“There used to be one about a mile away. Let’s go. I know there are country stores to get fresh pies.”
They spent the next two hours exploring the countryside and loaded up on farmers’ produce, apple cider, and the promised pies. One country market had a little petting zoo attached, and David was able to spend some time watching the pigs and goats in their pens. A few of the locals remembered Colson, and no one was outright hostile, but he did get some odd stares when he introduced Harper as his boyfriend.
“Colson Delacourt. Thought you disappeared forever,” Dan Frick, the owner of Frick’s Farms, stated as he checked them out. “Saw you started writing gory books.” His eyes twinkled. “You have anyone in mind when you think up those murders?”
Amused, Colson chuckled. “Not really. Just a vivid imagination.”
“Good to know. What happened?” Dan tipped his head toward David. “He have an accident or something?”
“Yes. He was injured as a boy.” Harper’s jaw worked, ready for battle. “I’m his brother.”
Dan nodded. “My sister’s kid dove into a pool and ended up paralyzed from the neck down. Needs a breathing tube and everything. But he’s the happiest kid ’cause he’s alive, you know?”
The tense lines in Harper’s face softened. “Yeah. I know.”
“Good on you, keeping him with you. God bless.”
“Thanks.” Colson took Harper’s hand and squeezed it. “I think we are.”
“Are you moving home? Gonna stay in your grandparents’ place?”
“We’re thinking of using it for the weekends. A nice getaway from the city.”
Frick hesitated, as if he were about to say something, then shrugged. “Should be nice for you.” He handed them their bags.
On the drive back to the house, Frick’s behavior nagged at him. “Did you think he acted weird when I said we were planning on using the house now?”
“Weird, how?” Harper’s brows drew together. “He asked a lot of questions, but nothing outrageous.”
“Not sure. Just a feeling. Maybe they’re not going to be happy having a gay couple in town. They aren’t the most enlightened bunch.”
But Harper disagreed. “He seemed okay with us. Maybe it’s your overactive imagination.”
Colson smiled. “You’re cute. Wrong but cute.” They pulled up the driveway and unloaded the car. “Let’s put the stuff in the refrigerator and have a snack before driving home.”
“Sounds good. Luis made us sandwiches. I have them in the cooler.”
They lugged everything in and placed it on the island. Colson opened the refrigerator.
“Harper?” he called out. “Harper come here.”
Harper skidded to a stop at his side. “What’s wrong?”
“Look.” He pointed to two bottles of champagne. “These were not there this morning. Someone was here.”
“Or still is,” Harper said, his eyes narrowing. “Let me look.”
“It’s my house. I’ll do the looking.”
“But—”
“But nothing. Stay here with David, please. You have your gun?”
Harper nodded. “My off-duty weapon.”
“If I hear or see anyone, I’ll come back here and let you deal with it.”
“All right,” Harper agreed reluctantly. “But be careful.”
