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.

they now?" Tarquin inquired, his

are keeping an eye on them. Should we

can't contact Larry. Cut them off

call with Lowell, Tarquin dialed Elliot to check on

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

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

close to Mum. I'll be there as

"Got it!"

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

Tarquin's eyes. If it

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

rush the

man knew of Tarquin and Elysia's return to Oceanopolis and the upcoming board meeting where Clayton was sure

other shareholders were oblivious to the upheaval, already discounting Clayton as