He raised an eyebrow.
“Sorry. It’s just—”
“My mother is moving back to Copper Mountain.”
She stilled, frowned. “Um ... and...”
“And it’s not easy. There are memories, you know.”
She drew in a breath. “Right. Your sister. I forgot she was one of the early victims of the Midnight Sun killer.”
“Yeah. Finally, case closed. And Mom feels like maybe it’s time to come back. But...”
“You think the memories will haunt her.”
“Don’t they always?”
She swallowed. Shrugged. “Depends, I guess, if you make peace with them or not.”
He put his hand on Caspian’s head, the soft fur between his fingers. Tried to keep his voice from shaking. “My fifteen-year-old sister was killed by a serial killer. For years, we didn’t know what happened. I came home from summer camp, and she was gone, just like that. My parents fell apart, got divorced, and ... yeah, we’re a long way from peace.”
She stared at him.
Okay, so he didn’t know where all that heat came from. “Sorry.” He schooled his voice. “I guess ... hopefully all that is changing, and I’m thinking I should be there for that. I dunno.”
“I’ve learned that when people want redemption, they go home. Maybe this is your mom’s way of trying to make peace.”
Her hand found his, and he glanced at it, frowned. But she didn’t pull away.
He gave her a look.
She smiled at him. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m not falling off the planet.” He pulled his hand away. “Your boyfriend’s parents live in Copper Mountain,coz. I’m sure you’ll do your own haunting of me.”
“Oh, you betcha.” She patted Caspian. “I’ll let you go on one condition.”
“I didn’t realize we were negotiating.”
“Do you want me to haunt you or not?”
He managed a slight smile.
“You take this guy with you.” She nodded toward the dog. “Because he’s got his eye on you. And if anyone can keep you safe, it’s Caspian.”
“He’s got his eye on my socks. And my dinner.” But he looked at the animal’s brown eyes glancing at him. “But yeah. He’s okay.” He rubbed the dog’s ears. “Aren’t you, bud? Even if you can’t fetch or sit—”
Caspian leaned his head against his leg, moaning at his touch.
“And are completely embarrassing.”
Flynn laughed. “Try and eat something other than a Hot Pocket. And I’m not talking to Caspian.”
Dawson shook his head. “Go fight crime or something. I’m fine.”
“See you ’round, boss.” She headed out the door, into the darkness of the setting sun.
And he sat in the shadows, Caspian’s head on his knee, wishing he hadn’t lied to the one person who still believed in him.
