Page 92 of Beautiful Exile

Linc’s eyes flashed that brighter green. “Gettin’ him the hell out of here it is.” He met my gaze. “But please don’t make my ears bleed.”

The puppy dog look did it: I smiled for what felt like the first time in three days. “I can settle for some classic rock if you’ll help me.”

Linc leaned in, his lips brushing mine. “Deal.”

We set to work as Jimi Hendrix played over the speakers. I worked on the walls while Linc tackled the floors. My poor couch would need to go to the dump. But my desk had survived. I didn’t realize what we were circling until we slowed in the center of the room.

I stared down at the statue. The woman trying to break free was now beaten to hell and covered in blood. “I’m not sure she’s salvageable.”

“Why not?” Linc asked.

I gestured at the mangled piece. “Hand broken off. Face smashed in places. Dented.”

Linc met my gaze. “She’s been through hell and survived. Sounds like someone else I know. Bet you could find a way to make what she’s been through beautiful.”

My heart jerked in my chest, the urge to bolt lighting anew. But on its heels was something stronger: the need to stay. “Then let’s get her up.”

A grin spread across Linc’s face. “Let’s get her up.”

We lifted her on a count of three. Whoever had toppled her must have been strong or fueled with a hell of a lot of rage becausethe two of us could barely get the piece upright. When we did, my brain started to run wild with ideas. I saw something new. Something better. Something fiercer.

“Oh, no,” Linc started. “I know that look. But it’s after eight, and you haven’t eaten anything since breakfast. You can conquer statue lady tomorrow.”

I gave him my best pleading eyes. “Just an hour?”

He huffed out a breath. “After you eat.”

“Deal,” I said quickly.

Linc stared at me for a moment. “I just got played, didn’t I?”

“Maybe…” I singsonged.

He opened his mouth to say something, but his phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and frowned. “It’s Ellie. She doesn’t usually call this late.”

“Take it,” I said. “I can start dinner.”

“Are you going to poison us?”

I made a face. “I’m heating up one of Nora’s casseroles. I think evenIcan do that.”

Linc’s lips twitched. “All right. I’ll be in in a few.”

“No rush,” I said, heading for the door.

The outdoor lights flicked on as I stepped outside, eating the darkness like they always did. Gravel crunched beneath my feet until thunder drowned out the sound, but the lightning was still in the distance.

“Storm’s coming,” Deputy Allen said.

“I do love a summer storm.”

“As long as we don’t get a fire.”

“As long as.” I paused for a moment. “I’m heating up dinner for Linc and me. You want some?”

Allen shook his head. “Already ate. But thank you.”

“Thanks for looking out,” I called as I headed for the house.

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