Page 27 of Luke

Connie laughed with her. “Being a server isn’t for everyone. So, what do you do?”

“I’m a phlebotomist.”

“Well, Clifton General isn’t too far from here. If you end up staying, you should send your resume to their HR department.”

“I’ll definitely consider it. I don’t really have anywhere else to go.”

“But isn’t your family in Seattle?”

“My sister is, but I don’t have any contact with my mother.” Bryce shrugged. “We haven’t spoken in years.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s fine. The only family member I keep in touch with is my sister, and even that is rare. When I told her about being pregnant, she went ballistic. You know the saying: ‘you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your relatives.’” Bryce grinned. “I’m okay with it.”

Connie nodded sympathetically. “I understand. Sometimes families just don’t get along. Oh, and the hospital has a daycare for employees that’s free of charge.”

“That’s good to know. If I do end up staying, I’ll definitely look into it. Thank you, Connie.”

“Of course, hon. I’d better get back to work.” Connie turned toward the door but then faced Bryce again. “Oh, and if you’re ever too tired to cook, just give me a call. I can bring you something. I know you have to be tired since having the baby.”

“That sounds amazing, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me. Along with Luke and Beau. In fact, Luke just asked me to dinner with his parents this Sunday.”

“Oh, that will be lovely. You’ll really like his parents. Daniel and Lisa are wonderful people.”

“I’m sure they are. They raised Luke and Beau to be such great guys.”

Connie smiled. “Yes, they did. Well, I just wanted to bring you something to eat and to let you know to call me anytime you need something.”

Bryce thanked her sincerely. “I appreciate that. If the entire town is like you and the McCallister’s, I’ll never want to leave.”

Connie chuckled. “You’d be surprised how many people stay once they’ve been here.”

Bryce laughed. “I have no doubt about that.”

Connie grinned. “Enjoy your dinner. I’d better get back downstairs now. Have a good evening, Bryce. And remember, if you need anything, just let me know.”

“I will.” Bryce held the door open for her as she left and shivered from the chilly wind outside. She was grateful she didn’t have to go out in it, but she found herself missing being outdoors already. She smiled to herself and thought about how easy it was to develop cabin fever.

She hoped the weather would cooperate on Sunday so she could finally get out and meet Luke’s parents.

****

The frigid wind whipped past Luke, stinging his cheeks and causing his eyes to water. He instinctively lowered his head, protecting his face from the sharp ice that felt like tiny shards of glass. With one hand gripping his hat tightly to avoid it being snatched away by the gusts, he trudged forward through the deep snow.

As he made his way, he noticed faint footprints ahead of him. Curiosity piqued, he crouched down for a closer look. They appeared to be paw prints, but too small to belong to a wolf. And since there was only one set, he knew it couldn’t be a wolf as they traveled in packs unless it was an older lone wolf, but the prints were too little.

“Could be a coyote,” he mused aloud, knowing they didn’t hibernate either.

Standing up again, he followed the tracks as far as he could see them. But with the heavy snowfall quickly covering them up, it became impossible to continue tracking. Pulling out his binoculars from his pocket, he scanned the area for any signs of blood or movement. But his efforts were in vain as he found neither.

Letting out a deep sigh, Luke realized there was no usein continuing further. The tracks were disappearing under the thick blanket of snow and without any indication of an injured animal, it was clear he wouldn’t find anything more than snow filled tracks.

Climbing into his truck, he turned the heat up on high, glad he had kept it running. It was too damn cold out for man or beast. Luke backed the truck up, turned around and headed back to the Hancock house.

He pulled to a stop beside the porch, opened the door, and stepped out into the freezing air. Shit, he hated winter. Walking up the steps, the door opened before he had a chance to knock.

“Come inside Agent McCallister,” Mr. Hancock said, waving him inside.

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