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It was late, and I was dirty and exhausted and deeply confused as to why Finn Hebert had taken a company plane to pick us up after Mitch had specifically told Paz there wasn’t one available.
What was even more confusing was my sister’s presence in said plane. When we climbed into the tiny aircraft, she shot me a look that said,do not ask questions. And my life had already been in danger once today, so I wasn’t about to cross Adele. Hell, I’d rather take on the ATV henchmen than my pissed-off sister.
We landed on South Birch Lake, just outside of town, where my mother was waiting at the end of the dock. I’d barely helped Hazel out of the plane before Loraine Gagnon’s arms were around us both.
She led us to her truck, where, in the dark, Paz and Alice and dozens of others were waiting to see us.
Including Dylan.
Who strode right up to me and punched me in the face.
I buckled and grabbed my throbbing jaw, then found my balance.
“What the hell, Dylan?” Hazel snapped, slumping against the side of Paz’s truck to keep from falling. “Get away from him, you psycho.”
I shook my head, still reeling. Dylan ignored Hazel and charged toward me again. “You promised,” he hissed, his face red and full of fury. “You promised to keep her safe.”
Holding my hands up in surrender, I squinted, already feeling my face swell. “I also promised not to fall in love with her. So you can take another shot. ’Cause I’m a shit friend.”
His eyes widened, and he reared back, probably stunned by my declaration. And I braced myself, sure that the next punch would hurt even more.
But Hazel hobbled between us, a hand on her hip. “Stop it, Dylan. You’re acting like a damn caveman.”
His face softened, and he dragged his sister in for a hug.
She pushed against his chest. “And I kept myself safe, thank you very much.”
“She did,” I admitted. “She’s smarter than all of us combined.”
Dylan wrapped her up again, squeezing tight while glaring at me. This wasn’t over. And I had a lot of apologizing to do.
We were escorted back to Henri’s house, where my mom and Alice took turns fussing over us, insisting we not get up for anything and offering far more food than a human could consume in a day while the state police set up a makeshift command center, interviewing us several times and poring over the photos Hazel had taken.
She was being questioned for at least the eleventh time when I spotted Finn Hebert standing on the front porch, speaking to my sister.
When my mom’s back was turned, I snuck out, interrupting the hushed conversation they were having.
Adele glared at me, which I ignored.
“Thank you,” I said to Finn, offering my hand. “I’m in your debt.”
He gave me a friendly smile and took my hand. “Glad to help. I’m not my dad. If someone needs help, I’m there.”
Finn Hebert could only be kindly described as a Viking. Tall—and not Gagnon tall; more like NBA tall—with blue eyes and dirty-blond hair that was shaved on the sides with a man bun on top. Tattoos snaked up both of his arms, and he had a scar across his left cheek.
Despite the comic book–villain appearance, he was friendly enough. And he had defied his father and taken a company plane to rescue us. That alone was reason enough to give him a chance.
“I mean it,” I repeated. “I owe you.”
He rubbed his chin and smirked. “Well,” he hedged, “I’m a big fan, and my brothers are always busting my balls about what a slow climber I am. I’d love some training tips.”
I laughed. I hadn’t seen him on the circuit, but his four brothers dabbled in timbersports, like many guys in the logging business.
“I’d be happy to share a few of my secrets.”
“After nationals,” Hazel piped up from behind me. She limped through the doorway and immediately settled under my arm with one hand on my chest. I liked her there. And I had every intention of fulfilling my promise to keep her close forever. I breathed easier when she was near.
“Good luck, man,” Finn said with a pat on my shoulder. “I’ll be rooting for you. I gotta get home.”
