Page 70 of Hell and High Water

“We got to the house a few minutes ago and you were gone. No one was here and Tell wasn’t answering, so we…” Evan runs a hand through his hair, his eyes wild.

“We feared the worst had happened.”

“Um. Why? I went on a hike. I left a note on the counter, like we agreed to do.” I try not to sound irritated or put out. They really must have been freaking out.

But come on!

Gavin sighs, still looking riled.

“Tell went into town to buy groceries and check on Rachelle.”

“Of course he did.” Evan runs a palm down his face, blushing slightly at their behavior. He’s still the same as he ever was, dead set on looking confident and self-assured. The insecurity looks good on him somehow, no surprise there.

Everything looks good on Evan DeSante.

“Wait. So you guys got here, went in, then took off?”

“We made a quick pass of the area in the truck to make sure there was no sign of struggle or an intruder.” Gavin is starting to look a little sheepish.

“Besides, we had to get within cell range to try calling Tell,” Evan adds, almost hiding behind Gavin. “I brought you one, by the way. Should even work out here with the new SIM cards.”

I stare blankly at them for a few seconds, trying to reconcile the time frame. The person who delivered the package must have dropped it off as soon as they left, but right before I came back. Which means they were probably watching me. Waiting for me.

Fuck.

They could be watching right now. I try to keep from looking around, from showing any signs of panic or curiosity. Even though a cold sweat is running down my back. This is so bad.

But it’s the first lead we’ve had.

Which makes me want to blab, spill the beans. Tell them everything.

But that also means that I have to admit that our location has been compromised. That I fucked up and turned my phone on.

The other part of me is screaming to wait, to keep my damn mouth shut. She’s winning the argument, so far.

“I’m sorry that I worried you. I just really needed a good hike.”

“It’s fine, seriously. We were just…” Gavin shakes his head, smiling softly. “I'm just glad you're okay. Let's get inside.”

He doesn’t have to encourage me as I follow him in, shooting a look both ways into the forest around us. Nothing. But of course, now I can just about feel eyes on me from every angle.

Good luck sleeping tonight.

“I could use a drink of water,” I say, trying to act normal, heading for the kitchen.

“That makes three of us,” Evan mumbles, rubbing his face with both hands. “Or a shot of something stronger.”

Gulping down a glass, I finally get a good look at the two of them. Both are scuffed up, bruised. They look like they’ve been fighting. And drinking.

“You guys look…”

“Like shit?” Gavin grins.

“Pretty much. You have a fun night, I take it?” I press my lips together, arching one eyebrow.

Gavin and Evan both smirk, looking guilty as shit, glancing at each other like a couple of kids caught stealing candy. Everybody gets to have fun but me, apparently.

Gavin shrugs it off, rubbing his neck. Even roughed up and hung over, he looks so fucking hot.

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