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straight ahead.
    “What are you two talking about?”
    “Buddy, we’re taking you to a top-notch rehab facility.”
    “What!”
    Chris gave him a stern look. “I think it’s safe to sayyou’ve fallen off the sobriety wagon. I risked a lot to help you tonight, not to mention dragging Scar along. It’s time you think about getting clean before you end up in prison…or worse.”
    “I don’t need no rehab.”
    “Hey!” Chris snapped. “It’s not an option. It’s either get clean, or I take you back to your warehouse friends and get a refund. Which is it going to be?”
    “I guessit’s sobriety against my will.”
    Chris let out a sigh of relief. “Good call.”
    A half hour later they’d gotten off the highway and were driving up a long, winding road. The rehab facility was set atop a cliff and looked more like an exclusive resort. Scar got out of the car and began talking to a man who’d been waiting for them. Chris and Darwin got out too and walked over to the railing.The view of the ocean was incredible and the sound of the waves breaking against the rocks below gave the place a gothic feel. Aside from the main gate they’d rode through, there was no escape.
    “Chris, I—”
    “I don’t want to hear any more apologies.”
    “I wasn’t going to offer up any more excuses.” Darwin swiped at his nose and shuffled his feet. “I just wanted to say thank you forbeing my friend. I don’t know anyone else who would have come to my rescue and brought along a badass chick with an arsenal and a grenade.”
    Chris looked over at Scar. “I’ve got the world’s best bodyguard. But I’ll never tell her that.”
    “I’m glad you have someone looking out for you. Heaven knows I’ve been a crappy friend.”
    “You’ve had your moments. I want you to know I didn’twant to leave you behind. I had to stay away from that lifestyle.”
    “It was for the best. Look at you now. Action star by day, crime fighter by night.”
    Scar came over. “I hate to interrupt the bromantic moment, but they’re ready for you.”
    “You didn’t sign me up for any experimentation or lobotomies?” Darwin asked.
    “No. I didn’t think it would do any good.” Scar raised aneyebrow. “It’s a legitimate and very exclusive clinic. So don’t be surprised if you see a few celebrities in there. They have a strict confidentiality policy. Be mindful of that. It’s an eight-week program, but Chris has agreed to extend your stay if you feel you need more counseling after that time.”
    “I don’t know what to say.”
    “Say you’ll keep an open mind. Whatever happens in thereis for you. But I can’t allow you to put Chris’s life at risk again.”
    “About the money—”
    “We’ll square up one of these days,” Chris said. “How about lifetime car and motorcycle repairs?”
    “Fair deal.” Darwin grinned and then turned to Scar. “I owe you too. Maybe one day I could return the favor.”
    “We’ll see,” Scar replied.
    “I hope you get a handle on things in there.”Chris grabbed him and gave him a big bear hug. “Call if you need a ride when they spring you.”
    “I will.” Darwin pulled him in for a tighter hug. “I won’t let you down.”
    “I’ll see you in two months,” Chris assured his friend. He and Scar walked toward the SUV as Darwin did a turtle-like walk toward the front door.
    Chris spied Darwin talking to the man who’d been chatting withScar in the rear view mirror as they drove away. He hoped his friend would come to terms with whatever drove him to do reckless, destructive things.
    Scar noticed him watching. “He’ll be fine. I wouldn’t take him to some random place. I know these people. They can help him if he wants it.”
    “Good,” he said.
    Chris picked up his phone from the cup holder and read his messages. He’dgotten one from Kate that she’d had to spring eccentric director Max Garcia from a sanitarium and was on her way home. He rolled down the window and let the sea