A few of them looked back, their curses and concern drifting in the wind.
A breeze stirred the trees at the end of the house, and the last rays of sunlight touched the horizon.
Ash and Bishop carried on a conversation in muted tones.
They mentioned soup and blankets and calling Colt to come help out.
My mind churned the information I’d gathered.
My mentor once told me that when in doubt, look for the most obvious solution, as it was usually the right one.
Then again, being a detective meant trying not to follow assumptions but to look for the truth in the evidence.
These men had not cut the power to the town, but they were taking the fall.
A cold breath chilled my airway.
They were taking the blame. Willingly.
“Who started the rumor that you caused the blackout?” I spun to face Ash and Bishop.
Both men looked stunned at the question.
“Who cares?” Bishop splayed his hands in a mocking gesture.
“Rafe wants it that way.” Ash shoved Bishop’s shoulder when the bigger man scowled.
I pushed off from the post. “But you’re being used as a scapegoat.”
I crossed my arms, and the smell of Ash’s cologne rose from the leather jacket. “I’m going to find out who started the rumors. You don’t deserve to be treated like this.”
“No.” Ash grabbed my elbows and pulled me in close. “Don’t do anything without Rafe’s permission.”
“I don’t need permission to do what’s right.” I lifted my chin.
Ash lowered his, putting us eye to eye and bringing a flash of awareness to how close we stood. “You don’t know what you’re saying. Rafe wants this. Don’t mess with it.”
Rafe opened the door. “Get in here. We need to sort this out. Colt’s on his way.”
Ash and Bishop moved without hesitation or argument.
I lingered on the threshold a moment too long, and Rafe swung my way.
I chewed on what I wanted to say, considering the benefits and repercussions.
In the end, I ducked under his arm and entered the clubhouse.
“I’ll light the fireplace.” Ash grabbed a stack of logs and fire starter from a bin along the wall. “Noelle, there are candles in the closet. Can you get them?”
Trying to get rid of me?
I could argue and stick around, but what was the point?
I had a lot to think about and the time alone might help.
Bishop and Rafe stood together in the corner, their heads bent together as they whispered.
I could try and listen in, but if they didn’t want me to hear, they’d stop as soon as I approached.
