Kodiak's Claim Read Free Page A

no one’s taking advantage of me.” Unless she felt like it. “And second, the whole reason I’m out here is to investigate why their trucks are having so many incidents.” Which, on second thought, kind of lent credence to her mom’s argument.
    Hmm. Better not dwell on that aspect. She’d have to trust those she investigated wouldn’t sabotage a delivery with her aboard. That was sure to raise even more flags with her insurance company.
    And so went that conversation for an irritatingly long half hour. In the end, Tammy prevailed, mostly because she hung up when her mother launched into her theory that the Northern Lights were some kind of nuclear radiation that would affect Tammy’s eggs and mess up her chance to have a baby.
    The fact that Tammy needed a man to make the baby wasn’t something her irrational mother bothered to factor in, and if the Northern Lights were indeed some leftover radioactive waste from crashed aliens, then Tammy could only hope she’d end up with some cool superpower, like one to spot assholes and run the other way.
    The driver came back into view, still ticking away at his checklist, and having gotten her way, Tammy decided it was time to play nice.
    “So you know who I am, but you’ve yet to give me your name.”
    Actually, she knew who he was, Travis Huntley, cousin to the owner of Beark Enterprises. Knowing he was related in some fashion to the owner, and main suspect, was, in a sense, a relief. What were the chances they’d sabotage a truck with a family member aboard?
    “I’m Travis.”
    “Sorry if we got off on the wrong foot, Travis.”
    He chuckled. “You just took me by surprise. If you’re that determined to get to Kodiak Point, then I’ll take you. But once you get there, you’re on your own with my boss.”
    “Your boss being Reid Carver?”
    “That’s right. And he doesn’t like surprises.”
    “You know him well then?”
    “I sure do considering he’s my cousin, which is why I’m warning you right now, he’s not going to like the fact you didn’t give him notice you were coming.”
    “Does your cousin have something to hide?”
    If she hadn’t been watching his face, she might have missed it—a guarded look, there one second, gone the next. He hid the fleeting glimpse with a bright smile, showing off impressive canines. “Reid, hiding something? Nope. He’s exactly what he appears to be. A big ol’ bear with a loud roar and I’m-the-alpha attitude.” For some reason, Travis seemed to find his words amusing, or so she judged by his smirk as he finished his routine check of the truck.
    Having read up on the whole trucking thing on her flight over—a flight made longer by the lack of decent food—she understood it was mandatory that all drivers perform a visual inspection of their vehicle every time they left on a run. Lights, tires, hydraulics, even the oil levels and other fluids, as well as any scratches or dents, were supposed to be reported in their log. All part of reducing the number of accidents and ensuring fleets were maintained and not posing a safety hazard to not only the drivers but also others sharing the road.
    Checkmark in his favor, he’d done it, but was it his usual practice or something he’d just done because of her presence? She’d have to get her hands on his logbook for a peek later.
    “Is that your stuff?” he asked, inclining his head toward her pile of luggage—two suitcases and a satchel purse.
    She nodded.
    “I’ll toss it in the sleeper.”
    “Is that where I’ll be sitting for the trip?”
    “Not unless you like to share. Boris is back there sleeping, and he’s not a dude you want to wake up.”
    Advice Travis didn’t seem to heed. He’d no sooner seen her seated than he clambered in on his side, then he heaved her luggage through the opening to the back.
    “What the fuck?” grumbled a voice. “Are you that determined to die young, cub?”
    “Watch your language, Boris. We’ve got a lady on