“Good.” Eastern cleared his throat. “As well as checking in, I’m also calling to let you know that while we were at the farmhouse tonight, there was a fire set at Vanessa’s house.”
Cody paused halfway across the room. “AtVanessa’shouse?”
“Yep. And Travis was found just down the street, passed out in a neighbor’s front yard with matches in his pocket and reeking of gasoline.”
“So this entire time it’s been Travis?”
“The evidence is pointing to that being the case. We need to wait until he sobers up so we can question him, but it seems like an open-and-closed case.”
Cody shook his head. “It doesn’t surprise me. The asshole isn’t a good guy.”
“Yeah, he has a drinking problem and anger issues. Those two things are not a good combination. The only thing we need is a motive for him targeting Vanessa. You don’t worry about that though. I plan to do a thorough investigation.” Eastern sighed. “Get some sleep.”
“You too. And thank you again for your help.”
“I’ve always got your back, brother.”
Didn’t Cody know it.
When he hung up, he went straight upstairs and had a quick shower before slipping into bed behind Harper. The second his arms wounds around her waist and he pulled her close, she sighed and whispered his name. “Cody.”
Something flickered in his chest. It was hot and territorial and all for Harper. He kissed her bare shoulder. “Yeah, Storm, it’s me. Sleep. You’re safe.”
CHAPTER 30
Harper moved down the bar, serving drink after drink. A week had passed since her kidnapping. Nylah and Liam had left a few days ago, staying a bit longer than they’d intended, and she’d only returned to working in the bar last night. Fortunately, a lot of her bruising had healed…well, mostly healed. Nothing a bit of makeup couldn’t cover.
It was crazy, but she was actually starting to feel safe for the first time in her life. Not to mention excited for her future. Her future here in Misty Peak with Cody.
Yes, her brother and mother were still out there, but neither of them had made contact with her. Eastern had assured her they’d been notified about her father’s death, and she was grateful that burden hadn’t fallen on her. She was also sure her mom and brother were probably less than happy about the news…but now they knew she had people watching her back in Misty Peak, so she was hopeful they’d both stay away.
She nibbled her bottom lip, glancing around at the familiar faces as she filled a glass with beer before pushing it over to a customer.
To most, the idea of settling in a new town for good wouldn’t be a big deal, but to her, it was everything. She’d lived her entire life physically in one place but mentally somewhere else. Dreaming about her forever home. And even though she didn’t have her little house, what she had was better. The house had signified safety. Security. And Cody was both those things and more.
She’d just taken money from the customer and popped it in the till when strong, warm arms wrapped around her waist and heated breath brushed over her neck.
“You doing okay, Storm? Need a rest?”
She turned in his arms, slipping her hands around his neck. “I’m doing great. I’m safe and I have you. What more could a girl ask for?”
A small smile stretched his lips, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes, and Harper knew why. Even though Travis had been arrested for the fires, he adamantly denied they were his doing, and there didn’t seem to be any motive for him targeting Vanessa. He also denied that he’d assaulted Harper in the alley that night. All of that had been playing on Cody’s mind, and Harper felt helpless to do anything about it.
She wasn’t worried, because it had to be him, right? Hell, if he was drinking as much as people said, maybe he didn’t even remember everything.
She reached out and smoothed the lines furrowing Cody’s forehead. “Don’t worry so much. It’ll be okay.”
“With you, I’ll always worry.” He lowered his head and kissed her.
“Hey. Can I get some help over here?” Barry yelled, humor in his voice.
Cody sighed. “Save me a kiss for later?”
“I’ll save you a hundred.”
He growled gruffly as he slipped away from her.
Chuckling, she grabbed a tray and headed out to the floor to collect glasses. She’d just cleared the first table when the door opened and Miles walked in.
