“And your connection to Fire Lake?”
Even closer.
“A friend mentioned the place.” Fewer details worked better when the lying thing came into play.
“Yeah?” Ford looked interested. “It’s a small town. Anyone I would know?”
Gus was saved when Sunday appeared. “Geez, Ford. It’s too early for an interrogation.” She walked past her brother and made a face before winking at Gus. “Don’t mind him. He likesknowing all the pieces of the puzzle. When we were kids, he’d do a puzzle a week.”
Gus blinked away a memory of a table set up in the living room. Four chairs. Puzzle pieces on the ground.
“I’m more of a come-what-may kind of gal.”
Sunday poured herself a large cup of black coffee and wandered over to the patio doors. “Looks like it’s going to be another gorgeous day. Are you taking Benjamin out on the boat?”
“That’s the plan.” Ford walked over to stand beside his sister. They looked easy together. Like they belonged together. Something about it pissed off Gus. And maybe it was reckless, but he was fine poking the bear to see what dropped.
“I’m told your family has lived here for generations.”
Sunday glanced over her shoulder and nodded. “Apparently.” Her tone was light.
“There doesn’t seem to be many of you around.”
Sunday’s posture changed a bit. Her shoulders tightened, and she turned back to the glass doors.
“There’s not.” Ford replied, finishing his coffee before walking back to the island where Gus stood. His eyes were touched by winter. “Why are you asking about our family?”
“Just curious.” Gus squared his shoulders. “You told me you had other siblings and it’s a big house. Figured there were more of you in the area.”
“You figured wrong.” He turned to his sister. “I’m going to shower and wake up Benjamin.” He gave Gus a curt nod and disappeared down the hall.
“Don’t mind him,” Sunday said softly. “There are things he doesn’t like to talk about, and family is one of them.”
“Sorry to hear.” Iris was right. She looked a lot like their mother.
“What about you?”
He wasn’t sure what she was asking, and it must have shown. She blushed and walked over for a second cup of coffee.
“Sorry. I gave my brother crap for interrogating you and here I am asking personal questions that are none of my business.”
“It’s okay.” Gus decided to stick as close to the truth as possible. “I have brothers and sisters.”
She smiled up at him. “I can tell you’re close.”
“How’s that?”
“When you mentioned them just now.” She shrugged. “The look in your eyes. The tone of your voice. Those things tell a lot.”
“You’re not wrong.” Gus set down his empty mug on the counter. “I have one brother who is a doctor. He’s an intern at a big hospital in the city and it’s his whole life right now so we don’t see him much. The other one is a dreamer. He travels the world and thinks he can make it a better place.”
“You don’t agree with him?”
“I think he makes a difference, but I’ve seen the other side of things, and the gap is a lot bigger than he thinks.”
“And your sisters?”
“She’s a pain in my ass.” He smiled at the thought. “Strong willed with a big heart that she generally gives to the wrong guy. And a nose for trouble.”
