“So what?Sit back and enjoy the view.”
“She’s got a kid.A little girl.”
“Oh.”
Paul didn’t like the way the conversation stalled whenever this subject came up.He wished he hadn’t mentioned it.
“You’re thinking about the kid at the scene,” Kyle surmised.
“Actually, I’m not.”
Kyle made a skeptical noise.
“Why is that so hard to believe?”
“Because you overthink everything else.”
“I did what I had to do.I’m not dwelling on it.”
“If you say so.”
“I didn’t call for a wellness check.”
“Maybe you need one.You sound tense.”
Paul ignored Kyle’s casual advice, though it irked him.He was tense, for good reason.His concerns about Vanessa Nava were legitimate.“We both know I have a target on my back, and that puts everyone in my vicinity at risk.”
“You had a target on your back in Houston.That’s why we relocated you.The threat in Lost Lake is minimal.”
“It’s not zero.”
“You have to relax, bro.”
“That would be a lot easier without unexpected guests, and an increased police presence!”
“Just stay calm and stick to the plan.You’re not doing anything suspicious.You’re remodeling a cabin.They won’t look twice at you.”
“Maybe I should find another hideout.”
“No,” Kyle said with emphasis.“This place has been vetted.We can’t start over because of a booking error.”
Paul massaged his upper arm, contemplative.
“How’s your shoulder?”
“It’s better.”
“You’re lying,” Kyle said.“Did you try the edibles I gave you?”
“No.”
“Why not?A couple of those will ease your muscle pain and kill every bad vibe.”
Paul hadn’t told his brother about the morning panic attacks, but he’d admitted to having trouble sleeping.If the natural remedy would reduce any of his symptoms, it was worth trying.“I’ll think about it.”
“Don’t think too hard.”
“How are the boys?”
