Page 92 of Reckless

There is some construction on the highway when we’re halfway to Duluth, which slows us right down. Krista is busy trying to find us somewhere to stay tonight while I drive.

“That’s great, no I appreciate it, Justine. And thanks for staying late. We should be there in about twenty minutes. You’ve helped me out,” she laughs. “Yeah, no problem…. A murder? Damn, that went dark fast.”

What the hell?

“I’ll see what I can do. See you soon.”

“What was that?” I ask as she comes back to the front of the RV.

“The ranger at a state camping park I went to a few years ago said a cancellation came in this afternoon. She’s a fan,” she adds bashfully.

“She wants you to write a murder based there in your next book for doing you a favor, don’t they?”

“Yep. I try not to use actual places in my books. I can base it on the site, but I won’t use their name. I don’t want to give them any negative publicity, even if it is fiction.”

We arrive almost forty minutes after the call because of having to divert back to get to the campsite we already passed. The ranger is over the moon to see Krista and gives her a huge hug.

This woman. Even the guys are impressed when I explain the situation. Luther approaches the ranger, asking to speak to her about them being on the land without camping. She looks put out by it but Krista sweet talks her again.

They have to park at our site, which is irritating, but it’s not like they’re coming in.

“All I ask is you keep your area clean,” the ranger says as she walks us back out to the RV, looking more serious suddenly. “We’ve had some bear sightings in the last couple of days. Wouldn’t want to encourage them to head into the camping site.”

“What?” My eyes widen.

“They won’t come over,” Krista waves to the ranger who walks away after Krista reassures her she knows the drill. “But not giving them a reason to come say hi is a good idea.”

I glance around the site but see nothing. “What does that mean, exactly?”

“No food outside. We’re okay because we’re in the RV. It’s more for campers who have to be careful with their food storage. But even trash can attract them. They can smell bacon cooking from three miles away.”

“So can Solene,” Riggs mutters.

“That’s true.” I narrow my eyes at him. Bacon is her favorite food. He knows a lot more about her than I thought.

Luther is unconcerned as he walks back to the car. Riggs still looks around nervously. They’ll be sleeping in their car, so I guess they have more to be worried about. Krista lets them inside the RV for a little while, but I draw the line at them sleeping here. It’s what they deserve for lying to me.

They leave all their food inside and only take water to the car. Krista is upset they’re doing it, but Luther reassures her they’re fine.

We settle down to watch TV after they’ve gone. I’m playing with her hair as she leans her head on my shoulder when Solene calls. Krista sits up, expecting me to move away, but I stay where I am and encourage her back into the spot against my chest.

“Riggs called,” Solene says when I answer.

“How long have you known he was here?”

“I didn’t. I swear. I only found out when he called to tell me what happened at the park. And I had no clue Luther was following you. Are you and Krista okay? How did she handle it?”

“We’re fine. Thanks for asking. How are you?” I don’t elaborate anymore about Krista. I want her to meet Sol at some point, if she’s willing. “Riggs said you’re in Tahoe.”

“I’m getting around just as much as you,” she laughs. “I’m good. Tired.”

I want to ask her about the baby, but I won’t with Krista here.

“I’m having a good time with Zosia. You know how she is. Always fun to be around.”

Yeah. I do. She hit on me once, after admitting she’d had a crush for months. I never took it seriously because she is nineteen years old. A lot of other guys would have taken advantage of that, but it creeped me out.

I’m almost ten years older than her. It felt wrong. She’s a good kid, and it only took me saying that for her to back off. I didn’t intend to embarrass her, but there didn’t seem to be any other way to let her down.

---