Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Mr. Bradford, better known on the docks as Tarquin, was aboard a supply ship, rummaging through contraband freshly smuggled off a vessel owned by the Hawkins family, when his phone buzzed with a call from Lowell.

"Tarquin, that ingrate Larry Hawkins has sent assassins after you," Lowell's voice came through, light and almost amused.

"What?" Tarquin couldn't believe his ears.

"Yeah, that Larry kid. Sent some goons to take you out," Lowell repeated, chuckling as if the idea of Larry trying to kill Tarquin was as absurd as a mouse taking on a lion. There was no threat, only comedy in the notion.

Tarquin pursed his lips, "Why the hell would he come after me? I haven't even been near Hawkins territory."

"It's about your wife. She stumbled upon some dark family secrets about Mrs. Hawkins being mistreated. Larry's looking to silence her, and you, being her husband, are also on his hit list."

Being Elysia's husband... well, that was a title Tarquin wore with pride.

Tarquin

lurking around the hotel. Our guys are keeping an eye

can't contact Larry.

ending the call with Lowell, Tarquin

don't worry. But she's not doing great. Grandma's been through a lot, and Mum's heartbroken over

because of Pamela's suffering, and that, in

Mum. I'll be there as soon as I sort things

"Got it!"

about Larry's assassination attempt and exchanged any new information they had uncovered before hanging up. Axel emerged from the ship's hold, "Looks like these contraband items are linked to that mystery

eyes. If it was him, things were starting

seemed off to him then. Transporting contraband now seemed like an attempt to smear Clayton's name.

why rush the

upcoming board meeting where Clayton was sure to win. Once

current chaos, especially while the other shareholders were