse for Gabby’s party.”