“I heard you guys were going near bear territory,” she muttered to Flora. “I didn’t want you to be murdered. Even if you are a nosy, interfering furbag.”
Finn let out an annoyed growl. “That’s my mate you’re talking about,” he rumbled.
“It’s okay,” Flora said placatingly.
Krystle heaved a sigh and shook her head. “No, it’s not. I’m really sorry. I am expecting Jose’s cub, I didn’t handle it well, and I blew it. You’re the only family I have, Flora, and you were just trying to help. You forgive me?”
“Of course. But you’ve got to try to patch things up with Jose.”
“Pretty sure that ship has sailed,” Krystle said with an unhappy look. “He wasn’t at work when I went back last night, and I haven’t heard from him today. He’s pissed at me. Not surprisingly. Just tell me what’s up with these bears, and we’ll worry about that later.”
Flora filled Krystle in on the problems that Madison and her friends were facing, as they settled in at the warehouse to wait. And wait. And wait.
None of the bears showed up. They kept scenting the air in case any of Ruben’s men headed their way, but they were all alone in the empty building.
Flora grew more and more worried as they sat there waiting. There was no way for her to contact them. Could Ruben have captured them? But why would he bother?
Finally, after an hour and a half, they left.
“Listen, you have to understand about girls like Madison,” Finn said as they walked back to the Lion’s Den. “Someone coming from an abusive background, running away from home, is going to be a troubled person with a lot of issues. She’s not going to be the most reliable person.”
“She wants to take her brother to a safe place. There is nothing more important to her,” Flora protested. “And as far as I can tell, she is reliable. She showed up on time to meet me, every time. Early, even. Okay, I’ll just try again tomorrow. Same time.”
“I’ll come with you,” Krystle said.
“I appreciate it. But what will I do if she just never shows up again?” Flora worried. “If she just disappears?”
“Happens all the time in Darwin,” Finn said. “I’m sorry, Flora, but that’s most likely what’s going to happen here. She changed her mind.”
“Or…” Flora couldn’t finish her sentence, but she felt ill with worry.
