Page 16 of Hiding in Alaska (Home to Owl Creek 4)

Connor scoffed. “Braden has done every extreme sport you can imagine. I don’t think that a little night skiing would be a problem.”

Hank shook his head. “Connor, you need to start brainstorming again. Considering how Jack died, I think it could come across as insensitive.”

Connor let out a groan and slapped his forehead. “I have no idea where my head is at. That would really be problematic. Not to mention downright inconsiderate. Maybe we c

an do a bowling night and rent out the place just for the party. With food and music, it could be just right. Thanks for the save, guys.”

Piper’s father and Hank’s stepfather, Jack Miller, had passed away after a snowmobile accident on one of the mountain trails. It had caused a huge rift between Piper and Braden when it was revealed that Braden had been arguing with her father shortly before the tragic accident. Thankfully, they had sorted things out and reconciled. Their spring wedding was mere weeks away.

“No problem. We’re all excited that Braden and Piper are making it official.” Gabriel grinned as he put a forkful of rosemary potatoes in his mouth.

Hank frowned. “He better treat my little sister right or he’s going to answer to me.” The menacing expression stamped on his face gave way to a smirk when he couldn’t keep a straight face. Gabe and Connor began chuckling along with him.

“I’ve always wanted to say that. You know I think the world of Braden,” Hank admitted.

Connor grinned. “The feeling is mutual. He’s looked up to the three of us ever since he was in diapers,” Connor said, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Growing up in the shadow of a tragic event such as his sister’s kidnapping had forged a strong bond between the two brothers. Although they were now traveling on different paths since Braden was opening a business specializing in Alaskan adventures, the love between them couldn’t be any stronger. Watching him fall head over heels in love with his best friend had been awe-inspiring. The happy couple was also working together with Piper’s pie business, Pie in the Sky.

“So, how are things going with the new girl in town? Ellen? I heard she’s working at the chocolate shop,” Gabe said.

“Ella,” he said, quickly correcting his friend. “She seems to be acclimating well to our little town. She had an accident with her truck so I’ve been giving her a lift to work until Rusty makes the repairs,” Connor explained.

“That’s too bad she had a wreck,” Gabe said. “I hope she’s all right.”

“She didn’t have so much as a scratch, but the truck wasn’t as fortunate,” Connor answered. “I’m just praying she doesn’t get jittery about driving on these icy roads. I remember when I had that accident back in high school. It took me a long time to work up the courage to get back behind the wheel.”

Hank nodded. “Sage is raving about her and how well she’s doing at the chocolate shop. I think my wife has found a new friend.”

“That’s great. Sage is the perfect person for Ella to bond with.” Just the thought of the two women becoming friends made him smile. His sister was compassionate and understanding. “It must be challenging being new to Owl Creek. Most of the townsfolk have been in each other’s pockets for all of our lives.”

Hank took a big swig of his hot chai. “Something tells me you’re doing some bonding of your own with Ella, judging by that look on your face.”

“We’re just friends,” Connor said, not wanting Hank or Gabe to get the wrong idea. He knew all too well how fast rumors spread here in town. “Even a blind man can see she’s beautiful,” he conceded, “so there’s a definite attraction. I feel this pull in her direction that makes me want to be around her.”

Gabe leaned forward across the table. “I can hear a ‘but’ coming.”

Connor let out a sigh. “At the risk of being considered paranoid, I’m pretty certain she’s running from something in her past.” He looked back and forth between his friends, waiting for skeptical expressions to appear on their faces. When it didn’t happen, he continued to speak. “I can’t say for certain what it is, but something doesn’t feel right about her backstory.”

“Maybe she had a bad breakup,” Gabe said. “People relocate all the time due to their personal lives.”

“True.” Connor sighed. “Trouble is, the only woman who makes me feel anything romantic at all these days is Ella.”

“And why is that a problem?” Hank asked.

“Because all of my instincts are telling me she’s sitting on a mountain of secrets. I can’t put my finger on it, but our new employee isn’t as she appears to be. And it’s putting up a wall between us.”

“What do you think she’s hiding?” Gabriel prodded.

Connor shrugged. “I have no idea. Something just doesn’t feel right. Her reason for coming all this way to Alaska is a bit shaky.”

Hank scratched his jaw. “People move all the time. Maybe her old life wasn’t working, and she wanted a fresh start. It’s not far-fetched at all. We have several residents who transplanted here from other places.”

Connor let out a frustrated sound. “Okay. It’s possible I’m just putting up roadblocks, but my instincts are telling me something is off with her. And I have to admit, it has crossed my mind that she could be involved in something illegal.”

“As a member of law enforcement, I have to caution you against going down that trail without evidence. It’s a huge leap,” Hank said.

“What your family has been through would make anyone a bit jaded,” Gabe added. “I know when Sage revealed herself as your long-lost sister, you were the last family member to believe it was true. You’re a pragmatic person, Connor, but sometimes you tend to see cracks when there really aren’t any. Just keep that in mind.”

“He’s right,” Hank chimed in. “And the problem is, you could be blocking your greatest blessing in the process.”

---