Page 74 of Ink and Ashes
The reminder that she’s leaving feels like a bucket of ice water being dumped on me.
“What’s Toronto like?” Finn asks. “I’ve always wanted to visit.”
“Busy. Coming here was a shock to my system, to say the least.” Holland huffs a laugh. “But it can be nice. There are some neat places to go. I’d definitely suggest visiting, if you ever get the chance.”
Finn smiles, and she promises to make him a list of the best places to go.
Mickey pipes up next. “What kinds of things did you investigate back home?”
Holland doesn’t miss a beat. “Mostly politics. I grew up in a political family, so it was what called to me.”
“Who’s your family?” Chief asks.
I glance at Dom who stares back at me.
“No one you’d know,” Holland lies easily. If she gave them the truth, they’d all learn she’s lying about her identity, and nothinggood would come from that.
“Arson’s a big shift from politics. You sure you know what you’re doing?” Morgan asks then. The room goes silent at the accusation in his tone. She’s already proven she does, so for him to suggest otherwise is a bold move.
Holland narrows her gaze on him, but she keeps her cool. “I’m sure.”
Morgan huffs, returning his attention to his food. The conversation dwindles after that, and Holland stays quiet for the rest of the meal, her gaze scanning between each of the crew members around the table. I can see the wheels turning in her brain, and I make a mental note to ask her about it when we get back to the inn later.
We finish the meal and tidy up, Holland heading back to the conference room to collect her things. When she comes down to the bay, she makes her way over to me.
“I’m gonna head out,” she says as she approaches.
My brows pull together. “How are you getting back?”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m gonna walk. It’s only fifteen minutes.”
She’s right that it’s not too far, but the idea of her walking alone puts me on edge.
I glance down at my watch to see it’s just after three, meaning there are about three hours left in shift. But it’s been an uneventful day, so I’m sure Chief Whitlock won’t mind if I cut out for a few minutes.
“Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
I run off in the direction of Chief’s office before she has a chance to respond. I ask him if he minds if I drive Holland home, to which he gives me the go ahead with a quick nod.
I thank him before returning to where Holland is in the bay.
“Come on,” I tell her. “I’ll drive you.”
She huffs a laugh, shaking her head, but easily agrees. We walk out of the bay and make our way to my truck, then I drive her back to the inn.
“Thanks for letting me stay for lunch. Caleb is a good cook,” she says, making small talk. I want nothing more than to ask herabout what she found today, but I have to return to work after I drop her off, so it’ll be better if I wait until I get home tonight.
“He is. I’ll let him know you said so,” I return.
When I pull into the lot at the inn a few minutes later, Holland turns to me with a smile on her face.
“See you when you get back?”
I smile back. “See you later, Rhodes.”
She exits the vehicle, then I head back to work. The rest of the shift is uneventful, and when six o’clock rolls around, I can’t get out of there fast enough. I’m eager to talk to Holland about what she found today.
Hell, I’m eager just to see her.
