Page 137 of The Exit Strategy

Jesus. For the first time ever, the pull to stay is stronger than my need for answers.

I don’t want to go to Charleston.

I want to stay here.

With him.

Wrapped in his arms.

Having the kind of morning that happy, content lovers get to have.

My mind swirls through possible solutions, and I can only come up with one.

In order to stay here, to face the morning with this man and all that will come from that decision, I need help locating Devin.

And there’s only one person with the resources and willingness to help me—regardless of how many times I fuck up his day—who can make it happen.

I open my text thread with Hudson.

Junie: I need a favor.

Hudson: Shocking.

Junie: It’s not only for me.

Junie: It’s for Cole.

Junie: He needs help, and I

Junie: …

Junie: I don’t want to do this alone.

Junie: I’ve unraveled the paper trail. Mae’s nephew was stealing from him.

Junie: Cole gave me the green light to track this guy down. I have an address in Charleston. But I need someone to prove that Devin’s there, collecting money that’s not his.

Junie: Hud?

Hudson: You’re choosing not to follow through on this yourself?

Freaking Hudson. Why does he always have to read between the lines?

Junie: I want to be here.

Hudson: With Cole.

It’s not a question. It’s an acknowledgment.

Junie: Yes.

I stare at the screen for long minutes. Hudson’s an asshole who sleeps for less than five hours a night. He always has on principle. So he’s probably already been in his office for at least a couple hours.

Three dots finally appear.

Hudson: Send me everything.

Hudson: And I can’t stress this enough, Juniper: DON’T do anything stupid before I call you back.