I stare out the window, trying to process everything. Myfather. Brutus Myrddin. Art either complicit or in over his head. The man following me. Lance sitting inches away, driving with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on his thigh, and I’m not sure when I started noticing things like that, but I need to stop.
The cabin comes into view, a dark shape against darker trees, with warm light spilling from the windows.
“This is where you live?” I crane my neck as I step out of the car.
He slams his door. “Surprised?”
“That you brought me to a murder cabin in the middle of the woods? A little.”
He smirks, already moving toward the door. “If I wanted to murder you, I wouldn’t have to go through all this trouble.”
“Comforting.”
A shadow moves on the porch and I freeze, my nerves still raw.
Then the shadow barks.
“Relax,” Lance murmurs, coming up behind me. “He’s friendly.”
The shadow bounds down the porch steps and materializes into a German shepherd with black fur, sharp ears, and a tail wagging so hard his whole body moves with it.
“Oh my goodness,” I coo, dropping to my knees. “Who are you?”
“This is Cavall,” Lance says, crouching beside me.
The dog shoves his nose into my hand, sniffing like I’m the most interesting thing he’s encountered in years. His tail thumps the ground, and I think I’m in love.
“Cavall.” I scratch behind his ears. “Hey buddy, you’re a goodboy, aren’t you? Yes, you are. Much better than your grumpy owner.”
“If I’m grumpy, it’s because he’s supposed to be guarding the house, not sniffing a stranger half to death.”
“Maybe he’s tired of only having you for company.” Cavall licks my chin and I grin. “Poor thing’s probably starved for affection and good conversation.”
Lance scoffs. “He’s a dog. He doesn’t have conversations.”
“Not with you, maybe.” I ruffle Cavall’s fur and he barks. “See? He agrees.”
I stand and Cavall presses his warm body against my legs.
“It’s okay, boy. I’m here now. The darkness is over.”
Lance stares at me, the corner of his mouth twitching. “You done?”
“With you? Always.” I bend down and scratch his ears one more time. “With this angel? Never.”
Lance turns toward the cabin and whistles once, and Cavall trots after him.
Inside, the cabin is warm and understated. Nothing like the Calloway mansion excess I expected. Just wood floors and a faint scent of soap and pine. Cavall moves to a giant dog bed situated next to a stone fireplace and curls up with a raggedy stuffed pink duck that’s missing one eye. He tucks it under his chin like a security blanket, and my chest squeezes.
Lance Calloway lets his dog have a pink stuffy.
I file that away and pretend it doesn’t make me hate him a little less.
He leads me down a short hallway, up a flight of stairs, and opens a door on the right. The room is simple. Beige walls. A queen-size bed. A window overlooking the hills.
“Bathroom’s across the hall,” he says, dropping my bag by the door. “Kitchen’s downstairs and to the left if you’re hungry. I’m a shit cook, but there’s food.”
I nod, not trusting my voice.
