Brock reached over and found it tucked behind his seat. The contents sucked. A few bandages, couple tubes of ointments, and smelling salts. A few bottles of water rolled on the floor, and he cracked one open. Finishing it in a couple gulps, he grabbed another one then peeled his shredded pants legs back.

The torn skin was red and swollen. He needed a shot of antibiotics and a whole lot of antibacterial cream.

“When you get a sec, pull over. I gotta douse my legs.”

“Roger that.”

A few miles ahead, Jared pulled into a decent defensive position, and Brock opened his door. Tearing the pants legs into shorts, he washed his shredded skin down and smeared the ointment tubes over the worst of his wounds. Hot fire scored across the cuts, and his breaths labored. Each leg pulsed. Brock had enough of a medical background that he knew a doctor was needed on the quick. He shook it off and crawled back into his seat.

Jared gave him a once-over. “What the hell happened?”

“Dogs.”

He nodded and gave a knowing laugh. “Hate attack dogs.”

“At least the girls got out. The kid’s going to be okay? Sarah’s good?”

“The kid’s good. Considering. Your wife’s bossy. Pretty much grabbed me by the nuts and dragged me here.”

Brock chuckled. Jared had a soft spot for direct women who made demands. “Guess I owe her for that.”

“Yup. You do.”

Because Boss Man wouldn’t have come for me if it hadn’t been for Sarah. He could’ve gotten out, but the job had been a lot easier after Jared arrived with his vehicle. “This is going to be an awkward drive back.”

“Yup.” Jared cracked his knuckles. “Thanks for the kid though.”

“Yeah. No problem.”

Miles passed as they curved around the island road. Brock checked the dashboard clock. Great. Fifteen minutes have passed.

Jared cleared his throat. “So the guys said you’ve been a mess. Trying to kill yourself with the bottle. Sugar said Sarah left you.”

“Sounds about right. Thanks for the recap.” Jackass. He swallowed away the desire for a strong drink and cracked another bottle of water instead.

“I wanted you dead,” Jared grumbled.

“I don’t blame you, but I had my reasons.”

Jared yanked the steering wheel. The Rover came to a hard stop on a sandy shoulder. He leaned across the confines of the car, pointing his finger into Brock’s chest. “You screwed up, man. You are the rule follower. You know the right move when everyone around you wants to make the wrong one. What happened to you?”

“Christ, man.” Brock scrubbed his hands into his hair. “What do you want from me?”

“A goddamn explanation.”