Page 58 of Love Me Dangerous

I swear silently to work extra hard to do right by the Huttons.

“Thank you,” I manage.

Barb has her back to me, but when she turns, her eyes shine with emotion. “You’re welcome.”

Thankfully, our lunch conversation is ruled by the upcoming football game between Western Idaho State and the University of Montana. Two of Barb and Henry’s sons attended Western, and one of them was their star receiver, but Barb’s parents both graduated from U of M, dividing her loyalty. It makes me think of William, who wants to play for McKenzie Valley High’s team next year. But doing so would mean him leaving Eagle Ridge Outdoors, the alternative school run by Evan and his family, and where he’s been since I got temporary custody.

I’m torn—playing high school football would expose William. Make it easier for Kristov to worm his way back into his life. But holding my little brother back doesn’t sit well with me, either.

It reminds me of Sheriff Olson’s recent update about the custody case, and the pressure to fix things before all hell breaks loose.

Yet if I return to Alaska, I’m as good as dead. If I don’t go, and Kristov somehow gets custody, I might as well be.

There’s no way he attacked me outside The Limelight. He’s too busy recruiting girls to turn tricks and murdering anyone who dares to cross him. But would he hire someone? Would he be that bold? Sofie’s right—one swing to my head would have been fatal.

Or was I targeted thanks to the work I’m doing for the sheriff? Maybe the trafficking is more sophisticated than he thinks, and someone’s been keeping tabs on me.

If wealthy Finn River Ranch members are part of the distributionchain, whoever is in charge of it would be quick to eliminate anything getting in the way.

Could Jesse be involved? If he’s an addict, he might not hesitate to tip off his supplier of a coming crackdown.

Or it could be a pair of Sage Creek hunting guides—Gabe and one of his buddies—intent on erasing any evidence of baiting the game their clients pay big money to hunt.

Would Gabe attack me to drive home the threat he made in the bar?

I won’t know unless whoever went at me tries again. Stu’s warning to fly low flashes in my mind.

But it’s much too late for that.

Chapter Fifteen

SOFIE

I waitfor Zach to stop by the Childcare Center, but he doesn’t show. Maybe Stu gave him time off so he can recover? Zach said that I would see him later, but there’s no way to know if he meant it.

Why did I demand he stop keeping me in the dark when what I wanted was more of his kisses?

I should just let things be. Instead, I had to push him.

What if he’s already left town?

On my way home from the ranch, I stop at Finn River Photography. Jesse is finishing up with a customer, so I browse the high-end cameras inside the glass case while I wait.

“I hear you adopted a stray,” he asks after the door shuts behind the customer.

Linnie must have told him about Zach sleeping in his bed, because I know it wasn’t Dad.

“Are you busy Friday night?” I ask instead of getting derailed by the can of worms that is Zach.

“Why? You got a date?” He pumps his eyebrows.

“No.” I give him the brief version of the babysitting gig.

“You’re going to Teague Lennox’s house?” He’s practically frothing at the mouth. “Can I come?”

“No,” I reply, “I’m not a guest.”

“I can be your assistant,” he replies. “Come on, Sofie. It’s Teague fucking Lennox. I could show him the opening scenes ofWinter Games. It’s only four minutes.”

---