Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 103665 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103665 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 518(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
“Our building burned down,” Wyland said, voice hoarse. He shook his head like he still couldn’t believe it. “Heard you were inside. You all right?”
Amka stepped forward and touched the older man’s hand. Wyland was around seventy, though arthritis had been chewing at him for years. He had grizzled gray hair, kind blue eyes, and always the same outfit: flannel shirt, jeans, fishing waders—rain or shine. “I’m fine. With just a little headache.”
Sheldon gave her a short nod. In his thirties, he had the same piercing blue eyes as his father, though his brown hair was still untouched by gray. “Do you have any idea what caused the explosion?”
Amka shook her head. “No, but the sheriff thought it was set on purpose.”
The silence that followed felt heavy.
“We’ll need to file an insurance claim,” Sheldon said, glancing up at his dad like he was waiting for permission.
Amka gave him a look. That was fast.
Wyland’s frown deepened. “It’s a little early for that, don’t you think? Let’s make sure everyone’s safe before we start counting inventory.”
“Dad, we had a lot of provisions in that storage unit.”
That wasn’t exactly true. Amka shifted her weight, noting a new pain in her right ankle. “Your spring shipment hasn’t even arrived yet. There wasn’t much in there. You’ll be fine.”
“There was more than you think,” Sheldon said quickly. “I’ll call the insurance company today.”
Wyland shook his head. “We don’t even know what exactly happened.”
“There was an explosion and accelerant on the floor,” Amka said.
Wyland’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Why would someone burn down our storage building?”
Amka couldn’t figure it out. “Who knows? We own it together, and there wasn’t a whole lot inside at this time of year.”
“Except you,” Wyland said grimly.
Amka’s stomach turned over. Why would anybody want to hurt her? Nobody, at this time, would benefit from her death. She didn’t have family and wasn’t married yet. Should she get a will?
Sheldon cleared his throat. “It’s too early to talk about any of this, but you’re right—it’s not a great place for storage anymore. Someone’s going to want to build there eventually.”
Build there? The property was probably worth a lot more than it had been just five years ago, considering Knife’s Edge was gaining more popularity.
Wyland’s hand landed lightly on her arm. “It’s way too soon. We’re just glad you’re okay.”
“Where’s Jarod?” Sheldon asked.
Amka had forgotten about Jarod again. “Fishing, I think. I guess I should’ve called him.”
“I’ll give him a call.” Sheldon pulled out his phone and walked toward the far wall.
Wyland rubbed at his brown-spotted jaw. “Sorry about that. Sometimes he gets ahead of himself.”
Amka couldn’t think about insurance right now. Plus, if the fire had been arson, didn’t insurance people conduct an investigation? She’d worry about that later. “It’s nice you two were fishing together today.”
“Oh, we weren’t.” Wyland almost smiled. “He was up on the North Fork, I was further down. We had a little competition going. I called him when I heard.”
“You want a ride home?” Sheldon asked from across the room.
She paused and could’ve said yes. But Christian was outside. He’d pulled her out of that building without hesitation. She hadn’t figured out what to say to him yet, but she wasn’t a coward. “No, thanks. Christian already offered.”
“All right,” Wyland said with a sigh. “I’ll let Sheldon handle the insurance. He’s been taking over more and more of the finances for Friday’s Groceries anyway. I’m getting old.”
“No, you’re not,” Amka said quietly. The words came out before she could think too hard about them. He moved slower now, sure. But old? No. Not the way he still showed up for people. “Why don’t you come by the tavern tonight?” she added. “It’s not clam chowder day, but I can make one of your favorites.”
Wyland straightened. “You’re a sweetheart, but you need to go home and sleep.”
“Exactly,” May said adamantly. “Listen to your doctor and your friends. Get some rest, Amka.”
Amka didn’t have time to rest. “Of course.”
“Why don’t I walk you out to Christian?” Wyland asked, moving toward the door.
Amka turned and gave May a quick hug. They’d become friends almost instantly when May had moved to town last year. “Thank you. I’m feeling better.”
“I’m not kidding,” May replied, her voice low and firm. “You need to take it easy. Don’t make me pull rank as your doctor.”
“All right, all right,” Amka said, a dry chuckle slipping out. Not that May could actually stop her from doing anything.
May’s eyes twinkled. “Say hi to Christian for me, would you?”
Amka didn’t answer and just followed Wyland out the door.
Chapter 3
Christian turned off the paved road and onto the gravel stretch winding along the river. His knuckles flexed once on the steering wheel before relaxing again. Behind them, the hospital faded into memory. Ahead, the late Alaskan spring unfolded—barren and waking, the kind of in-between season that never really promised safety.