Grahm lets out an irritated huff. “Not usually, but as of late there’s been an uptick in reports of people snooping through abandoned properties. Unfortunately, Sheriff Murray doesn’t have anything to go on and nothing’s been stolen or broken into, so he’s not taking it as a high-level concern.”
I glower. This sheriff sounds like the worst guy for the job. “Not surprising, considering he closes the station at eight p.m.,” I grumble and cross my arms around my ribs.
“How’d you know that? Did you have to go to the station last night?” Worry flares across Grahm’s face. At least he is a normal human being who reacts the way people should.
I lift a shoulder and firm my lips at what unfolded last night. “No, but I tried calling from that twenty-four-hour diner out by the farm.”
Grahm hits the brakes, and I damn near fly out of my seat. I brace my hands on the dash and give him a wild look.
“What the hell!”
His face is serious. “You went to the Rose Diner? Are you okay?” His eyes drag over me with new enlightenment behind them. My elbows are freshly bruised and scraped up, and so are my hands. I don’t even want him to look at my wrists. It’s evidentsomethinghappened out there.
“I was trying to use the pay phone, and that’s when I found out the police suck ass in this town. But then this little bikergang roped me into sitting with them and—” Grahm’s mortified expression brings me to a halt.
“Theydid this to you?” His tone is half-furious and half-mortified.
My brows pinch together. “No. Not them. Their little ringleader, Roman.” I don’t keep the disdain out of my voice.
Grahm’s hand goes straight over his face, and he drags it down like he’s just been dealt a shitty hand in a game of cards. “You need to steer clear of them. They’re bad news, Briar. Notknock you upbad news, butpeople have gone missing in our town since they arrivedbad news.” His voice is stern and genuine enough that I nod in agreement.
It’s clear that Grahm only wants the best for me while I’m here.Although I think they are alsoknock you upbad news too.Amusement spreads across my lips.
“I’m not kidding. If you see them, you run the other way. Got it?”
I lean back in the uncomfortable seat and nod. “What’s their deal anyway?”
Grahm takes a steadying breath and puts the truck back into Drive. The town is finally coming into view over the horizon of hayfields. “They don’t cause any trouble during the day, but it’s a different story at night. And no one can prove shit, so they’ve never been met with the law. I tend to keep my nose out of the townies’ drama, but I know they keep a tight crew and only mess around with those who Roman approves of. I’m guessing Roman didn’t approve of you.”
I roll my eyes and stare out the window at the cows and horses in the distance. “Fucking cult.”
Grahm chuckles. “Exactly. Something ain’t right with them. You stick to the farm and town, don’t go out at night unless you’re with someone.” I lift a brow at him. I appreciate the concern and advice, but he’s starting to sound a little controlling.
“So, about the farm…” I change the subject.
We both order coffee at the Cow Bean Café and sit in the dining area while we discuss what the future of the farm holds. The café is endearing, small and quiet with a handful of regulars I’m guessing by the way they chat casually with the lady at the register. The atmosphere is nice too. This is a great alternative to the diner. Which is a bummer because I really did like its food. Not so much the service. I purse my lips as I recall Lana’s rude glares willing me to leave the moment I sat down.
I tell him that I have no intentions of staying long-term. I just want to get the property cleaned up to sell. I consider telling him about the flash drive but decide it might not be a good idea until I get to know him more.
Grahm is a nice guy and agrees to my offer of paying him after the sale of the property. By the time we’re wrapping up our conversation, it’s already almost noon.
“Can we start tomorrow? I’m pretty exhausted from the long night,” I say sheepishly as I place my cup at the edge of the table where the waitress can pick it up.
Grahm stretches his arms over his head and leans back in the chair across from me. His knees bump into mine gently, and my eyes catch on the abs that peek out from his rising shirt. He catches me looking, and my cheeks warm instantly. “You should come out to the party tonight. It’ll be good for you to meet the townsfolk and loosen up from yesterday. Not everyone in Bane Falls is a jerk, you know.”
I consider his words. Normally I would be quick to decline the invite, but I could really use some alcohol and a little bit of fun. If Grahm’s going, then it might be worth attending. He’s giving flirting energy that I’m eagerly returning.
“I might actually take you up on that.” I grin, trying to hide the flush of heat that races across my cheeks.
He licks his lips, and the motion draws my attention there. “I can drive. I’ll be at your farm at nine.”
My eyes narrow playfully. “Didn’t you just tell me never to go out at night?”
“Unless you’re with someone,” he clarifies with that smooth voice, and he casts a wink my way. “I’ve got you, Thornton.”
“Hey, that’s not fair. I don’t even know your last name,” I tease with my nose wrinkled playfully.
“Grahm Sutherland.” He sets down a twenty to cover the bill. I open my mouth to protest, but he shushes me.
