Page 26 of Statler

“Excellent. I’ll let you get to unpacking, then. If you have any problems or any additional needs, you know where to find me.”

“We do, but can I also get your phone number?” Statler asked.

It might have been an innocent question, seeing as Eliza would be their liaison of sorts, but she caught a few odd snorts from Statler’s crew that sounded anything but guileless.

“Am I missing something?” she asked, putting them on the spot in a way that was completely uncharacteristic of her.

“Don’t mind them,” Statler gruffed, and this time he did take her elbow to steer her out of the bedroom. “They like to make fun of me because I’m always preparing for contingencies, which in this case means getting your number as well as already having Mr. Flazer’s. Somehow, I have a feeling you’re the one who accomplishes most everything around here.”

Eliza felt a blush move up her cheeks. She wasn’t used to praise of any kind these days. She’d been more like a…place holder at the factory since Holden had passed, and if she were honest, equally so in their own home for months and months before he’d been killed.

Hearing Statler extol her efficiency was about as good as it could get.

“Th-thank you,” she stammered as they reached the living room and he held out his hand.

Eliza looked at it for a moment and blinked. What…?

Oh, shit. He wanted her phone, of course.

She fumbled in her pocket, and drawing it out, handed it to him.

“No passcode? Fingerprint? Facial recognition?” he asked with a scowl.

Eliza chuckled uncomfortably over how serious he looked.

“Uh, no crime in town, remember?” she squeaked.

“Right. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe when you leave town,” he chastised, taking the device from her.

“I don’t leave town,” she readily told him. Shit. That sounded wrong. “Uh, much,” she added when one of his brows went up.

He grunted, then quickly typed his contact info in before ringing his phone with hers.

“There. We’re connected.”

Eliza swallowed.

She knew what he meant.

But she couldn’t keep her mind from going immediately to where it absolutely shouldn’t.

CHAPTER SIX

Statler unpacked his belongings, his mind wandering to Eliza.

She was a confusing woman, that was for sure.

On the one hand—outwardly—she was buttoned up and demur, while still being extremely competent and organized. She’d set up Stat’s crew in their temporary homes quite proficiently, and made sure they had everything they needed for a comfortable stay.

On the other hand, however, Statler had occasionally caught glimpses of humor and cheerfulness which seemed like they might have once been integral to her personality. But something clearly had quelled that, imbuing Eliza with an underlying air of caution and melancholia that seemed…pervasive.

Despite the practiced face she wore, there was something sad lurking behind those stunning blue eyes.

The big question was, why did it feel important that Statler discover exactly what had caused the anguish she couldn’t quite disguise?

It shouldn’t be too difficult to find out.

If Statler knew anything about small towns, it was that they were hotbeds of gossip; people always up in each other’s business. He’d probably be able to get answers regarding Eliza’s past without trying very hard. After all, rural whisperings were an art form in these parts.