Thunder had picked up Lyndee’s scent, and for a while, it had felt like he and Wyatt might actually catch up with Lyndee and Kenny. The dog had followed the trail straight down the dirt road.
Then the trail had broken apart.
Thunder had circled, doubled back, and then tried again. But each time the trail weakened until there was nothing left to follow.
Max exhaled slowly as he drove.
He didn’t want to see Lyndee get hurt.
Just how far would Kenny take things? What was his plan? Or did he not have a plan? Was he simply acting on impulse?
Max drove into Blue Ridge Hollow, the familiar buildings coming into view. He should probably head straight back to Refuge Cove. There were responsibilities waiting for him there.
But his thoughts shifted to Hadley again.
Before he could talk himself out of it, he turned onto Main Street.
Max pulled to a stop in front of her clinic and shut off the engine. He observed the place a moment. The plywood over the window was a grim reminder of what had happened last night—a reminder of how someone had targeted Hadley.
His stomach clenched at the thought.
He stepped out of the truck and crossed the street.
Across the way, the door to Ember & Oak opened.
Hadley stepped out, Kendra right behind her.
Max slowed, caught off guard by the sight of them together. They walked side by side, talking easily, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Something about seeing the two of them looking chummy didn’t sit quite right, though he couldn’t immediately explain why.
Hadley spotted him first, and a smile lit her face. “Max. What a surprise.”
He straightened, suddenly realizing he shouldn’t have stopped by after all. “Hey.”
Kendra glanced between them and smiled. “Well, this is unexpected.”
“Kendra and I grabbed lunch together so we could get to know each other a little more,” Hadley said.
Max nodded slowly. “I see.”
Kendra adjusted the bag on her shoulder. “I figured Hadley shouldn’t have to eat alone since she’s new in town.”
Max paused, unsure what to say. He supposed it was a kind gesture.
“That was nice of you,” Max finally said.
Kendra held his gaze a moment longer than necessary before offering another smile. “Well, I should get back to the real estate office.” She glanced at Hadley. “It’s my second job.”
“I’ll see you later,” Hadley said. “Thanks again for meeting me for lunch.”
“Of course.” Kendra smiled before heading down the sidewalk. “Bye.”
Max watched her go. He tried to tell himself there was nothing strange or unusual about Kendra and Hadley meeting for lunch. But part of him, if he were honest, was bothered by it.
He turned back to Hadley. “You doing okay?”
“Maybe. It’s a long story.” She gestured toward the door. “Do you want to come in a moment? I’ll catch you up.”
