Page 6 of The Haunting Plot

“That doesn’t surprise me, moron,” she huffs.

RJ whips his head to hers, a slight look of shock coloring his features, then he turns back to me, hardening his expression.

“Like I was telling your sister before you showed up, she’s gonna need a place to stay for a bit.”

“I’ll stay at the property on Stanley Street,” Raven says to RJ.

“What, 217? The one you mentioned wanting to sell?” he asks.

Raven shakes her head. “No, 237 Stanley.”

“Are you sure? I thought you said it wasn’t in great shape.”

“It’s not, but I don’t have any other options at the moment.”

“Stay with us.”

“You know that’s not an option. There are way too many people in that house. It’ll be sensory overload for Jonah.”

RJ nods in understanding. “Yeah, I figured.”

I stand there awkwardly, looking between them, clueless about what to contribute to this conversation. I’m way out of my league with this captivating woman, but I want nothing more than to learn everything about her.

——————

“Knock, knock.” RJ’s head pops into my open door as I look up from my desk.

“Come to ask for another vacation? You’re not getting any more time off, paid or unpaid.”

A huge smile lights up his face. I can’t help teasing the guy. He’s one of our most promising rookies, but he took a two-week vacation over the summer to reconnect with his first love. And while I was thrilled it worked out for them, I ended up having to discipline him when he disobeyed orders on a scene recently. Turns out the fire was at his girlfriend’s house, and he ran in to save her books.

It was reckless, incredibly dangerous, and ridiculously romantic.

“I cannot apologize enough for my actions, Chief. It won’t happen again.”

I wave him off. “Water under the bridge. Did Summer like the library?”

“Loved it. Thank you again for helping me with that. It turned out way better than I could’ve done by myself.”

“I was happy to help. You get everything sorted with your sister?”

He takes a seat in the chair. “About that. You’re pretty handy…” he trails off.

My eyebrow lifts in curiosity. “I am.”

“Would you be interested in helping with a bigger project?”

“Depends.”

“The place Raven is staying isn’t set up for Jonah’s needs. She’s called around looking for contractors to help with some renovations she needs done, but you know what it’s like here in town—everyone’s booked up. Her only real options are outside the city, and they’re all scheduled out for months, but Jonah’s already had several meltdowns, and there’s only so much I can help with.”

I tug on the back of my neck as I consider his proposal. I love working with my hands, and I have a weakness for helping people, especially kids. Do I want to spend more time around that frustratingly beautiful woman? Hell yes, I do. But I’m certain she doesn’t return my interest. Even though I may look like a big tough guy, I’m a softie at heart, and I don’t want to piss her off more than I already have. Besides, I’m terrible at figuring women out.

“I’d love to, but something tells me she wouldn’t be on board with this little plan.”

“Not true.”

I quirk an eyebrow in question. “Really? Not only has she stated more than once that she doesn’t want my help, but she called me a moron.”