Page 57 of Love Me Dangerous

“It destroyed my mom. I did what I could, but…” Moving carefully, I shift to the side so I can slide out my wallet and pluck the picture of me and William.

“He’s what matters now.” I soak in the warmth of our smiles. Our childhood is gone forever, but I have to believe we can be happy like that again someday.

Henry gives the picture a quick glance, then inhales a slow breath and nods like he understands. “Any chance this attack on you is related to what you told Sheriff Olson? About that murdered girl and your stepfather?”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” I gaze out the window, the bright autumn sunshine making me squint. The storm from the other day dusted the mountain peaks with fresh snow. It won’t be long before the foothills are white, and winter tightens its grip on this valley.

“You think they’ll try again?”

I side-eye him, then slip the picture back into its place. “I’ll understand if you don’t want to be caught in the middle of it if they do.”

Henry gives a chuckle. “News flash, kid. We happen to specialize in being caught in the middle. And if they come anywhere near the ranch, Barb’s a crack shot.”

He’s kidding—I think, Ihope. But the idea of anyone taking on my battles doesn’t sit well with me.

“Zach,” Henry says, his voice sober. “I think your best bet is to trust the sheriff to help you. Whoever did thisneeds to be caught.”

I don’t answer, but Henry doesn’t appear to need one. We turn up the drive, the crackle of the truck’s thick tires on gravel filling the silence.

When we pull up in front of the house, Barb and the dogs are already hurrying toward the truck. Barb’s soft brown eyes are tense with worry when I step down from the cab, but to my relief, she doesn’t try to hug me.

Honey and Rex spin around us, wagging their tails. Honey jumps up to get closer, and though it jostles my busted rib, I scratch her soft head and behind her ears. It’s only been two days, but I missed them.

“Hungry?” Barb asks.

“A little.” I reach back into the cab for my backpack to cover the emotions rising up my throat. Because I missed Barb too. More than I realized.

“Go wash up, and I’ll have grilled ham and swiss with home fries ready.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say, and head for the house. Honey and Rex trot alongside me like a couple of escorts. When I swing open the farmhouse door to enter the house, I catch Barb and Henry locked in a tender embrace in front of the truck.

We happen to specialize in being caught in the middle.

I shake my head. Was it a mistake to stay in Finn River?

Not that it matters. I’m stuck here for the near future.

When I join Barb in the kitchen, there’s a paper tote bag with handles on my place setting.

When I look up to ask Barb about it, she’s watching me over her shoulder. “Go on.”

I peek inside the bag, the crinkling paper too loud in my ears.

It’s a new burner phone. A nice one.

“I traded in a couple of the ones the boys left behind. There was enough left over for some minutes too.”

My heart climbs into my throat. I can’t touch the thing. It feels wrong. Why would she do this for me?

It’s too much. Too thoughtful. Too… generous.

“I’ll repay you,” I say. Damn it.What have I done to deserve such kindness?

“You already have.” Barb slides the tray of homemade wedge friesfrom the oven. “But if you’re gonna be bullheaded about it, you can make me some more of that special feed you cooked up for that rescue. I’ve never seen a sick colt gain so fast. In six months, he’s going to be completely rehabilitated.”

Tears burn the edges of my eyes. What the hell is wrong with me? I want to throw the phone against the wall and run. Run hard and long. Away from feeling like I don’t belong. I’ve done too much wrong to deserve something this good.

But I force my emotions down. This isn’t the time or the place.

---