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“Technically they were cousins by marriage.” Of all the things she needed to explain about her hometown, this was one she didn’t want to get into just yet. But she sighed, knowing she’d have to explain eventually. “I guess they weren’t my cousins then.”
“So Landon’s family is from the wrong side of the tracks?” Robin probed. Tessa imagined that if the woman had popcorn right now, she’d be gulping it by the handful.
“Some of his family. It’s kind of a complicated story. But Landon is nothing like them.” She shook her head, blinking back tears. “He’s an honest man and he’d never do anything that wasn’t right. I admired it about him when we were young and I still love that about him now.”
“I can see that.” Robin tried not to laugh. “But from what I’m hearing, Landon’s family was a little lawless and your family is backed by the blue. Is this some kind of Romeo and Juliet small town love story?”
“Something like that.” Tessa’s cheeks flushed as she checked the fuel pump with her hand, cursing as she yanked it back away. It was getting too hot running in the desert heat.
“Hey.” Robin grew somber. “It’s going to be okay.”
Tessa clenched her jaw and checked the gas can. Two measly freaking gallons. She dug her foot in the dirt to stop from kicking the tire in frustration.
“How can I help?” Robin wrung her hands together, confused by the sudden shift. It’s not her fault.
Tessa stood up as guilt washed over her. “Can you go turn off the ignition? This is all we’re going to get.”
“Finally.” Robin clapped, trying to lighten the mood. “She trusts me enough to do one simple task. Oh my gosh, I don’t want to mess this up. The pressure! But I’ve got this. I promise I won’t let you down, boss.”
Tessa laughed as the woman walked away and then glanced at the gas cans on the ground. Two gallons to add to the three she’d siphoned earlier. One full five-gallon tank and another three gallons in the other. It wasn’t much, it definitely wasn’t enough, but it helped to settle the panic she was feeling. Precautionary measures in an out of control world. Moose lifted his head to stare at her.
“Don’t look at me like that, old man,” Tessa teased as she tightened the lid on the can. “You have a job to do too. Go get your kids.”
