Page 34 of Holding Ground

“Elliott, it’s not your fault that a tree fell in a storm.”

“It is. A branch fell off in the spring when another storm went through, and I knew that tree should probably come down. I just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Summer is so busy for me. I’d planned to do it this fall.”

“Ellio—”

“What if you’d been hurt, Emelia?” His deep-blue eyes bore into me, and I draw back from the surprise of his concerned tone.

“Honestly? I thought maybe you’d welcome that.” I’m only half joking, and he must be able to tell because he cringes.

“You’ll stay in the guest room until I can get it repaired.”

“Are you sure?” The truth is, there really aren’t any good options close to town. I looked into them before I came out here, and it’s the reason I was booked with Elliott in the first place.

“Yeah, of course. Get your things and bring them into the house. Only…”

My head tilts. “What is it?”

“Most of your clothes are soaked from the rain, since the tree went through the ceiling above the closet. But you’re welcome to use my washer and dryer.” He cringes again, and I assume it’s because he feels bad.

I chuckle as I walk past him. “Lighten up, Elliott. Think of it this way—this whole situation has saved me from having to use the laundromat in town. That’s a win in my book.”

His low chuckle rings out in the morning air as I make my way to the bunkie. I swear I can feel his eyes on me the entire time, but I must be imagining it. The man hates me.

Before I returned with my things from the bunkie, Elliott told Baylor that I would be staying with them for a bit and why. To say she was excited is an understatement.

I forgot to get the Wi-Fi password from Elliott before he left this morning, and I’m due to send a report to my boss letting him know how the town hall meeting went. It’s just as well. I feel weird being in his house by myself.

So I hop in my car and head to the Hollow Pine Café to use their free Wi-Fi.

Once again, I spot the Thermos Crew across the road on their lawn chairs and give them a wave before I head inside.

“Morning, sweetheart. Looks like you brought work with you today.” Dottie nods at the laptop in my hand while sliding a mug across the counter with one hand, then filling it from the coffeepot that seems like a permanent fixture in her other hand.

“I have a couple of things to get done this morning.” I reach for the mug on instinct and take a sip, closing my eyes in delight at the flavor. “Still not used to how good this is.”

She lets out a throaty chuckle. “What can I get you to eat?” The bell over the door rings, and a man I’d guess is in his late forties with a long brown beard walks in. “Your usual table is open, Doug. Have a seat, and I’ll be right over with your coffee.”

His gaze flicks over to me, then he smiles and nods at Dottie before walking farther into the café.

“I told you, I’m not much of a breakfast person.” I set the mug on the counter.

“And then I watched you inhale the pancakes.” She gives me the once-over, studying me, squinting one eye, and pursing her bright red lips. “You don’t have any allergies, do you?”

I shake my head.

“Then I think it should be walnut-studded crepes for you this morning.” She smacks her hand on the counter as though it’s decided.

There’s no sense in arguing, so I just thank her. But before she peels away from the counter, I say, “Hey, Dottie, what brought you to Echo Lake again?”

“Married a mobster when I was a showgirl in Vegas and ran away from him when the marriage went bad.” She gives me a wink and heads over to the tables near the windows to refill their coffee.

I laugh and open my laptop to get started. But the first thing I do isn’t check my emails or write the report for my boss. Instead, I go back to Facebook to see if I’ve been accepted into the two community groups. I’ve only been accepted into one of them. With a queasy stomach, I type out a message.

Looking for anyone who may have known Tanya Eaton or any of her relatives…

I detail her date of birth and death and ask anyone who may have knowledge of the family to contact me.

We don’t share the same last name, so no one should have any idea what my relation to the family may be. I’m thankful for it because it gives me time to still back out and change my mind at the last minute.