Page 43 of The Prey (The Hillers of Barratt County #6)

Commander Rodriguez had questions. Hudson wasn’t certain he had the answers.

All he knew was that there had been rumors that someone was making a deal with an attorney in Barratt County to cause a little trouble.

That trouble had specifically mentioned Molotov cocktail.

The Finley Creek forensics lab was still running the evidence from the fire at his home.

Hudson suspected they’d tie that evidence to the gossip eventually. It was just a matter of time.

Charlie Fields was taking the arson personally. He’d made that very clear—he’d known Gia her entire life. He wasn’t taking threats to Gia’s family in any way lightly.

“Why would this guy have it out for you? Case gone wrong?” Commander Rodriguez, head of the homicide division for the Finley Creek TSP, asked. “And supposedly the attorney is Barratt County. That is a limited list.”

Only one name truly came to mind. “Jason Clarke. He worked for my office three years ago. He has a history with Gia. He’s recently returned to the area and is working part-time for Walters.

We’ve already had words this morning. He apparently has a problem with the personal relationship I have with Gia. ”

Hudson looked for the man in question. He didn’t see him in the lobby—just Walters, with a pissed off expression on his face. It took a lot to get Walters angry. Hudson suspected Clarke had been managing that little trick just fine.

“In your opinion, is Clarke capable of hiring someone to do this?”

“In a heartbeat. He’s already targeted Gia verbally today. I wouldn’t put this past him at all.”

“If it lines up, we’ll be in touch. In the meantime, watch yourself. And watch your girl,” the commander said. Hudson had met with him a few times before, on previous cases. He greatly respected the man. Rodriguez did his job. “Don’t take any chances.”

“We won’t. I’m taking her home with me tonight. We won’t be leaving until tomorrow morning, when she will be back at her family’s home.”

“In my opinion—until we get this guy, take her back to the ranch as soon as you leave here. Her brothers will see that she’s safe,” Charlie Fields said. “Hell, my own brother will probably be there, too. Don’t take chances. It’s not worth the risk.”

Hudson thought about his words as the two men left. Don’t take chances.

Well, she should be back by now.

Something didn’t feel right.

It was time to go find his woman.