Raising The Stakes (Heartwarming Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

arrive soon so he could ticket them and call the judge. Get things on a predictable, all-too-familiar track.
    “You two have hunting licenses?”
    Matt nodded, his movement jerky as he pulled the paperwork from their wallets.
    Liam scanned the Montana paperwork, then glanced up. “You got some for New York?”
    Tim shrugged. “Didn’t think it was necessary. We hunt big game out there.”
    Liam willed the irritation off his face. Every hunter knew to get a state license. What a wise guy.
    “Off season?”
    The guys exchanged an uneasy glance. “No,” Matt squeaked.
    “So you thought you’d come to the Adirondacks and try it?”
    “Yes. I mean, no,” Matt’s answer changed at a sharp glance from his brother. “I don’t know,” he added lamely, shoving back a greasy lock of hair.
    “Are these the weapons you used last night?” Liam pointed at the rifles.
    The men nodded. “We’ve got our gun permits.”
    Liam didn’t doubt it. Still, it paid to double-check. “Let’s see them.”
    As Tim grabbed the paperwork, a loud barking erupted. Backup. Liam breathed a sigh of relief. These guys were cooperating, but an extra pair of hands would make this easier.
    “Matt. Call off your dog and let in my colleague. He’ll be coming up to the front door now.”
    “Got it.” The man smiled unevenly and stumbled away.
    Were these guys still drunk? Hungover from celebrating last night’s kill? Worse, had they been intoxicated while shooting near Vivie’s house? The thought stabbed through him. She shouldn’t be living on her own so deep in the woods.
    He studied the gun permits then looked up when another officer, James Ruffalo, strode into the room, his back as straight as his pants’ crease. Since they were the same age—twenty-seven—and had joined the department around the same time, they’d hung out and become friends.
    “I’m Officer Ruffalo.” He nodded curtly to Tim then glanced at Liam, a grim smile ghosting across his face. “Officer Walsh.”
    “James.” Liam jerked his chin. “They’re getting ticketed and then arraigned since they’re out of state. I’d appreciate you taking Tim to the courthouse while Matt and I follow.”
    “Got it.”
    “We’re going to court?” sputtered Tim, his body shaking in indignation, his thick face flushing red. James shot him a stern look that settled him down. Matt, on the other hand, grew paler, a thin sheen of sweat coating his forehead and upper lip.
    Liam pulled out another pad and began writing. In the tense silence, James headed to the back window and whistled long and sharp at what Liam guessed was his sighting of the dead bear. Matt repeatedly cleared his throat. After a couple of minutes, Liam clicked his pen, ripped off the last slip and handed a small pile of paper to Tim.
    “You’re being ticketed with the following misdemeanors—taking wildlife out of season, illegally taking wildlife and taking a bear with the use of artificial light, as well as hunting without a license—a violation.”
    “Both of us?” Matt picked up an open beer can and drained what was left of it.
    Liam nodded. “Let’s go, boys.”
    Just as he’d hoped, they followed him and James, a textbook arrest.
    If only the woman waiting back at the vet clinic would be as easy to handle...
    * * *
    “M ISS H ARRIS , WE have the results for the cub.”
    Vivie stood and straightened her cramped back. How long had she been sitting in that plastic chair? It felt like hours. She scanned her cell-phone screen, the time confirming her suspicions.
    “How is she, Doctor Morrison?”
    The pretty veterinarian smiled, the creases around her mouth and eyes deepening. “Her jaw was dislocated. Looks like she hit it hard—maybe in a fall. Hopefully it will heal properly now that I’ve reset it or she’ll have trouble feeding in the wild. Otherwise, she’s dehydrated and stressed, but healthy. No life-threatening issues.”
    Vivie’s joints loosened and her breath rushed in, easier