“Deal,” Ethan said, then headed down the hallway. He looked in on Cooper, who was sleeping, but restless, then found Annabelle fast asleep in another room. He walked in, then stripped off his clothes, pulled back the covers and climbed into bed with her.
“It’s me, baby,” he said as she stirred. Lifting her into his arms, he yawned, and in seconds he, like Annabelle, was asleep.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ethan woke the morning after their return to find Annabelle gone. While he was sleeping the sleep of the dead, Cooper had been transferred to Dr McBride’s clinic, and he would stay there until he was stable. They would feed him intravenously, Jake told Ethan, to try to build up his strength. Belle would stay at the clinic with him, as that would also allow her to work and watch over him.
Ethan wasn’t happy about missing all that.
“Not much you could have done, bud,” his friend said, handing Ethan a mug of steaming coffee. “And Annabelle said it was important that you get your sleep, since you’ll be flying again soon.”
“How was she?” Ethan asked.
“Scared and fighting hard not to show it,” Jake said. “She’s always dealt with everything herself, which just plain pisses both Bran and me off, but it’s just the way she is.”
Was,Ethan thought silently. He wouldn’t let her be like that again…not with him.
“You need to come with me to see Cubby now, Jake. I have to talk to him about some stuff before I go and visit Annabelle at the clinic.”
“Sure. Does it have to do with Cooper and the money he owes?”
Nothing got by Jake McBride. “Yeah, but I’ll tell you when we see Cubby.”
Ethan showered and dressed, then they drove into town in ‘Geraldine.’ Mist was rising off the lake and the air was cool and clean, and Ethan felt the last of the tension that had been riding him since he’d stepped foot in Vegas begin to ease.
“How come your woman let you out in this?” Ethan tapped the dash of the car.
Geraldine was a 1966 Ford Mustang 4 speed manual 289 V8 that Branna’s friend Georgie had left to her upon her death, and Jake loved the car passionately.
“I get to drive it when I’m a good boy,” Jake said with a mile-wide smile.
“Do I want to know what you have to do to be a good boy?”
The smile turned wicked.
“Never mind,” Ethan said quickly.
When they arrived in the town of Howling, Ethan and Jake headed for The Lair, which was the local police station. The building edged the lake, so the view from the sheriff’s office was a prime piece of Howling real estate.
“By the look on your face, Tex, I’m thinking this isn’t a social call.”
Cubby Hawker had sharp eyes that he used to pin a person in place. Thick red hair stood off his head. He was a man who carried a uniform well, and someone you instantly trusted to do his job on your behalf if required.
“Ethan and Annabelle brought Cooper home last night, Cubby, and he’s not good,” Jake said, sitting in one of the two chairs in front of Cubby’s desk while Ethan took the other.
Ethan explained what had been happening with Annabelle’s brother, and then about the man he’d paid the money to that night in Vegas.
Cubby whistled softly as he listened, his pen moving quickly over the pad on his desk.
“And this man told you that this guy Jenson might come after Cooper?”
“Not in so many words, but he said he was a mean son of a bitch so I thought you should know about him, just in case he does try.”
“I’ll do some digging, see what I can find.” Cubby regained his feet, as did Ethan and Jake. “We watch over our own, so I’ll make sure the Smiths stay safe.” He stuck out a large hand. “Thanks for looking after Coop and Annabelle, Ethan. They’re important to us.”
Ethan shook the offered hand. “She’s important to me too.”
“Is she, now?” Cubby’s smile was slow. “I have to say I don’t mind hearing that, don’t mind at all, seeing as you’re an honorary Howler.”
