Page 88 of Conquering Oz

“The fancy shop owner. One of these days, I’m gonna get my ass down there and do some shopping. I get the family discount, right?”

Elodie chuckled and stood, tucking in her chair. “Of course.”

She hugged her uncle, holding on tighter than usual. Elodie couldn’t have asked for a better man to step into the shoes of a duty that wasn’t his to begin with.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“For what?”

“You were more of a dad to me than he ever was.”

“And better looking.”

She chuckled, hugging Hank tighter before letting him go. She grabbed her bag and started through the yard, but suddenly stopped when a thought popped into her head. She spun around.

“Uncle Hank?”

“Yeah, kiddo?”

“They never found the person or people who killed my father, right?”

The tension in his face was evident, and he looked down at the table, grabbing the glasses.

“Nope.”

“Were there ever any suspects?”

“Nope.”

Why won’t he look at me?

“You ever wonder who might’ve done it?”

“Nope, ’cause like I said, him dying probably saved her life.” Her uncle straightened and glanced at her. “We all have to pay for our sins one way or another. And your father had a lot.”

He gave her a short wave and headed toward the back door without another word.

****

Oz grabbed the phone, answering without looking at the screen.

“Yes?”

“Miss me?”

Just the sound of her voice sent heat through his veins. It had been two days since they’d spoken, only exchanging messages with Elodie giving an array of excuses for her absence. She’d mentioned not feeling well and covering for an absenteeemployee. All lies. It might’ve been believable had Oz not had all the intel. Her sudden distance coincided with her run-in with Sal.

Oz settled in his chair at his desk and reached for his glass, taking a sip of his whiskey.

“Your silence is concerning.”

The corner of his mouth curled. “I wouldn’t have to miss you if you’d come by last night.”

She chuckled. “So you admit you do miss me?”

Yes.

He jerked his gaze to the door when he heard the knock. Nash stepped inside his office.

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