She padded to the open kitchen where a wrought-iron pot rack swarming with worn copper and cast-iron cookware hung above a long island and separated the two rooms.
Ryan held his hand over his phone. “David.”
Her new plan started by finding the person behind these incidents, and getting David’s take on things was near the top of her list. His accounting firm managed Evergreen’s finances, and she needed to speak to him about that anyway. She could get his opinion on the threats at the same time.
“I need to talk to him,” she answered.
Ryan eyed her. “Are you okay?”
She let her lips form what she thought was a brave smile. “I’m fine.”
His eyebrow rose. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
He tilted his head in question then shook it and held up a finger before resuming his conversation.
She slipped onto a counter-height stool, glad to see he’d put the refrigerated food away or that the guests had taken it with them. Her stomach curled at the mere thought of food. She turned to Ryan and watched bright rays filtering in from a picture window flicker on his wavy hair.
He looked up and flashed a hint of a smile, probably from catching her watching him. He crossed to the island and held out the phone. “Your turn.”
She reached for his cell. He pulled the phone back against his chest and issued a playful dare.
She raised an eyebrow at his response and took it from him.
Had their reconciliation made him think she wanted to start something with him? If so, she would end that notion when she got off the phone with David. If she planned to resume control over her life, she certainly couldn’t fall for him again.
She turned her attention to the call. “David.”
“I was out of town and just heard about the fire.” His concerned tone was exactly what she’d hoped to get from her father. “Ryan tells me you’re doing okay.”
“Ryan’s right—I’m fine.” She felt Ryan’s gaze on her as he took the stool next to her, but she wouldn’t look at him. Not when she had to concentrate on talking to a brother she wanted to reconcile with. Even if he did take their dad’s side all the time, she hoped that had changed.
Not something she would discuss over the phone. Instead, she would focus on the threats to her life. “Who all has a key to the lodge?”
“I’m not sure. I know Verna does, and I assume Nico does too.”
“It makes sense that Verna and Nico would have keys, but do you or Dad?”
“No.”
“That’s odd. I figure Uncle Wally would’ve given you both keys for emergencies.”
“We weren’t close to Wally like you were.”
Was David telling the truth? Wouldn’t it make sense for Wally to give them an emergency key? She would keep this in the back of her mind for now. “Do you have time to get together this afternoon so we can talk about the accounts?”
She heard papers rustling in the background of the call. “Sorry, I’ve got appointments until late tonight. The soonest I can see you is eleven tomorrow morning. Could you stop by the office then?”
“Sure. I’ll see you then.” She clicked off and handed the phone to Ryan. “What did David want with you?”
“When he heard about the fire, he tried calling you to check up on you, but you didn’t answer your phone. So he called me.” He pocketed his cell. “You’re seeming pretty calm after what just happened here.”
Great. She was doing a good job of faking it. If he only knew the truth. He just couldn’t see the fear lodged deep in her chest. Correction, she wouldn’t let him see it or he would go all Mr. Protector on her, and she might lose it. “I can’t live afraid all the time like I’ve been doing since I got here. I have to take charge of my life again.”
He rested his elbows on the counter. “After what’s happened, I’d think you’d get that you can’t control things.”
He was right, but she didn’t like it. She crossed her arms to protect herself from the emotions simmering under the surface. “It’s been a difficult day for sure, but my life has been out of my control since Uncle Wally died. Having to do what he wants—not what I want. But I won’t disrespect him by not following through. What I can do is refuse to let these threats control my life.”
