Page 72 of Savage Heart

Otis winces. “Not the greatest find, but I didn’t have much to work with. The steering wheel shakes a bit.”

“Thanks, Otis. I appreciate it.”

“What’s mine is yours,” he says.

We exchange a grin.

“So . . . what’s this I hear about Maverick putting Millie Claire in her place at the restaurant today?” Otis says, leaning back to pat his belly.

Linc has moved to the couch to watch TV, so he doesn’t hear us.

My eyes widen. “You heard about that?” I whisper.

He chuckles. “I’d venture to say the whole town has by now. You know what they say, privacy around here is more of a suggestion.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the huge grin that takes over my face. “It was a pretty great moment. She slunk out of the restaurant with her fangs momentarily put away. I’m sure she’ll have them back out by tomorrow.”

“Well, it’s sure good to see you looking so happy tonight.”

I wish I could say that my elation is only about Millie Claire. It might also have something—everything—to do with the way Maverick defended me.

Chapter 18: When the Rain Comes

Maverick

I’m halfway through fixing a fence that doesn’t really need fixing when I decide to call Otis.

I’ve been thinking about Iris’s car since the moment I walked out of the diner yesterday. The way she keeps everything running on duct tape and stubbornness. She can’t be making much, working at Prairie Rose Soda Fountain.

“Well, hell,” Otis says. “If it isn’t the Harrington pain in my ass.”

“Hey,” I say. “You busy?”

“I’m elbow deep in an engine, so yes. But I got you.”

“Iris’s car,” I say.

“Betty.”

“I remember.”

“Thought you might. God help us,” he mutters. “What about her?”

“I want to pay to put that car to rest for good.”

There’s a pause.

“No,” Otis says.

“It’s not a debate.”

“She won’t like it.”

“I know.”

Another pause. Longer this time.

“Find another car. A new, reliable car. No older than a ’23.”