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Walking down the streets, I’m entranced by the beauty around me. The snowcapped peaks rise in the distance like monsters, their tops gleaming in the sunlight. The crisp air fills my lungs with warmth yet dread.
Despite its size, there are plenty of businesses: a general store, a hardware store, a café next to an ice cream parlor, and even a tiny bookstore. But the locals need to be more friendly. They just throw me glances and nod as I pass by.
“Lake!” My name rings across the street, and I spot Donna Foster, Callahan’s mom, amidst her two sons—Magnus and Bach.
I wonder if the rest of the Thorndale siblings are here. Cal has eight of those, if I don’t count the baby born last month. His mother is trying to prove he’s the legitimate son of Eric Thorndale. For the sake of the baby’s future, let’s hope he isn’t related.
“Hi, Ms. Foster,” I greet her, and she takes me in her arms.
“So glad to see you,” I say, disentangling myself from her embrace.
“I wish I could say the same but…” She glances around and leans closer to me. “Do you know what’s happening? They don’t want to tell us anything.” Her smile fades away as she touches her lips and then lowers her hand back by her side.
“Mom,” Magnus whispers urgently. “Remember they said not to speak freely here.”
She touches her lips with the tip of her fingers. “It’s like we’re in prison—is this safe?”
“It is,” I assure her, then add, “Are all your siblings in town?”
Magnus shrugs. “Not only them, but a few others also made it too.”
Bach rolls his eyes but doesn’t say a word.
“We have to go,” Derek says. He focuses on Donna, Magnus, and Bach. “We’ll see you later today, as planned.”
Donna throws me a glance. One full of sorrow then she quickly turns away from me before I can see any emotion further in her eyes.
* * *
As soon asI enter the cabin, Cal’s voice echoes through the room, and his face contorts into a frown.“Where have you been?” His voice is demanding. Knowing him, he’s been worried sick about my whereabouts. The tension building in the air is almost suffocating.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “No need to worry,” I reply, my voice calm and measured. “I was just going through orientation and getting to know this lovely town. Do you know they don’t have computers in the library?”
He’s not a technology geek like me, but I expect him to crack some joke. He doesn’t. He looks me up and down, his eyes lingering on my outfit. “Those aren’t the clothes Ansel gave you,” he observes.
I could say something like, ‘no kidding, Sherlock,’ or ‘what gave it away?’ But this isn’t the time to let my smart-mouth loose.
Still, I sass him while smoothing my leggings and fixing the long sweatshirt I got while visiting Derek and his wife. “Well, this fits a lot better than his clothes, don’t you think? You can even see my boobs.”
Cal’s expression softens slightly, but I can still sense his apprehension. “Good, I’m glad you’re getting comfortable,” he says, his voice low and serious. “I just learned that we’re not going home anytime soon.”
I can feel a lump forming in my throat. I hate to keep things from him, but for his sake and mine I have to do it. After midnight, I’ll be on my way to Seattle and afterward, I should be back in DC. No one will notice I was missing or know that I was with Cal.
So, I play dumb. “How so?”
“It’s complicated, and unfortunately, I’m not authorized to disclose anything to anyone—not even you or my family,” he mumbles, as if trying to make sure no one is listening. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this with me.”
“I deserve a little more than the crappy orientation, the clothes, and your pity, don’t you think?” I straighten my shoulders, feigning hurt.
“This is just…” The sound of a phone interrupts him. I frown when I see him pull it out of his pocket.
“You brought yours, but I had to leave mine?” I snap at him.
“They gave it to me. It’s…” He runs a hand through his hair. “Listen, it’s Ryder. I need to take this call.”
ChapterFive
Callahan
