Unwitting Alliances - Hunter Blake Series by Peggy Lea Baker

Chapter Five

  Hunter slept fitfully through most of the night, tossing and turning amid scattered dreams that didn’t make any sense. A couple of times he woke and immediately thought of Buster. He missed him and wondered how he was getting along. Finally checking the clock, he got up, dressed, and went downstairs to the kitchen. Karen walked in and found him raiding the refrigerator.

  “I could fix you some breakfast,” she said.

  “I think I want more pie,” he said, pulling out the pie plate. Helping himself to a slice, he asked, “Frank up yet?”

  “Up and gone already. Said he had a lot to do today.”

  Hunter glanced out a window noticing the dimly lit morning sky. “He’s up early.”

  “It’s typical.” Karen fixed a bowl of cereal. “So what are your plans for the day?”

  “I’d like to get Buster, but I’ll need to borrow a car.”

  “I can take you. I have some errands to run anyway if you don’t mind tagging along.”

  “I don’t mind.” He wiped his mouth and tried to suppress a belch without success.

  Karen smiled. “Frank gave me directions to the vet but we’ll have to wait until they open... around eight, I think.”

  “Guess I’ll go shower then,” Hunter said, rinsing his plate. “I won’t take long. You know I really miss that dog, even though haven't had him for very long.”

  “You belong together, Hunter,” Karen said. “It’s as if you’re the only owner he’s ever known. He seems very comfortable with you.”

  “Yeah. I feel the same about him.”

  Shortly before eight o’clock, Karen pulled up to the veterinarian’s office and parked. Hunter sat fidgeting until he noticed someone unlock the front door. He started to get out of the car but Karen stopped him.

  “Maybe I should get him,” she said. “You know.”

  It wasn’t long before she had Buster in tow and although still somewhat disoriented, he seemed happy to be leaving.

  Loading him into the car, Hunter consoled him. “Sorry about all of this pal, but you’re going to be fine.” Hunter climbed into the front seat. “What happened to his collar? He's wearing a different one.”

  Karen glanced back at Buster. “I’ll go ask.” Soon she was back. “They didn’t seem to know anything about another collar. I gave them my number in case they find it.”

  “That’s okay. I can get him another one. How much do I owe?”

  “Nothing. They said it was all taken care of. I suppose Frank did that.”

  “I’ll pay him back.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it right now. How about I take you two back home before I do my errands?” Karen suggested. “Buster looks like he still needs to rest.”

  “Yeah, that might be a good idea.”

  Hunter helped Buster inside the house as Karen drove away. He stoked the fire before settling down on the couch. Staring at the flickering flames, he contemplated the recent events once more, especially the break in at his ranch and the gunshot. “Who shot at us?” he asked, watching Buster who found his favorite spot in front of the fire. “That worries me more than anything right now.”

  His phone buzzed. The call was from an unknown number. He set the phone down and walked to the kitchen to rummage around in the refrigerator when Buster let out a short bark. Someone was at the front door. Hunter hurried to the living room just as Frank walked in.

  “Frank!” Hunter said with a measure of relief. “Any news?”

  “Not yet,” he said. “Karen here?”

  “Errands. She took me to the vet’s first then brought us back.”

  “Okay.” Frank sat down and gestured for Hunter to join him. “So let’s talk a little more about your experience yesterday. You say you went into town for a hamburger and when you got home you noticed the back door was open.”

  “Yes.”

  “And you were shot at as you lifted off.”

  “I was hovering thinking I might get a glimpse of someone at a window or something, but yeah.”

  “Just one shot?”

  “I guess they could have shot at me more than once, but I’m only aware of the one.” Hunter frowned. “What did I do to tick someone off enough to want to kill me?” He sat back and closed his eyes. “You know, I think I should retire and move to a remote island somewhere... just disappear.”

  “You’d get bored and run out of food. As for the shot, they may not have wanted to kill you but just scare you off.” Frank stood up. “Okay. I think it’s best if you stay here one more night. We’re installing a more sophisticated surveillance system at your place. I didn’t think you’d mind.” He smiled. “Once it’s ready you can go back home.”

  “That sounds good to me oh, and hey, I’ve been getting some phone calls from blocked and unknown numbers. Got another one just before you walked in. First my brother, and one from Tiffany Miles.”

  “If they’re blocked how do you know who called?”

  “I answered the one from my brother... he’s such an idiot. And Tiffany left a message. Other than that, I’m avoiding the calls. Don’t want to talk to my brother and don’t want to talk to Tiffany either. In fact, I don’t want to talk to anyone right now.”

  “I can look into it.” Frank said.

  “Thanks. So how did my place look? Anything missing?”

  “Someone had obviously gone through it. It was tossed. You keep valuables there? In a safe?”

  “I do have a safe, but it’s pretty well hidden. There’s some cash in it and my handgun, plus a few other documents but nothing of much importance. I have a safety deposit box for some of those things but most of my stuff is in a vault at my corporate attorney’s office in L.A.”

  Frank stood up. “I’ve got to go take care of a couple of things, but I should be back in time for dinner.”

  Hunter watched Frank drive away then decided to check all the windows and doors before going upstairs to his room. “I think I’m getting paranoid,” he said to Buster, who had followed him and promptly curled up on the floor next to the bed. Hunter lay down and tried to get comfortable but couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened the day before and some of the things that had happened the past few weeks. Then, lost in thought, he finally fell asleep.

  He and Buster had been napping for over an hour when something jolted him awake. He sat up. Buster was already on his feet, alert, and emitting a low growl. “What is it, boy?” Hunter asked, still listening as he quietly walked to his partially open bedroom door.

  A rustling sound followed by a cheery, “Hunter?” put him at ease. Karen was back.

  He and Buster made their way downstairs. “Just getting up from a nap,” he said with a yawn.

  “I picked up Chinese food for lunch, if you want some.” She disappeared into the kitchen.

  He followed her. “Sounds good to me.”

  Buster hungrily dug into a generous helping of kibble as Hunter sat at the kitchen table waiting for Karen to join him. “He seems pretty happy,” he said, smiling at his dog.

  “He was hungry, that’s for sure! Sorry I took so long.”

  “That’s okay. I feel like I’m a real inconvenience to you and Frank.”

  “Well, you’re not. We’re happy to help out.” She grinned at him.

  Taking a bite of chicken stir-fry he asked, “So did Frank say anything to you about what’s going on?”

  “Nope. He rarely talks about work. Most of it is highly confidential, due to the nature of his clients or the particular case he’s working on. I do get curious, but unless something turns up on the evening news or in the paper, it’s one of the pieces of our relationship that’s relatively off limits to casual conversation.”

  “That must get frustrating at times.” He took another bite.

  “I suppose, but I’m used to it. Besides, since he doesn’t talk about any of it, I really don’t know what he’s working on. Therefore, I hav
e no specific questions to ask other than, ‘Have a nice day?’”

  Hunter chuckled. “Yeah.” They sat quietly and ate then he asked, “So, are you both going to take that week off again this summer? Heading back up to your summer place?”

  “In Canada? We’re planning on it, but probably not until late summer.”

  “You might have some weather coming in that time of year.” Hunter said.

  “I know,” she agreed, “but it was the only time Frank felt he could manage to get away from the office.” She smiled. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Just getting away is what’s important… especially for Frank. I worry about him sometimes. He’s so busy and work takes him away too often anymore it seems. It was all I could do to get him to agree to go this year.”

  “He travels a lot?” Hunter was growing more interested. “I never really did know what Frank’s job entailed other than prosecuting the bad guys. I figured he had staff to do all the running around.”

  “You would think so, but apparently a lot of his clients don’t live nearby,” she replied. “I’m not sure where he goes, exactly, just as long as he comes home once in a while.” She got up to clear the table.

  Hunter finished up then went back to the living room. Buster was curled up in front of the fire, which had died down but was still warm. Karen came in and sat on the sofa staring at the glowing embers with Hunter in a nearby chair.

  “You want me to stoke it up a bit?” he offered and stood up. Without waiting for an answer, he added some dry pieces and fanned them until the flames began to flicker.

  “Thanks,” was all Karen said as he sat back down.

  They watched the fire grow and dance happily in its place, popping and crackling, giving off welcomed warmth against the chilly afternoon. Buster sighed and twitched slightly as he dozed.

  Karen’s gaze never left the fire until Hunter finally broke the silence. “You okay, Karen?”

  “Hmm?” she responded absently then looked at Hunter. “Yes. Yes, I’m fine. Just thinking.”

  “Things okay with you and Frank?” he suddenly asked then just as quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. None of my business.”

  Karen was startled by the question. “Sure. Things are fine. Frank’s just been extra busy it seems. I worry about him.” She gazed back at the fire. “He seems more keyed up these days,” she said, “and... detached, but...”

  Hunter noticed a tear before she casually wiped it away. He moved over to the sofa. “Need a hug?”

  Looking into Hunter’s eyes, more tears began. He put his arm around her and pulled her close, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. In the several years he’d known Frank and Karen, he’d always thought of them as a great couple completely in love and content in their marriage. He cared for both of them, but especially for Karen at this moment, realizing she was obviously struggling with something.

  Finally pulling away, she said, “You are a good friend, Hunter. Thank you.”

  “We won’t tell Frank,” he said with a wink. “Don’t want him to get the wrong idea.”

  Karen managed a smile then shook her head and scolded herself. “Good grief. What’s wrong with me? It’s his work. He has a lot to do. There’s a lot expected of him, especially since a couple of his associates left to start a practice of their own. He’s short-handed, although I think he recently hired a new law clerk. But still, I’m sure that’s why he’s been gone so much lately. It’s the work load.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure that’s why,” Hunter agreed. “And I didn’t help matters much. Hopefully they’ll be able to figure out who the real target is so I can go home and Frank can get back to more important stuff.”

  “It’s all important to him, Hunter. They’ll figure things out. They usually do. Frank’s good at what he does.” She leaned back. “So what do you think the intruder was looking for?”

  “I have no idea and I can’t imagine why anyone would want to shoot me either.” He laughed. “Well, hell, sure I can. Anyone I beat out for a part, especially if the film was a huge success!”

  Karen laughed. “You really think someone would do that?”

  “No. Not really. No, I’m beginning to think this is probably a case of a random home invasion type of thing,” he said. “Frank will figure it out.”

  Karen nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps, plus your place is out of the way. Easy for someone to sneak in without being noticed.”

  “Yeah, I probably just showed up at the wrong time and caught them in the act.”

  A vehicle pulled up out front. Buster raised his head then stood and took a step toward the front door. Hunter went to a window. “Speak of the devil. He’s back early.”

  Frank came in, deposited his briefcase on the floor and hung his jacket on the coat rack. “Good afternoon everyone. It’s been a busy day and I’m tired so I decided to come home early.” He glanced toward the fireplace. “Buster seems content.”

  Karen greeted her husband with a big hug and kiss then whispered. “I missed you.”

  “Missed you, too,” Frank replied. Turning to Hunter, “You’ll be able to go home tomorrow. They’ve been working hard to get everything set up. It should be operational by late morning.”

  Hunter grinned. “That’s great! Thanks for going out of your way. I know you’re really busy these days.”

  “Yes, well, I like to help out my friends.”

  “I appreciate it. Hey, Karen says you two may get some time away this summer and head back up to Canada.”

  “That’s the plan. We’ll have to see how my work load looks.” Frank glanced at Karen.

  “Hungry?” Karen asked her husband. “There’s some Chinese food in the kitchen.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll get it.” Frank headed to the kitchen.

  Hunter noticed Karen’s look of disappointment. “I’m sure the trip will happen,” he said. “It’s a few months away and he obviously has a lot on his mind right now, but he knows it’s important... for both of you.”

  “I suppose,” she said, “but I don’t think I should count on it this year. There’s too much going on.”

  “Don’t give up on it that easily. Like I said, you’ve got a few more months. Just wait until the weather gets better. His mood will improve.”

  Karen looked at Hunter. “You’ve noticed it too, haven’t you? How he seems to have changed a little. He seems more intense. He’s become short-tempered with me, although I’m grateful he’s not been that way with you around right now.”

  Hunter frowned. “Promise you’ll call me if you need anything. I care about you both, but if you need a shoulder, I’ve got two. Just pick one.” He smiled.

  “Thank you Hunter.” Her voice was barely audible. “But I’ll be fine.”

  By noon the next day, Hunter and Buster were home again. Now with a new surveillance system installed, he could easily check his property from a computer in his home office or even with his phone when he was out. Half dozen cameras, mounted in various locations, could either remain stationary or set to automatically scan. Hunter could also remotely control any of the cameras if he chose to. It came with a hefty price tag, but it was well worth it in his estimation. A side advantage was his ability to keep track of Buster when he managed to run off some place out of sight of the house.

  In addition to the cameras, and additional exterior lighting, he could remotely lock and unlock doors, turn on or off interior and exterior lights, as well as his television, if need be, all with the ease of his cell phone.

  Happy to be home, he decided to take a drive into town to pick up some groceries and stop at the Home Center for a few things he needed for one of his projects. With perishable groceries placed in a large cooler, packed with snow, he pulled into the Home Center parking lot.

  “Hang tight,” he said to Buster. “I’ll hurry. And try not to annoy anyone, okay?” He grinned at his dog and gave him a good rub before making h
is way through melting slush into the home improvement center. Grabbing a cart, he found the aisle he was looking for and began selecting a couple of different stains for his project, then moved toward another aisle looking for nails and screws. He responded with a grin to a greeting from a couple of shoppers and wasn’t watching where he was going, when his cart collided with another one.

  “Sorry about that,” he quickly apologized. “Not paying attention like I should.”

  “That’s okay,” the woman said offering a timid smile then quickly looked away not wanting to stare.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Yes. Yes, I’m fine. No harm.” She felt awkward talking to a man who appeared to be Hunter Blake.

  “Good,” he said. “I’d hate to see my picture on the front page of the local newspaper. I can imagine a caption claiming I was guilty of a hit and run on aisle nine at the home center.”

  His remark produced a laugh. “No. It’s okay,” she said. “I’ll not press charges.”

  “That’s a relief. Well... uh... I gotta get the rest of my stuff... so... nice running into you.”

  She nodded awkwardly and moved on.

  Without a second look, Hunter finished his shopping and hurried outside to his truck. Buster gave a happy bark as he approached. A dog in the next car began barking as well. Buster turned around and moved to the opposite window for a better look. Hunter could see a Golden Retriever in a small silver sedan looking at them with great interest.

  “Found a friend?” he asked.

  Buster put his paws on the window ledge and let out short bark through his partially open window. The Retriever immediately responded in kind.

  “What you are two talking about?” Hunter asked, slightly amused. “You flirting? Huh? Find a new girlfriend?”

  “Isaac! Stop that barking,” a voice called out. “You know better.”

  Hunter turned around and grinned. “We meet again,” he said. “That’s your dog?”

  “Yes,” she replied.

  “Isaac?”

  “Yes, Isaac. I'm sorry he was barking at you.”

  “No, that's okay but I think you just broke Buster’s heart.” He looked at his dog. “His name is Isaac, pal,” Hunter called out to Buster who barely gave Hunter a glance but continued to watch Isaac from the window instead.

  Hunter smiled. “Buster and Isaac seem to be getting acquainted. I’ll keep Buster quiet, too.” He offered his hand, “I’m Hunter... and this is Buster.”

  “Buster... and... Hunter. Nice to meet you,” she said and shook his hand.

  “And you are?”

  “Samantha,” she replied, feeling her face flush at the same time. “Well, we have to go,” she said quickly, unloading her cart. Minutes later she drove away.

  Hunter stood and watched, until she pulled out of the parking lot, then finished up and got into his truck. Buster was agitated and kept watching, his muscles twitching.

  “What’s wrong? You suddenly fall in love with that Retriever?” Hunter laughed as he started his truck. “I told you, his name is Isaac. And it’s a good thing. My advice is to stay away from women. They’re demanding and nothing but trouble.” Hunter pulled out and drove to the same exit. “Nothing but trouble,” he repeated absently.

  Out on the highway, he was anxious to get home and picked up his speed. Weaving in and out of traffic, he pulled up next to another car to pass when Buster began to bark again.

  “Now what?” he asked, glancing to the right. He could see the head of a dog. “Is that the same Retriever?” Sitting up straighter Hunter tried to get a look at the driver and nearly ran into the car instead. A horn blasted and he backed off, pulling in behind the vehicle instead. It was a silver sedan.

  Peering through the vehicle’s rear window, he could only see the back of the driver’s head, but the dog was definitely a Golden Retriever. A mile further on, he slowed down to make his turn at a cross road, but watched the sedan continue up the highway.

  Arriving at his property, he stopped at the open gate to sat gazing at his home. “Not too shabby, huh pal?” Driving on in, he pulled over to the barn and backed up in some undisturbed snow that had fallen the night before. Buster scrambled out of the truck and Hunter unloaded his supplies before pulling up close to the house. Once inside, Hunter put his bags down and disabled the house alarm system then removed his jacket and hung it on a hook by the door.

  He put a bowl of kibble down for Buster and helped himself to leftovers just as the phone rang. He checked the ID and smiled. “Jim! It’s been a while. How are you?”

  “We’re good. Hey, I heard rumors you were back. Congratulations, by the way. Diane and I were rooting for you.”

  “Thanks,” Hunter said. “I never have gotten used to those awards ceremonies. I just put on a game face and lump my way through.”

  “You’ve earned every one, Hunter,” Jim said. “So, are you planning on sticking around for a while? If so, we’d love to have you over for dinner sometime.”

  “That would be nice. I’d like that. And, yes, I plan on sticking around. I need a break. Not in a big hurry to get back to work just yet.”

  “So what are you up to?” Jim asked.

  “I’ve got a project I’m working on in the barn. How about you?”

  “About the same. I am helping a new church member with a home upgrade in the Twin Lakes area, though.”

  “Upgrade?”

  “Yeah, mostly better insulation in the walls. The place is pretty drafty. So we’ve been removing the exterior siding in small sections to add the insulation. It’s a little slow going, but the owner can’t afford to move out. We’re almost done. Another week and it should be in good shape.”

  “Why not just drill some holes and blow in the insulation?”

  “We’re also checking electrical and plumbing as we go. The house is pretty old. Thought it might be a good idea to make sure everything was in good order.”

  “I see, well how are those redevelopment projects coming along in Rathdrum?” Hunter asked.

  “On hold for now. Ran out of money plus with the weather we’ve shelved any more projects for now, so some of the guys are helping with the house repairs instead. It’s nice to stay busy.”

  “You still a contractor?”

  “Yes and no. Still own the business and I’m handling a few small jobs but I’m thinking about retiring after next summer. We’ll see.”

  “Well good luck with the upgrade and I look forward to dinner. Just let me know when.”

  The following Saturday, Hunter headed to the Wesleys’ explaining to Buster he’d have to stay home and guard the house. Driving into Rathdrum, he soon arrived and parked on the street in front of their modest home. Diane Wesley eagerly met him at the door and escorted him inside.

  “Let me take your coat. Have a seat. Jim will be right here.”

  Hunter sat down on the sofa and let out a sigh. It’s good to be back,” he said, “and I’ve been looking forward to dinner tonight.”

  “I remember the first time you came to dinner,” Diane said. “Jim was working on one of the renovation projects and called saying he wanted to bring one of the new guys home for dinner. Of course I said sure. I nearly fell over when you walked in. It took a while to get used to having you here,” Diane said, “but no more. You’re like a favorite cousin.”

  “Cousin!” Hunter laughed. “I like that. I have a couple of cousins, but they live back east. I haven’t been good about staying in touch, though. I should call them sometime, I guess.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt,” Diane agreed. “So tell me what’s new with you.”

  He gave a shrug. “Oh... I don’t know. After the awards I came straight back here. I got a dog.”

  “You did? What kind?”

  “I don’t know. He’s just a mutt, but I love him.”

  “Well, good. I’m sure it must be nice to hav
e him around, especially out at your place.” She smiled.

  Jim walked into the room. “Hunter! Glad you could make it. I was on the phone when you got here, but I got that all taken care of so now we can visit and catch up. We’re expecting one other person for dinner, by the way, so I hope you don’t mind waiting a few more minutes.”

  “That’s fine.”

  “It’s the owner of that house I was telling you about. Just when we thought we were pretty much done, we had an unexpected problem come up yesterday.”

  “What happened?”

  “Pipe broke upstairs. Created one heck of a mess up and down. So... we’re trying to figure out what to do next. In the meantime, Sam’s been staying with us.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” Hunter asked.

  “I don't think so. We’re looking at our options but more than likely we’ll have to wait until the weather warms up before we can do much more.”

  “Sounds like maybe a pipe froze,” Hunter said.

  “That's a possibility.”

  Diane stood up. “Why don’t we go ahead and sit at the table. I’m sure Sam with be here soon.” They were just getting seated when the front door opened. In ran a beautiful Golden Retriever followed by a woman carrying a cloth bag stuffed with a variety of items.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Samantha began then stopped in her tracks at the sight of Hunter. “Oh.”

  Diane smiled. “Samantha, we’d like you to meet a friend of ours, Hunter. And Hunter, this is Samantha.”

  He stood and extended his hand with a big grin. “Hit and run, aisle nine.”

  “Excuse me?” Jim asked.

  Hunter laughed. “Samantha and I have already met... sorta.”

  Samantha was embarrassed. “I should have watched where I was going. I’m very sorry.”

  “I’m sure it was my mistake,” Hunter insisted. “So, Isaac, we meet again,” he said, giving him a pat on the head. “Buster seemed quite interested in you the other day.”

  “Interested?” Samantha asked.

  “Yeah, he couldn’t stop wagging his tail all the way home. Too bad I didn’t bring him along tonight.”

  Samantha didn’t respond but stood watching Hunter pet her dog. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go put my things away.”

  “Where did you two meet?” Jim asked once Samantha left the room.

  “Home Center. We kind of collided into each other, but I’m pretty sure it was my fault. I was in a hurry... talking to some other people... you know... not paying attention.”

  Samantha returned and everyone sat down. The Wesleys sat at either end of the table with Samantha and Hunter across from one another. Jim gave a blessing on the food then everyone dug in. Conversation was minimal at first and uncomfortable for Samantha, who purposefully avoided looking at Hunter. He finally spoke up.

  “You’re awfully quiet,” he said. No one spoke. Everyone was looking at Samantha, who finally glanced up.

  “Oh, you mean me? I don’t have much to talk about... I guess.”

  Jim helped get the conversation going. “We’re still working on your house.”

  “That’s true,” she said. “It’s become more of a project than any of us anticipated, I’m afraid.”

  “We’ll get it fixed up,” Jim assured her. “It’s just going to take a while longer, that’s all.”

  “I can help,” Hunter said. “Haven’t got a lot of other things to do right now.”

  “I thought you were working on a project,” Jim said.

  “Sure, but it can wait.”

  Samantha didn’t say anything. She just stared at Hunter then looked away.

  “Just let me know if there’s anything I can do,” he said.

  The evening ended with more idle conversation until Samantha decided to call it a day. “I’m very tired,” she said, “but it was nice meeting you... again.” She shook Hunter’s hand and managed a smile before heading to her room with Isaac. Hunter lingered and visited a while longer before Jim walked him to his truck.

  “How much are the repairs going to cost?” he asked Jim.

  “Oh, for Sam's place? I don’t know yet.”

  “Well, here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to pay for all necessary repairs and upgrades to her home and I won’t take no for an answer. But promise you won’t tell her.”

  “That’s very generous of you Hunter, but...”

  “No buts. I’ve made up my mind. Plus, we’ll hire professionals so the rest of you don’t have to worry about any of it. In the meantime, how about we move her into the Resort? I can arrange for her to have a nice suite where she can have some privacy and so can you and Diane. I know how it is when you have to put someone up for an indefinite amount of time. As much as you all like each other, it will get old.”

  “I suppose,” Jim said, “but I can guarantee Samantha will figure out you’re paying for everything, especially after you just offered to help.”

  “So we won’t do anything right away. Then tell her you found an organization that helps people with situations like this. I’ll route all the money through my corporation. It’ll work. I promise, and she won’t be the wiser. Trust me.”

  “Let me think about it.”

  “You can think all you like, but I’ve made up my mind. I can afford it and I want to do it. It’s that simple.”

  Jim nodded. “You’re a good man, Hunter. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure, and then we also need to talk about the restoration projects that are on hold. I know people who like to invest in things like what we’ve been doing in Rathdrum. I’ll find the money to keep that going too. It’s the least I can do in exchange for our friendship.”

  “Let’s get something straight right now,” Jim said in all seriousness. “There is no price tag on our friendship. If you want to scrounge up money for the projects, that’s great, but don’t do it as payback. We don’t expect that from you.”

  Hunter chuckled. “Okay. It’s a deal, and thanks.” He opened the door to his truck. “Most people I know do expect favors.”

  “I know, but that’s all part of your other world... that other life you lead. Around here we do things different.”

  “I guess you’re right. Okay. I need to get going before Buster thinks I’ve abandoned him. I’ll be in touch about Samantha’s house.”