She completely agreed. “Yes. I know.”
Ace glanced around, his jaw tightening. The tavern pulsed with noise. “It’s too loud here. There are too many people.” He jerked his chin toward the door. “Let’s go to the Green Plate and get dinner.”
“She already has dinner plans,” Kyle said.
Ace’s gaze snapped to him.
May didn’t even look at Kyle. “Actually, I’m free. Let’s go.” She turned and walked toward the door without looking back.
Ace was right behind her.
Cold air hit them the moment they stepped outside. The wind had picked up again, sliding down from the mountains with a damp edge that hinted at more weather coming. The streetlights glowed softly against the long Alaskan evening, the sky still holding that strange half-light that never fully faded this time of year. Did they even need the streetlights? Maybe. It was a bit murky outside.
Ace fell into step beside her, his presence solid and steady. “You okay?”
She turned left onto the main stretch of road. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
Ace moved gracefully around her, placing himself on the street side. A quiet, automatic shift.
May glanced at him. “You think I’m going to get hit by a car in Knife’s Edge?”
He shrugged. “You never know. A lot of these tourists don’t know what the hell they’re doing on the four-wheelers.”
That was, unfortunately, a true statement. She’d already treated three broken arms this month.
They walked in silence for a few beats. Somewhere down the block, a screen door slammed. The scent of wet earth lingered in the air, mixing with wood smoke from a distant cabin.
Ace glanced sideways at her. “Kyle bothering you?”
May’s shoulders stiffened. “Kyle is always bothering someone.”
Ace’s lips flattened. “You want me to handle him?”
She shot him a look. “Absolutely not.”
His brow lifted. “Just offering.”
“I know.” She softened. “But no.”
The Green Plate’s warm lights came into view ahead, glowing like a small beacon against the cooling evening. Inside, she could already picture the quieter atmosphere.
Ace pulled the door open for her. “After you, Doc.”
“Doors and walking on the outside of the sidewalk? Somebody taught you manners.” Yeah, that made her feel all gooey inside.
“It was Hank,” Ace said agreeably. “He beat it into us. Man. I miss him sometimes.”
“Yeah,” May said quietly. “But you have your brothers. That’s something.”
“Yeah. It is.” His tone sharpened. “What did the jackass senator want?”
May exhaled. “He threatened to expose fake medical records about me. He also hinted at putting the sheriff’s position in jeopardy.”
Ace’s head snapped toward her. “You’re kidding.”
“I wish I were.”
His jaw tightened. “We need to warn Brock, although he might be on board with the idea.”
