Page 66 of Her Wild Coast Refuge

“Not really,” I lie. “I mean, we went to high school together.”

“Good,” he says, and swipes his phone screen. “Because he’s up to his neck in shit.”

“How do you mean?”

“Making bad choices.”

This is classic Hunter—drop a bomb, then try to downplay it.

“He’s linked with that Vander kid.” He must see my questioning look because he adds, “He was released from jail two weeks ago. Looks like he’s hit the ground running.”

“Any luck finding Zach?”

Hunter tucks his phone into his pocket and drains the last of his coffee. “Not yet. He likely snuck off the ferry somewhere, either in Canada or at the terminal in Bellingham.”

“You don’t think he had anything to do with Terrilynn’s death, do you?”

“I won’t know anything until I talk to him, but he’s in the wind.”

I wish I could do something to help Zach, but maybe skipping town was his best option. There’s a rumor he was involved in the arson fire that destroyed his family’s business, but I never believed it. Though there has to be a very good reason why he’s in hiding.

“William’s still with Evan’s family?” I ask.

“Yeah. OSC is involved, but their director isn’t talking.”

“No surprise there. She loves those kids.”

Hunter frowns and points at my chest. “What’s that?”

I glance down to the slight discoloration on my skin thanks to Hayden. “Oh, I fell on Kodiak Creek a couple of days ago. I had a fish on and tripped on the cobbles.” I make a face. “I went down hard.”

Hunter narrows his eyes. “I thought you floated the Stony two days ago.”

“Yes, right. I did. It must have been the day before that.”

He scrutinizes me with a long, stern look. “If anyone ever hurt you, Lex—”

“It’s not like that.”

He huffs a slow breath. “Okay. But if you need me, day or night, I’ll be there.”

I don’t know why this brings up the feels for me, but I swallow them down. “Thanks, Hunter.”

Hunter grunts, then taps his empty cup on the table. “I hear you’re going to Jared’s show next week. You bringing your guys?”

I hope to God I’m not blushing. “Dawson’s a musician. I think he’d like it.”

“Thoughtful of you,” Hunter says with a kind smile. “Have fun.”

“I will.”

We hug again and he’s just as gentle, but it’s longer, reminding me how fiercely he cares. Watching him weave past tables to the exit, my stomach wriggles with nerves. I hate lying to my brother.

And I hate the idea of turning over our quest to save Soren Creek to some government drone. Why would they care? The only reason they’d go out on a limb to help is if that limb had something to offer in return, and I don’t think fifty grand is enough of a prize.

Kalle’s message drifts through my troubled thoughts.

We’re ready to fight. Are you?

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