Torin (Hope City #9) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,22

to the others, she breathed a sigh of relief as they brought up the marathon instead.

“Officially, I’ve only run in half marathons,” Erin said. “This will be my first full marathon, although the Army was big on long runs in full uniform.”

Harper sighed. “I’m so embarrassed. I never exercise. Seriously—never. I’m not sure I can run half a block, much less twenty-six miles.”

Laughing, Erin nodded. “I liked the freedom of running in high school but also liked team sports. And in the military, we ran all the time but often together. Now that I’m out, I just like to tie on my running shoes, pull my hair up in a ponytail, and go.” Glad the other women didn’t mention overhearing her make running plans with Torin, she could not help but smile with excitement at seeing him again tomorrow.

She caught a ride home with Sandy and Rory, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. It was the first time she’d gone out with friends and felt a little bit like her old self. No, not my old self but a new version of who I am now.

That night, she sat in her room with her laptop open, looking at apartments for rent in Hope City. There were lots to choose from so she decided to not rush the decision. But even that little piece of independence felt right. Moving forward… one step at a time.

Tucker Family Home

Bob walked into the living room, a beer in his hand. “Hey, Marty. Hey, Pop—”

“Shut up!”

Timothy had been leaning back in his recliner but flipped his feet down as he focused on the news reporter on the TV and barked out the order to his constantly yapping son.

“She’s pretty— ” Bob began, a smile on his face as he handed the beer to his dad.

“I said shut the fuck up and listen!”

“Hope City recently bought several properties along the harbor, including the Stepanov Warehouse, which until recently had been one of the major warehouses for the Galkin Shipping Company. When our investigative reporters discovered illegal weapons being shipped by Galkin, it was rumored that the Stepanov family agreed to work with the police in obtaining evidence. We have discovered a link between Mayor Watson and Ivan Stepanov and the deal the beleaguered warehouse owners made with the city to sell their properties. Many of the employees were let go, now trying to find other employment in this tough job market. Unfortunately, right now, being associated with Galkin Shipping in any capacity has made it difficult. When we tried to interview the president of Galkin or Ivan Stepanov, both declined. The mayor will not speak on what he claims is an ongoing investigation, even if the city funds were used to save the Stepanov family’s fortune—”

Timothy clicked the TV off, then held the remote for a few seconds as his anger flared. Throwing the remote across the room, he shouted, “Goddamnit! Motherfuckers!”

“What did she mean? The mayor took our jobs?”

“He might as well have,” Timothy growled, his wrinkles deeper, making him look older than his mid-fifties.

Bob looked toward Marty, who said, “Sounds like our employer knew of illegal shit, then made a deal with the city. He probably turned evidence, then got bought out. He gets money. The city gets prime property. And we got the shaft.”

Timothy heard his sons talking but hot rage rushed through his blood, making it hard to focus on anything other than revenge. Lifting his head, he snarled, “Gonna do something, boys. We ain’t gonna sit here and take our piddly-ass unemployment.”

“What are we gonna do, Pop?” Bob asked, his gaze darting between his dad and brother.

“Don’t know. Ain’t got that figured out yet. But somebody’s gonna pay. They’re gonna know you can’t treat honest, decent people like this.”

He sat in silence, glad his sons were quiet, letting him think. A slow smile began to creep across his face. “Find me my phone. I’m calling your cousin. He’ll know someone that can help us make a big fuckin’ statement. No one messes with a Tucker.”

7

The day dawned sunny but cool. As Torin jogged toward the neighborhood where he’d arranged to meet Erin, he felt a heightened sense of anticipation, one that had been growing ever since he’d begun running with her. Running with… thinking of… planning for.

The big brick houses were set behind stately oaks. The neighborhood was older but gave an air of families who loved their homes and where they lived. He could easily see the