Page 121 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“Do you think they will take their confessions back?”

“Chloe, no. Jax, maybe? Depends on what their lawyers want them to do.” I sighed and hugged him tighter. “I’m happy to let the local guys handle it. I just want to spend some time home, with you.”

“And Grumpy.” He smiled, kissing the pup’s nose.

“I think he’s mad at me because he nipped me when I picked him up from Ashley’s house.” I grinned.

“He did?” Max raised his brows. “That’s not like him.”

“Nope. He’s teaching me a lesson.” I led the way into the kitchen. “I’m starving. How about we order something?”

“If you say bacon burgers, I’ll strangle you.” Max set Grumpy down on the ground.

I laughed. “I was thinking maybe chicken salads from the Crazy Cactus?”

His face brightened. “God, yes. Please feed me a salad.”

I grinned. “I’ll make the call.”

He moved closer again and put his arms around me. I liked this more affectionate version of Max, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong. He lifted his face to me, and I kissed him. When it ended, I said softly, “I’m so sorry for giving you the most horrendous experience of your life.”

He winced. “It certainly wasn’t what I expected. But that wasn’t your fault. I figured it would be painful in parts, but I never thought our lives might be in danger.”

I groaned and pulled him close. “We didn’t even get a damn tree.”

“I hope you can get a refund.” His voice was muffled. “That experience was nothing like the brochure.”

“I think Mona has enough on her plate without me asking for my money back.”

“Will she be okay, do you think?”

I nodded. “I think she’ll be fine. I think she and Leo are making plans to tell Dakota the truth and to get Ezra out of their lives. He doesn’t want to be there anyway. There’s no reason for her and Ezra to keep up the charade.”

“What about the fact that Jax used their farm for his drug business?”

“So far he’s keeping Mona and Ezra out of it. He’s taking full responsibility. They were clueless. I doubt there will be any evidence that points to them. I don’tthinkthere will be any criminal charges filed, but I don’t really know. I’m happy to say, it’s not my case.”

“You should be paid for your time there. That was a working vacation if I ever saw one.” He let go of me and moved away to sit at the table.

I went to call in the order for the salads and paid extra for delivery. I didn’t want to leave my house for the next two days. I just wanted to sit and relax and not worry about being murdered or someone else being murdered. I wanted to not be a cop for a minute.

“It was painful leaving you behind,” he said. “You looked forlorn.”

“Did I?” I frowned. “I tried very hard to look macho and cool.”

“Well, I know you. I know your expressions. I can feel your emotions.” He smiled. “That’s weird to say, but it’s true.”

I nodded. “And I know yours.” I sat at the table with him. “For example, I know something is bothering you, Max.”

He dropped his gaze, a line between his dark brows. “I don’t want to burden you when you literally just got home.”

“Burden me. Please. It’s worse knowing something is eating at you but not knowing what it is.” I grimaced. “Is it something with us?”

“What? No. Nothing like that.” He grabbed my hand. “I’m ha… happy with you.”

“Good.” I gave a relieved smile. “So then, what is bothering you?”

He exhaled. “I went into the Squeaky Wheel to buy Girdy a Christmas gift.”