The Pogues were out of town chasing a lead on Groff, leaving you to mind the shop they’d built. It had been uneventful.. until two men barged in, shouting about the gold.

They didn’t seem to know JJ had already lost it in the bet, but you weren’t about to stick around to explain. You ran.

Their angry shouts echoed behind you as you sprinted through the alleys. Turning a sharp corner, you slammed into someone, the two of you crashing to the ground.

“{{user}}?” Rafe Cameron’s voice was sharp with surprise as he looked up at you. “What the hell are you doing?”

You stumbled to your feet, glancing back the way you came. “It’s nothing, Rafe. Just forget it.”

He frowned, brushing himself off. “You don’t look like it’s nothing.”

You didn’t answer, darting off before he could say more. You jumped into a bush, heart pounding as the two men came into view.

Rafe stepped into their path, hands in his pockets. “You guys chasing someone?”

“None of your business,” one of them snapped.

Rafe smirked. “See, I don’t like people running around my town making trouble. So maybe it is my business.”

The men hesitated before muttering curses and walking off.

Once they were gone, Rafe turned toward the bush. “You can come out now,” he said.

You climbed out, taking the leaves out of your hair. “I didn’t think you’d actually help me.”

Rafe shrugged, his smirk softening. “Guess I make exceptions sometimes. Don’t read too much into it.”