Page 56 of Sinners' Appetite
“I have a proposal. I talked to Nikki about it already and she’s game.”
“What’s that?” He asks.
“My best friend owns a property close to Ohio with a few cabins. He lives in his own there too, but the cabins are vacant. I’m going to ask him if we can camp out there for a week or two. I plan to leave Nikki there while I head back to the city and find Paul.”
“Does Nikki know that part?”
“Not exactly.”
“She might be okay with it if Sammi and I are there.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.”
“Let me talk to Sammi about it. I think they’re planning to let her out tomorrow morning.”
When we get back into Sammi’s room, I overhear Nikki telling her about our plans already.
“Malachi said there’s a beach nearby. I think it might be what we all need,” I hear her say.
“You had me at beach,” Sammi grins.
“I’ll wait in the car while you gather some of your stuff,” I say as we pull into Nikki’s driveway. “I’ll call Dean while I’m out here.”
“I’m assuming that’s your best friend?” Nikki asks as she opens the car door to get out.
I nod my head. “Sure is.”
I watch as she disappears into the house and then dig my phone out of my pocket.
It rings a few times and then Dean finally answers. “Hey, long time no talk,” he says.
“Sorry, man. Life has been a little hectic since taking off from Ohio,” I explain. “How are things?”
“Not too bad. Just finished the basement renovations in my cabin. You know how it is, there’s always something to do here.”
“Nice. Listen, I have a huge favor to ask.”
“Last time you asked for a favor, my truck disappeared into a lake,” he laughs.
“Hey—that was a long time ago.”
“What can I do for ya’ then?”
“Some shit came up and I need a place for a few of us to lay low for a while.”
“The two cabins near the lake are clean and prepped.”
“I’ll pay you, of course,” I assure him.
“No need for that. Just let me know when you’re coming.”
“We might be there as early as tomorrow night.”
“I’ll be here. Just stop by to grab the keys on your way by,” he says. “I gotta take off, the plumber is here to install the downstairs piping.”
“I’ll keep you posted,” I reply. “Thank you.”
I breathe a sigh of relief and keep my eyes on Nikki’s door for her to come out. After a few more minutes, I become impatient so I get out of the car and head toward her door.
