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.

now?" Tarquin inquired, his

are keeping an

And make sure they can't contact

with Lowell, Tarquin dialed Elliot to check on

doing great. Grandma's been through

Elysia was hurting because of Pamela's suffering, and that, in turn, hurt him. It

be there as soon

"Got it!"

had uncovered before hanging up. Axel emerged from the ship's hold, "Looks like these contraband items are linked

Tarquin's eyes. If it

about a large shipment of contraband aboard a Hawkins family vessel, destined for overseas. It seemed off to him then. Transporting contraband now seemed like an attempt to smear Clayton's name. But smearing Clayton

why rush the smuggling

Oceanopolis and the upcoming board meeting

while the other shareholders were oblivious to the upheaval, already