Page 24 of Peaks and Promises

I did not assume that was a good sign.

Nate pushed the door open, and I followed him in. A young girl behind the counter greeted us, and I smiled in return.

“Go ahead and pick a flavor,” I said. “I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?”

“Just right outside the door. I need to make a call.”

He nodded. “Can I get two scoops or one?”

“One. Don’t push it, buddy.”

He grinned a little.

I stepped into the heat and got out my phone. He’d said to call him. But should I, really? Why should he care if my ex was in town?

And could I trust him?

But I was basically desperate. I didn’t have anywhere else to turn. So I called.

“Where are you?” he answered.

That was abrupt. “Hi, Reese. It’s Summer.”

“I know. Where are you?”

“I’m at an ice cream shop, right by the taco truck.”

“Are you in danger?” His tone was composed—almost deadpan.

“Not at this moment, but I just ran into my ex. He was outside my son’s school. He’s dangerous, and I can’t let him near Nate.”

“Where’s your son now?”

“He’s here with me.”

“The ex. He’s a member?”

My shoulders slumped. “Yeah, he is. Midnight Mayhem.”

“Was he alone?”

“As far as I could see.”

“Did he follow you?”

“I don’t think so. I haven’t seen him. But he said we’d talk more later. And one of the others was at my apartment complex.”

“Stay where you are.”

“We could meet somewhere if that’s more convenient.”

“Don’t move. I’m already on my way.”

“Oh…okay. I’ll just be inside.”

“Stay indoors, away from the windows. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”