Page 110 of Wandering Souls

“Coming back?” He nodded, but Abi only smiled. “No.”

“Stevie is going to be over the moon. Don’t be surprised if she starts to mother-hen you.”

The thought of her older sister fussing over her encouraged warmth to bloom in Abi’s chest. Knowing someone wanted her here satisfied a need deep within her she hadn’t realized needed filling. Better yet, knowing that quite a fewsomeone’sfelt the same way helped make Wills Crossing her home.

A small voice whispered that she was effectively homeless, since there were no spare rooms at the homestead, and she’d yet to face Ray. Leaving the way she did, after his heartfelt confession, almost seemed cruel. She didn’t want to think about him being unable to forgive her but she understood it was at least a possibility.

“You look worried.”

“Just thinking about the logistics.”

He frowned. “Hollywood has already agreed to have you as a guest. Don’t worry.” He squeezed her hand. “You’ll have somewhere to stay for as long as you need.”

Abi stared out through the windshield of the chopper at the dark landscape. A roof over her head wasn’t her greatest fear.

“Oh, I see.”

She blinked back to focus on her father. “You do?”

He winked. “Ray.”

That one name kicked all the butterflies in her belly into a frenzy. She’d never been so uncertain of anything in her life.

“See him tomorrow, Abi. It’s late and you need a good night’s sleep. You’ve earned the rest.”

Abi bit her lip, her nerves jittering under her skin. Every part of her tingled with a potent mix of fear and anticipation.

“Besides, he might still be out with the fire crews, mopping up.”

She hadn’t thought of that. Maybe Damien was right. Perhaps seeing him in the morning was the best move. They’d both be clear headed after this crazy day.

She’d never forget seeing the extent of the fire. Watching it race up the side of the mountains and incinerate everything in its path was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Mother Nature could be fearsome and today she gnashed her teeth with vengeance.

The worst was knowing Ray was in the thick of it on the front line. Even now, the thought caused her ribs to clamp down on her lungs. With no reports of firefighters sustaining any serious injuries, she was fairly certain he’d come through unscathed, but the possibilities of what could’ve been threatened to stop her heart.

No.

Tomorrow would not do.

She’d sit on his doorstep until he came home. Only when she saw him safe and sound with her own eyes would she be able to get any sleep.

“I’ll put the chopper away, if you like,” Damien offered. His knowing smile suggested he knew exactly what she thought.

“No, I want to help. After all, if she’s going to become my responsibility, I should take charge.”

With a decisive nod, he accepted her words. Together, they stored the aircraft at the front of the hangar, leaving his large black cargo plane in the rear. Her Jeep sat idle by the hangar doors after they’d unloaded it upon arrival. It was handy having a father with an airplane for a taxi.

In the small office, Abi sat on the old vinyl swivel chair and filled out the flight log book. The answering machine light winked at her as she set the ledger on the desk. The dusty space needed a good clean and she made a mental note to return in a day or two to take care of business. It was a barren space, but one she could see being home to any number of business ventures. All she needed to do was think of one to try and get off the ground.

“Abi?”

Lifting her head, she smiled. “Yes, Dad—”

Oh.The slip of the tongue cut off her words. Her tired brain had confused Damien and Dad, but the pleasant surprise on his face told her he was chuffed to bits.

“Come on.” He held out a hand. “I have it on good authority that your detective has returned home.”

Abi let him pull her to her feet. “Is it too early for that?”

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