Three firm raps.
My stomach tightens. Because nobody knocks on my door at this hour unless something is wrong.
I throw back the covers and rush toward the front door, imagining a student getting hurt, a staff member facing a medical emergency, or, God forbid, another runaway animal on the loose.
The cabin is dark except for the moonlight filtering through the windows and the flicker from the television.
I unlock the door and yank it open.
Then blink. Axle is standing on my porch.
“This isn’t our usual rendezvous time, cowboy.”
A grin slowly spreads. The moonlight highlighting his handsome face.
“I know. But I want to show you something, and we have to leave now so we don’t miss it.”
Two horses stand quietly behind him. One massive sorrel and one beautiful paint mare.
“I told you, I haven’t ridden in years.”
“And that is unacceptable,” he says as he steps down to the horses, taking their leads into his hands.
“This,” he says, holding up a set of reins, “is Johnny.”
The big gelding flicks an ear.
“And this beautiful girl is June.”
The mare nudges his shoulder.
I stare. “Where are we going?”
His grin widens. “Tonight, I thought we could have a different kind of slumber party. Give our brains a break from the workings of the criminal underworld.”
I blink again. “Huh?”
His gaze falls to my legs. “Put some pants on, Doc.”
I’m wearing my oversize sleep shirt already. His eyes linger for exactly half a second before he clears his throat.
“And your boots.”
I fold my arms. “Axle, it’s the middle of the night.”
“Perfect.”
He’s completely serious.
“Trust me, Jovie.”
He looks excited. Like a kid who can’t wait to show somebody a surprise.
I glance at the horses.
Then back at him.
“You realize this sounds exactly like the beginning of one of those true crime documentaries.”
