His anger shows itself when he snaps, “What the fuck are you doing here?”
It ignites my own temper, and I raise my chin. “This asshole in the superhero suit won’t let me leave.”
“Don’t play games with me.”
“I’m not. I was just taking a walk and I found the cabin. I figured I could explore it since it’s on your property. I didn’t know it was some big secret or off limits. It was unlocked. I saw all the stuff and thought maybe you had a squatter or something. Then he grabbed me.” Some of the tension seems to drain from him.
He looks at Landon. “You’re bleeding.”
“I pulled her away when she was trying to take my computer. She stomped on my foot and elbowed me in the jaw. Made me bite my lip.”
“I wasn’t trying totakeit. I barely touched it.”
Lee shakes his head, but I see a small smile under his palm as he rubs it over his face. “Silver, this is Landon. He’s afriend who’s staying here for a few weeks while he’s in town.”
I glance at Lee, then look around the bare room. It’s warm in here, due to a space heater in the corner, but it isn’t exactly a hotel room. The doubt on my face must be clear to both of them.
“I can’t stay at Lee’s place,” Landon says, answering my unasked question. “I have a genetic condition that makes sunlight extremely dangerous for me. Even the sunlight that filters in through windows will burn me in minutes.” He tugs at the front of his suit. “This is the only way I can go outside but as you can imagine, it isn’t all that comfortable. It’s better to stay here where the windows are boarded.” He grins at me. “It isn’t a superpower, despite the costume.”
Well, now I feel like an asshole. That explains the strange texture of his skin. They’re scars from the sunlight. What a horrible thing to have to live with. I’m not sure what to think about why Lee was coming out here. To hang out with a friend? Then why wouldn’t he just say so? I know something has been going on with him and this has to be related. Maybe Landon’s here to help Lee with whatever it is, but either way, it’s not my business. It’s not like Lee’s the only one keeping things to himself.
“I’m sorry I hit you,” I tell Landon.
“It’s okay,” he assures me with a smile.
“Thanks for calling,” Lee tells him, and gestures for me to follow him to his truck. Once we’re inside, he asks me again if I’m alright. I expect more questions, but he must’ve accepted my explanation because he just silently drives us home.
I can’t let it go that easily. “How long have you been friends with Landon?” I ask, once we’re back.
“I’ve known him for about ten years.”
“And he’s never been able to go in the sun? How does he live like that?”
Lee shrugs, unlocking the front door. “He has to. His house has some kind of sun proof windows. He only goes out at night or with that suit on in the daytime.”
“Why’s he in town?”
“For work.”
“So, he isn’t hiding out or wanted by the cops or anything?”
“You watch too many crime shows,” he scoffs, tossing his keys on the counter.
Well, that isn’t an answer. He obviously isn’t going to tell me why Landon is actually staying out there alone in a rundown cabin. If he was just a friend visiting, why hasn’t he invited him over here after dark, for dinner, or to sit by the bonfire like he does with other friends? There’s more to it. I planned to tell him about how I’m handling the Matheson’s after the meeting with Grady is over, but maybe I shouldn’t since he can’t trust me with whatever he has going on.
I can’t stop myself from saying it. “He’s here for whatever it is you aren’t talking about.” His impassive stare is steeped in silence. I look into his dark eyes that seem to hold only more mysteries. When it’s clear he isn’t going to say anything, I quietly add, “Okay.”
CHAPTER 15
SILVER
It tookGrady almost a week to call me back after I left a message with his office that I’d like to speak to him. When I told him I wanted to meet alone, he agreed but made it sound like he was doing me a favor by fitting me into his busy schedule two days later. I’m sure he thinks he’s letting me stew and worry, but all it does is give me more time to rehearse and prepare.
Freddy’s Bar and Grill sits just over the county line. It’s probably not much protection, but I wanted to meet Grady outside the county where he doesn’t control everything. The place isn’t too busy, just wrapping up after the lunch rush.
I scan the room to find Grady sitting alone at a far corner table. I swear the Matheson men sweat arrogance. They think every room belongs to them. He’s relaxed, wearing a half smile and holding a beer, the king of his tiny, rotten kingdom.We should all have the unearned confidence of a balding mediocre man with a beer gut.
My gaze slides past him to the opposite corner to find Calli with Arlow’s sister, Alicia, right where she said they’d be. They’re laughing and talking, pretending to mind their own business but I catch her glance at me. I don’t expect Grady to try anything crazy in public but coming alone would’ve been stupid.
