Page 48 of No Good Deed

They wrapped up things with Marcus and headed out. Troy took Piper’s hand again. She’d been very quiet since they’d entered Marcus’s office, and he wasn’t sure how to convince her that it wasn’t her fault, and that even if it was, it would be worth it to have her here.

Oreo made it about two steps out of Phail General before he shoved his face into a snowbank, making them both laugh. “I wonder if he’ll like summer or if he’s happier in the winter.”

Piper smiled. “I have a feeling he’s pretty easy to please.”

Troy had to agree as Oreo popped out of the snowbank and jumped along beside them. When they arrived at his home, Mitch and Bella were the only two left. They were screwing a piece of plywood into place over his broken window.

“Thanks. I didn’t expect you to do that.”

Bella grinned. “No problem. All part of our full-service arson investigation team.”

Troy hugged her and shook Mitch’s hand. “I appreciate it. And Marcus showed me the video you have of that silver Honda. I’m going to zip through mine and see if I’ve got him on this street. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find a partial plate.”

Finally, they were inside the house with the locks set and the security system armed. Piper blew out a breath before unleashing Oreo and wiping his feet dry with the towel he’d set out for him.

Troy headed into the kitchen. “Want a beer? Or a glass of wine. I think I have wine.”

Piper smiled. “A beer would be great.”

After he’d grabbed two from the fridge, he found her slumped on the couch. He sat beside her, clinked his beer with hers, and then leaned back. “It’s been a weird day.”

She huffed out a laugh. “Understatement of the century. I’m so sorry I’ve dragged all this to your town.”

He tried hard not to roll his eyes, but didn’t quite make it. “No more apologies. Please. Now that we have a possible name to think about, why don’t we focus on catching the jackass?”

Her lips curved upward. “Fine. But if he starts doing more damage to Phail before we can catch him, I think I should take off for a couple of days to lure him away from here.”

Panic roared through him. “Not without me.”

She grinned and patted his thigh. “Deal.”

He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Good.”

* * *

Piper leaned up to kiss Troy lightly. Sincerity rang through his words. He didn’t want her to leave.

He leaned back to study her, eyes still serious. “And please don’t second guess the decision. I want you to stay. I want to see where this is going between us.”

Heart full, Piper nodded again. She forced the words she really wanted to say down because it was still too early. “I want to see where this can go, too. I’ve never felt like this before and I don’t want to lose that or you.”

Troy’s smile lit up everything inside of her. “Perfect.” Then he kissed her again.

When his phone rang, he groaned and pulled away. “Damn it. Hold that thought.” He picked it up and chuckled at the number. Holding her hand, he answered. “Hey Stan. How’s it going?”

Piper watched Troy’s face soften as he smiled. Whoever Stan was, Troy was fond of him. Then he closed his eyes briefly and gave her an apologetic smile. “Sure thing, but I’m going to bring a friend and a terrifying beast of a dog. Prepare yourself.”

Then he hung up and grinned. “That was a cousin of my grandmother’s. He lives in an old farmhouse north of town. He gets lonely and finds reasons to call on one of us when what he really wants is a visit. You up for a ride along?”

“Of course.” She wasn’t great at presenting to groups, but she enjoyed meeting new people. Especially if this was a relative Troy obviously cared about. It would also be great to do something normal like a regular couple.

Soon, they were back in the car with Oreo, heading north. Troy had packed some muffins, cheese, and fruit to take as well. “Stan doesn’t always eat when there’s no one to bug him. This will tide him over for the next few mornings.”

Troy seemed to take care of everyone in his community, leaving her to wonder who took care of him. And if she could apply for that job.

It was early evening as they passed open fields and farms. “This is like a movie set. These farmhouses are amazing.”

Troy nodded. “They are. Sadly, no one lives in a lot of them. More examples of the difficulties of small-town living. It’s tough to compete against the huge farms with all their automated equipment.”

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