A low rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance, and Piper jumped up and ran over to the table.
“Storm’s coming in, and Piper isn’t a fan of them. Why don’t you stay out here and enjoy the weather before it cools down and rains.”
I stood. “Let me help clean up, at least.”
Liam shook his head. “I’ve got this. Just enjoy the day and rest your feet.”
After Piper and Liam made their way back into the house, I stared out over the vast ranch that Liam owned. I wondered if he ever hiked into the hills and mountains. I made a mental note to ask if that was something we could do once my feet were healed, if I would still be here, that is.
Closing my eyes, I smiled slightly. The smell of rain was in the air, my belly was full, and for the first time in over a week, I truly felt safe.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Liam
After I rinsed and added the dishes from lunch to the dishwasher, I leaned against the counter and watched Mallory outside. She’d moved to one of the chairs that was out in the sun. Her eyes were closed, and she looked at peace for once. I hated the fact that, with Randy coming over tonight, she’d have to relive her nightmare yet again.
“Who in the hell did this to you?” I whispered as my phone went off with a text.
Billy: Is everything okay? You missed the lunch meeting and no one has heard from you today. Now you’re not at the foal meeting. You still sick?
“Shit,” I mumbled as I pushed a hand through my hair. I hit Bubba’s number, and he answered almost immediately.
“Hello?”
Frowning, I pulled the phone away from my ear just to make sure I’d called the right person. Bubba never answered his phone that way with me. Yep, his name on the screen.
“I forgot about the meeting.”
“Yes, the same thing on my end. Yep, the food showed up on time.”
I was confused for a moment…until it dawned on me. Bubbawas with the guys, of course. “Are you at the meeting?”
“Yes, that did arrive, just a little late though.”
“What did you tell Billy?”
“Right now, I’m unable to help you out with the survey. Sorry about that.”
“Text me.”
I hung up the phone and started to pace. With everything going on with Mallory, I hadn’t left the house until this morning. I’d checked in with Billy and made sure things were taken care of, claiming that after the ride home in the storm, I’d come down with a bug.
Bubba: I told the guys I had a flat and had to repair it and that was why I was late. I went for a run to get all this shit off my mind, and when I walked back into the house I heard my phone going off with the reminder of the meeting. I wasn’t that late. Billy asked about you and I wasn’t sure what to say, so I played dumb. Said you were most likely still under the weather. Billy wanted to head to your place to make sure you were okay, but I told him to call or text first, just in case you’re resting.
Me: Thanks, Bub. I know it’s hard to lie to the guys, but I promised Mallory I’d keep this between us. Randy’s coming over for dinner, but he doesn’t know about Mallory yet.
Bubba: And you’re sure you want to keep the rest of the police out?
Me: Yes and no. Mallory doesn’t want the police to know. She’s really freaked out that she doesn’t know who she is or who she can trust. For some reason, she trusts me, and I’m not about to break that trust. Besides, Emily is linked to this somehow, and I’m going to find out what happened to her. I’m not gonna lie, I feel leery of going to the police myself.
Bubba: I’m behind you all the way, Liam. My mouth is sealed. Just give Billy a damn good reason why you missed this meeting.
I sighed. I called the meeting two weeks ago to discuss the foal season, which was coming up later this month and into early July, and the breeding season, which would be in August.
Pulling up Billy’s number, I hit call. I hated lying to my best friend, but I didn’t have much of a choice.
“Hey, where the hell are you?” Billy asked. “Are you still not feeling good?”
