Page 54 of Scorched Secrets

“I’ll say grace.” Colin took her hand in his. Aiden clasped his hands together and bowed his head. This was clearly a family tradition. “Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food we are about to eat. We ask that You continue to keep us all safe in Your care. And that You guide us to the truth. Amen.”

“Amen,” Aiden echoed.

“Amen,” Faye agreed.

“Dig in!” Aiden reached for a grilled ear of corn.

Colin lightly smacked his hand. “Ladies first. And this is her family’s food, so be nice.”

“You’re just getting back at me for the fork incident,” Aiden groused. But then he grinned. “Help yourself, Faye.”

She did, then smiled as the two Finnegans fought over the extra burger and ear of corn. In the end, they didn’t resort to hand stabbing but split the burger and corn cob in half.

Watching them made her wish she had a closer relationship with Annie. Something she silently promised to work on once this nightmare was over. Just because Annie was fourteen years younger didn’t mean they couldn’t spend girl time together. Maybe do a spa day or go shopping.

The Finnegans were an in-your-face reminder that family was important. And if she were honest, it was time for her to do her part with Annie and Claire.

As much as he appreciated his brother’s willingness to back him up, Colin wished he had more time alone with Faye. Which probably wasn’t smart. He needed to remain focused on the threat posed by the arsonist.

When they finished their meal, Faye insisted on washing the dishes. Since he and Aiden needed to work out their guard duty schedule, he gestured for his brother to follow him into the living room.

“You want first watch?” Colin asked.

“You tell me what’s better for you,” Aiden countered. “I’m well rested, so you can get some sleep first if you’d like.”

He nodded slowly. “That’s probably for the best. Thanks. If you can give me four hours, that would be great.”

“Not a problem.” Aiden grinned. “How are things going between you and the pretty doc? I’m seeing sparks when you look at each other.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Scowling, he shook his head. “Don’t, Aiden. She’s going through a rough time. Tease me all you like but leave Faye alone. She’s not used to siblings jabbing at each other.”

“Ah, so it’s like that, is it?” Aiden adopted a fake Irish accent. “Me thinks you protest too much.”

He rolled his eyes. “And I think you have too much time on your hands.” He stood and stretched. “Behave and wake me up earlier if you need to.”

“I’ll be fine, lad,” he said with the same fake Irish accent. Truthfully, Aiden had the accent nailed, but he wasn’t about to encourage him. “Don’t you worry, the lass will be fine under my protection.”

“You’re an idiot,” he said without heat.

“Hey, I almost forgot.” The fake Irish accent was gone now. “I brought a spare gun from Rhy’s safe.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Mitch Callahan gave me his backup weapon.” He bent and unbuckled the ankle holster, showing his younger brother the weapon. “I haven’t needed it, thankfully.”

“That is a good thing,” Aiden agreed. “Glad you have something to use if needed.”

“I do. Good night.” The hour was early, barely seven forty, but since he planned to be awake between midnight and four in the morning, he’d do his best to sleep. The good thing about working as a paramedic firefighter was that he’d trained himself to sleep between calls. This shouldn’t be any different.

Except, it was. Only because he could still smell the flowery scent that clung to his clothes after holding Faye in his arms. He shifted restlessly, doing his best to focus on prayer, the way he usually did when needing to fall asleep quickly.

The next thing Colin knew, Aiden was shaking his shoulder. “Colin? It’s midnight.”

“Already?” He blinked and stared down at his watch. Scrubbing his hands over his face, he swung upright. “Thanks, Aiden. I take it you didn’t see anything unusual?”

“Not really. I was worried for a while, though.”

“Why?” His sleepiness vanished. “What happened?”

“Nothing really happened. I noticed a boat out on the lake moving slowly past the house. I know it’s a no wake zone after dark, but it drew my attention. I watched as it continued cruising all the way down to the other side of the lake, then turned around to make its way back along the opposite shore. I grabbed my binocs from my duffel and examined it more closely. Four people on board, two men and two women. Decided it was tourists taking in the sights.”

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