Page 66 of Atlas

“Great. Can’t wait to see it.”

It meaning the bike we were supposed to be here buying.

“Yeah. I’ll get it home eventually,” Atlas responds, and that’s the truth. He does want to buy a bike that we can ridetogether. One day, I know it will be a reality for us.

“Thanks man. I owe you.”

“Not at all.”

“Tyrant mentioned that he has someone who he’s thinking about getting in here to help me with all this. Said you asked him about it.”

“I didn’t mean that you weren’t doing a good job. I just can’t imagine how all that work would do your head in. I—”

“You’re fucking right about that. I’m so overwhelmed I don’t know what’s up or fucking down or sideways, or whatever damn direction.” Wizard laughs tonelessly and for the first time, I can hear the smallest amount of stress creeping into his tone. “Thanks for having my back. This is one part of the club that’s vital, but everyone takes for granted. Thanks for seeing me, kid.”

“I’m not that much younger than you.”

“Right. Well, thanks.”

“Yeah. No problem. I hope you get help soon. Until then, my offer still stands to help out myself. Or even after.”

“Thanks again. Be safe.” That added warning causes the hair to stand up on the back of my neck, even though it’s irrational.

“For sure.” Atlas’ response is so easy before he hangs up, that I relax. That slightly creepy feeling is nothing. He’s alwayson my wavelength though. He tips my face up. “That be safe probably just meant that an old lady with a bunch of grenades ominously stored away might be a wild time. I’m sorry that I didn’t ask you if it was okay with you that we stop there. I just assumed that-”

“It’s perfectly okay! I should have driven out before now. We’ll get dressed and go.”

“But the booking—”

“We already paid upfront, so I’m sure it’s okay to check out early. Emergencies happen.”

He kisses me and then picks up my soggy bra off the floor and holds it out like an apology.

“I have a change of clothes. It’s all good.”

He opens his mouth like he wants to say something. Comically, I do too. And we both say nothing. We just give each other soft, connected smiles that speak so much more than even the best of words ever could.

Chapter 19

Willa

Agatha’s farm looks peaceful. Bracketed by a cloudless blue sky and rolling fields of hay on either side, the little white farmhouse and grayed cedar barn are picturesque. The country air is fresh, scented with clover, and other grasses. I haven’t lived in Seattle in almost a year, and when I was living there, I never noticed how loud the city was. Hart’s a city too, but a small one. Leaving Seattle to come out here just an hour ago only emphasizes the quiet. The only sounds disturbing the nothingness are melodious birdsong and the rustle of the wind.

As soon as we pulled up, Atlas got out of the truck and opened my door for me, even though I was the one driving. He took my hand like I needed helping out. I didn’t, but I still left mine there in his. He brushes a kiss over my knuckles. His smile is small, but it’s there. I’m so absurdly thankful to see it.

I sweep my eyes over the yard. “Should we check the cameras in the barn first? Or that pole? The house?”

“Probably the house. If she’s having issue with the power pole, I’m not sure there’s anything we can do other than to call and make sure someone gets out here sooner rather than later.”

“Do you think she heard us pull up? We probably don’t want to sneak up on her.” I drop my voice, winking at him. It’s probably not funny that the stashing of lethal and bizarre weapons like grenades is becoming an inside joke.

“Because she has explosives?”

My heart swells so big thatit’spretty much an explosive, all because Atlas grazes his lips over my forehead.

“Something like that, yes.”

“I’m sure she heard us pull up.” He glances up at the sun, shimmering brightly in the sky with no cloud cover to buffer it. “It’s hot out.” He starts off toward the house and I fall into stride easily with him because he slows his pace for me. “If they don’t get the power on soon, everything in the fridge and freezer will spoil. Senior citizens lived on a fixed income. How can any company let that happen?”

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