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“How so? He spent two tours in Afghanistan. You can’t get much riskier than that.”
“How about the way he handled things when he shoved Chief Wilson in the chest?” I give Kellan a pointed glance of my own that says I’m not backing down from my decision. “I’m worried he’ll do something that will cause more problems for Violet. Or he could get into bigger trouble with the law than he’s already in. My husband was like Chief Wilson. He liked to win. Every time. And he didn’t like losing his possessions.”
“So you’re never going to tell him?”
I shake my head.
“He suspects something’s up. He was asking everyone tonight if they know what’s going on with you because you keep canceling on him.” Kellan’s gaze goes to Violet, and his eyes soften. “I’m guessing you’re the reason for that.”
Violet hugs Sophie a little tighter, and I can’t shake the fear I’m adding to her feelings of guilt because I’m ignoring my friends so I can help her.
I reach for her hand, squeeze it reassuringly, and turn back to Kellan. “I can’t risk anyone coming over and finding Violet and Sophie here. And they’re already here alone during the day. I don’t want to leave them longer than that. I know what it’s like to be scared and isolated.”
Kellan is silent for a long moment, his face giving nothing away. The weight of his silence presses down on my chest, makes it difficult to draw in a breath.
“I have some connections who can help with the ID,” he finally says after a beat. “Any idea what state they’ll end up in?”
“I’m working on that.” Once I figure out how exactly I’m going to get them away from here.
“Decide where they’re going, and then I’ll talk to my connections.”
A small amount of the weight releases from my chest. “Thanks, Kellan. I hope this doesn’t cause you any problems.”
He doesn’t say anything, which is answer enough.
40
Troy
July, Present Day
Maple Ridge
* * *
Early Sunday evening, I drive to Jess’s house after leaving the Wilderness Warriors building. Butterscotch is still with the veterans since I plan to be back in an hour or so. I need to see Jess. I need to check that she’s okay. And most of all I need to kiss her. Other than when I’ve seen her at work, the last time we’ve really talked to each other was last Monday, when Roy was at her house, asking her questions about Violet Wilson.
I can’t explain it, but it feels like Jess and I are back where we started when I first saw her at the lake almost four months ago. She doesn’t trust me.
And she’s still withholding secrets.
If she can’t trust me, what kind of future can we have together?
I ring the doorbell. And wait. And wait. And wait. Bailey’s barking comes from inside the house.
I press the doorbell again. This time I don’t have to wait long before the door unlocks, and Jess opens it partway. But not enough for me to see past her.
An uncertain smile flickers on her face. “Hi. I didn’t realize you were planning to come over.”
“I wanted to make sure you’re okay.” My brothers and I were away last night with a group of retired vets, so I haven’t seen her since Friday at work. “Can I come in?”
Her face pales, and she looks over her shoulder. She opens the door wider and steps outside, partially closing the door behind her. “This isn’t a good time, Troy. Can it wait until tomorrow at work?”
Her comment takes me by surprise. “Christ, you make it sound like I’m your boss who’s asking you to do something work related after hours instead of your boyfriend who wants to see you.” The words come out harsher and grumpier than I’d planned, and I instantly regret them.
She winces, and several emotions flicker on her face, none I can get a firm grasp on—other than possibly guilt. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. But…but this really isn’t a good time.”
“Is it something I can help with?” I don’t mean to sound like a desperate idiot, but I missed her, even though I was only gone one night.
