Page 91 of Stone Coast

“Yeah, well, sometimes I like to drive.” She paused, then glared at me in the rearview. “That was pretty fucking stupid.”

“I’m not gonna argue.”

“I know you’re new around here, but we don’t ever do anything alone,“ Cooper said. “Always have a partner. You should know better.”

“I haven’t committed to your organization yet.”

He laughed. “Yes, you have. You just don’t know it yet.”

“You’ve been following me around?”

“Somebody’s gotta keep your ass out of trouble.“ Cooper flashed that pearly grin again. “I suppose you want to run down Mako?”

“He’s on my list of people to talk to. But I think I’ve had enough excitement for one night.”

“I don’t know about anybody else, but I think it’s time for a cocktail.”

“I’ve had my fill for today, thank you,“ I said.

“That’s right, you and Olivia indulged at the Tipsy Turtle. She’s a hot little number.”

“Go get it, tiger. She’s available.”

He chuckled. I think he said it to get a reaction out of me.

“Where are you gonna stay tonight? I don’t think it’s safe for you to go back to your boat.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Do you think Ray is just gonna let this slide? I mean, I can respect you prioritizing life, not wanting to be a cold-blooded killer. But you’re making a slew of enemies. You realize that? You don’t even have a gun.”

“Seems you have plenty.”

He gave me an incredulous look. “You want one of my guns?”

“Anything will do.”

Cooper hesitated for a moment. He drew a pistol from his holster, checked the safety, then handed it to me.

I press-checked the weapon.

“That’s unregistered. But try not to kill anybody with it.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“She can stay with me tonight,” TJ said. “Helluva lot safer than Coop’s place. And you won’t catch anything from the sheets.”

I chuckled, and Coop sneered at him.

“Thank you both, but I’ll be fine.”

TJ seemed like he could control his hormones a lot more than Cooper.

I told Piper to take me back to the marina. It pained her to do so, but she complied.

When we pulled into the parking lot, there were still a few media types hanging around theIntrepid. I was in no mood to deal with them. “On second thought, I may take you up on your offer.”

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