“I’m just giving you shit. I’m not trying to know all the details. If you want to tell me, you will. I have a feeling things between the two of you are still … complicated.” She laughs as Oakley rolls his eyes.
I bark out a laugh. “Understatement of the century.” Is it more or less complicated that we’re technically still married?
“We can go back to your workshop once I close here,” Oakley offers.
“Nah, I’m just calling today a wash. I was actually thinking about how I can help with this whole situation.” Oakley arches an eyebrow at me. “Even with whatever Arlo is doing right now, we don’t have a warrant in order to actually do anything, correct?”
“Correct.”
“So, what if we draw him out? Force Tyler’s hand.”
I see his mind working in front of me. He doesn’t want to like the idea, but he does.
“Arlo will hate it.” I wince at the truth of his statement. I know Arlo will hate it, but sitting here doing nothing isn’t really my style.
“Yep.”
“And you still want to do it?”
“Yep.”
He sighs, and I almost cheer. I have himinterested.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Can I chime in and say Arlo will absolutely lose his shit and this is a terrible idea?” Willow asks.
“You just did,” I deadpan.
“I’m just thinking about how I took things into my own hands when… Well, you know, and things did not really go well.” She’s talking about Tennison. When she showed up, saving the day, but it also cost her a lot.
“Why did you go to that cabin?” I ask her.
“Rina…” Oakley scolds.
“No, this is important. I know it’s hard to talk about, but why did you put yourself in danger? Why did you go there?” I ask again.
“Because I needed to do something. I needed to help Oakley. I couldn’t just sit here and do nothing if there was a chance I could help.” Her soft voice, a little shaky, makes me feel bad for forcing the issue.
But her answer is exactly how I’m feeling.
“And look how that turned out!” Oakley’s raised voice echoes through the space.
“Listen, you understand Arlo’s side of this. Willow understands mine. I need to do something, Oakley. Sitting here until the red tape gets figured out isn’t doing me or you both any favors. What if I’m able to expedite things and end this?” I’m trying desperately to plead with his rational brain, but I’m not sure it’s working.
“What if the worst-case scenario happens and you get hurt? I’ll never forgive myself. Arlo will absolutely lose any progress he’s made. As your friend—hell, as his—I’m telling you this is a terrible idea.”
“We don’t even know if it’s actually Tyler. If I draw him out, get more information, we can at least determine if he’s the bad guy.” I throw my hands up in exasperation.
“Jesus fuck, you Hutton women are feisty and stubborn as shit,” he grumbles. Willow beams like it’s the best compliment in the world, and I have to hide my smile behind my hand.
“Does that mean you’ll at least hear me out?”
“Arlo’s going to kill me.”
“I can handle Arlo.”
“Oh, I bet you can,” Willow singsongs before slapping her hand over her mouth. Laughter from everyone breaks the tension.
