“Let me get my wife. What cars are here?”
“Both Rovers. Anvil, Miller, and me. Wasn’t sure whether you wanted to drive back alone with her?”
“No. If there’s an issue, I want my hands free for the drive through Boston. Anyone but me at the wheel works, but I’d prefer not to have to ask Laurelyn to drive.”
“No, no. That’s why there are three of us here. Who do you want?”
“Doesn’t matter; we can’t talk on the drive with my wife in the car. You know Anvil prefers to be on you, so give me Miller.”
“Sure.” A beat passes, but C doesn’t move. “Go get her. I’ll wait here, so I can say hello. Unless I shouldn’t?”
“No, it’s good. My mind’s just occupied right now. Can’t believe you left me out of the loop for a week.”
“Think of it as a wedding present.”
“I want every detail, C.”
“I know.” He lowers his voice. “And it’s a pretty interesting story. I should probably let Zoe tell you the part where your little sister pulled a gun on the ringleader.”
I pause and cock my head. “The baby was carrying?”
“No. Picked it up on the fly.” C studies me. “I wonder where she learned that move.”
“Where’s the gun?” I ask, immediately concerned about Ash’s prints being on a weapon I can’t vouch for.
“We’ve got it.”
“Did someone wipe it down?”
“Several someones, starting with the girl herself.”
Good girl. I put a hand up. “All right. Let’s table this for now.” I jog over to the steps and go up.
Inside the cabin, Laurel’s standing in the aisle, but she hasn’t moved toward the door. Good for her.
“Hey, sorry, babe. That took longer than I thought. Everything’s all right, but there is something C and I need to talk about.” I grab our duffle bags.
“I can carry one of those,” she says.
“Like hell,” I say, making her chuckle. I guide her to the door and proceed down the steps.
“There she is,” C says, walking over with a smile. “He looks good, but you look better. Welcome back.”
She gives him a hug, which surprises me and him too I’m sure. Laurel and C have not been the best of friends so far, but it seems like all’s forgiven.
“Thank you, C. We had a great time. I’m glad you could spare him for a whole week.”
“Sure.”
Our luggage has been unloaded, and C grabs a couple of bags and so do I.
Laurelyn walks between us, chatting. My eyes scan the area, and so do C’s. Nothing suspicious.
When we reach the Rovers, Laurel twists to stretch her back. “One more hour, and then we’re free to really stretch our legs. It was a nice flight, but too long.” She notices Miller and Anvil and waves at them. “Hi, Derrick. Hi, Sasha.” She gives ‘Vil a hug, which he accepts with more friendliness than anyone usually sees from him.
“Now see that,” I say to ‘Vil. “You give my wife a hug, and there’s no word of warning from me. There’s no scowl. Are we making progress? Can I give Rachel a hug when I see her?”
“Don’t touch my wife,”Anvil says flatly, making both Laurelyn and I laugh.
