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)
Christian narrowed his gaze. “You seem okay with this. That she was in town and now she’s gone.”
Damian smiled, and there was no humor in the look. More like anticipation. “Yeah, but she was here for a reason, so I’m sure I’ll see her soon. Can’t wait.” He rolled his neck. “We have more immediate concerns, don’t you think?”
Amka stirred her soup and kept her voice even. “Yeah. Whoever keeps trying to kill me, besides Steve, has to think I know something about Jarod. Right?”
“Right,” Christian said. “I can’t think of any other reason. Brock texted earlier with news about the canvassing in Anchorage. A bartender there kind of remembers Jarod often hanging out with a woman last summer, but he can’t remember much about her. She might’ve been blonde…or brunette.”
“That’s not helpful,” Amka sighed. She hadn’t wanted to know anything about Jarod. “Whoever has the video must be starting to wonder about Jarod’s whereabouts. Nobody in town has really asked yet, because he so often took off, but even they will soon.” She’d already given the scary note to Christian, and he figured it had to be from the person that Jarod trusted. Maybe she should just pay up. Her heart hurt. How was she going to protect Flossy? The sweet woman could not go to prison.
Christian’s phone buzzed. He checked the screen, eyes narrowing. “Dutch.” He stepped away from the table, pacing toward the front window as he answered. “Yeah?”
Amka eyed him, knowing he wanted to be outside. Out hunting for whoever was trying to hurt her. “I initially didn’t want to date your brother because I didn’t want to have to take care of a man.”
Damian snorted. “Seriously? Sweetheart, you don’t read people very well.”
“I know.” She let an embarrassed grin slip. “Since we’ve been, well, whatever we’ve been doing, he’s rescued me from an explosion, bullets, a freezing river, and a psycho with a gun by putting himself in danger each time. He paid my bail, and he’s kept me safe for more nights than I can count.” Sure, she probably could count them, but why?
Damian watched his brother for a moment. “I don’t think he’s the easiest of guys, but he’ll definitely take care of you. That probably goes both ways.”
“I know, and I’m happy to make sure he gets outside and doesn’t force himself into society. I accept him as he is, and I like him.” More than that. Way more. “But he doesn’t exactly seem like he wants to get serious, you know?” She hadn’t been joking about wanting kids.
Damian’s mouth twitched. “He’s serious, Amka. Believe me.” He glanced at her, his eyes a burning green in the tavern. “He’s not great with words, but he’ll stick. I hope you slap him upside the head if you need.”
That was sweet. Osprey sweet. “You think I’ll have to?”
“Yes.” Damian took a sip of the soup. “He’s also thickheaded and doesn’t realize what a good mate he’d be. You might have to smack him a few times.”
She could do that. Her stomach grumbling, she forced a sip of soup, but it tasted like salt and metal now. Her lip was still swollen, and she could feel the tight scab forming just inside where she’d bit down too hard during the fight. Every muscle in her body ached. Her ribs throbbed. It had been a seriously rough week.
Christian’s voice cut across the room. Sharper now. “You’re what?” he said into the phone. He turned around slowly, lowering the phone from his ear. Then he retook his seat, irritation rolling off him along with that heat he always seemed to provide.
“What is it?” Damian asked.
“Dutch says he’s off chasing a lead on the eyeless victims. He’s going quiet for a while—no cell, no updates, no backup.”
“And?” Damian prompted.
Christian scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’ve been pulled off as a consultant on the case.”
The words didn’t register at first. “What?” Amka asked.
“There are charges pending against you,” Christian said. “And possibly against me. Dutch didn’t give details, but he said his boss said I’m out of it until the situation is resolved.”
That sucked. “I’m so sorry, Christian,” she breathed.
“Not your fault,” Christian said. “I just don’t like Dutch going at it alone.”
“He’s been a lone wolf his whole life,” Damian said. “Plus, I’ve been keeping track of the investigation through various avenues, and there are no leads. Not good ones. The first murder occurred months ago, and there’s nothing. My guess is that it’ll take a while to break. Probably several more months.”
Christian stretched his neck. “Hopefully not more victims.”
Amka shivered. “Word’s gotten around about the deaths, so everyone knows to be careful. But the tourists don’t listen.”
“It’s just so odd that nobody can identify the victims,” Damian muttered. “Now that we know Steve killed Eli Warner, all of the victims are unidentified again.”