Page 62 of Scorched Secrets

“It’s going on five-thirty in the morning, we should try to get some rest.” Colin rose from his seat at the table. “We’ll discuss a game plan later.”

From the way the brothers exchanged a glance, she felt certain they already had a plan in mind. They wouldn’t do anything now, though, so she made her way down the hall to the master bedroom. The Finnegan brothers had insisted she use that one for the privacy of having her own bathroom.

They were the kindest and most considerate guys she’d ever met. Tears pricked her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. She wasn’t one to break down crying, yet the culmination of stress, anxiety, and fear over the past few days was obviously catching up with her.

She stood at the window for a long moment, gazing up at the sky. Despite the early hour, dawn was brightening the horizon to the east. Closing her eyes, she silently prayed for God to continue watching over them and for His guidance in bringing the arsonist to justice.

Before any innocent people were hurt.

Faye wasn’t sure how she’d managed to fall asleep, but when she awoke, bright sunlight streamed in through the window. Peering at the clock, she noticed it was almost nine o’clock in the morning.

After a quick shower, she headed to the kitchen, following the scent of freshly brewed coffee. No surprise to find Colin already up.

“Did you get any sleep?” She was concerned about him. There were dark circles beneath his eyes.

“I did.” He flashed a wry smile and shrugged. “Only about two hours, though. My body clock is a mess. My brain kept telling me it was time to be up.”

“I know that feeling.” She poured a cup of coffee, then joined him at the table. “I didn’t ask last night, but what sort of food is stocked here?”

“Aiden called in an order for groceries and more gauze too.” Colin glanced at his watch. “Should be delivered here soon. Then I’ll make breakfast.”

“You’re always offering to cook.” She smiled as she sipped her coffee. “I can handle easy stuff like eggs and toast.”

He chuckled. “I don’t mind. And I ordered bacon too. No breakfast is complete without bacon.”

That made her laugh. “Sounds good.”

They were silent for a moment, enjoying the morning light and delicious coffee. Finally, she decided to ask, “When are you going to fill me in on the plan you and Aiden have already come up with?”

He shook his head, a wry grin tugging at his mouth. “You’re too smart for your own good.”

“Yeah, I’ve been told that before.” She didn’t take offense. “That’s what got me through medical school. Come on, Colin. Fill me in. I assume we’re not heading to the American Lodge.”

“That’s correct.” His expression turned grim. “I don’t want to risk Gary losing his motel in a fire.”

“I agree, I don’t want that to happen either.” Then it dawned on her. “You’re going to use this place.” She waved a hand at the room. “Because the windows are bullet resistant.”

“Like I said, too smart for your own good.” He nodded. “We are considering that, yes. But we need to find a safe place for you to wait. After the lake house fiasco, I don’t want you anywhere near the arsonist.”

“I want to be where you are.” Her cheeks grew warm as she realized he could read into that statement. “I feel safe with you. I don’t want us to be separated.”

“I’m humbled by your trust, especially since I’ve done nothing but put you in danger.” His low voice held a hint of anguish. “I should have done better.”

“You did everything right.” It wasn’t his fault the arsonist had managed to figure out their locations. She reached over to take his uninjured hand in hers. “I am so thankful you’ve been here with me through all of this.”

Their gazes met and held, a shimmer of attraction enveloping them like a cloak. She wished he’d kiss her again. A sharp knock at the door had them breaking apart.

“I’ve got it.” Aiden came out of his room, a towel slung over his shoulders, his reddish hair damp. He took a moment to peer through the peephole to verify the delivery man’s identity before opening the door. “Thanks.” Aiden passed the young woman a folded bill, then picked up the box. Holding it under one arm, he closed and locked the door.

“Time to make breakfast.” Colin stood and unpacked the box, setting items on the counter that he planned to use right away.

Faye jumped up to help as Aiden went back to his room to finish washing up. Colin used both his hands to begin preparing breakfast. Since the worst of the burn was midway up his forearm, she didn’t protest.

His burn injury could have been so much worse.

“Sit down,” he said, glancing at her. “I don’t need you hovering.”

“Okay.” She refilled her cup and sat. “I still don’t understand how you and Aiden intend to use the safe house to draw the arsonist out of hiding. I mean, I get how you’ll use my phone, hoping to lure him here. But he’s been attacking from afar. How do we make sure he doesn’t get away this time?”

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