Page 16

“So there’s a female thief wandering around the mountains? You’re crazy, dude.”

“Took my jacket. Cost me seven hundred. I want it back. You see her, you tell her I want my property. Don’t give a shit about her. She can fall off the mountain for all I care. As long as my property is returned.”

Knight gives a negligent shrug. “What coat costs seven hundred bucks? But sure, if I see her, I’ll let her know.”

Pete reaches toward the holster and I cover my mouth to keep from screaming for Knight to watch out. Instead of touching the holster, Pete pulls a business card from his shirt pocket and flicks it toward Knight’s feet. “You see that bitch, you call me.”

Knight glances down at the card then his arms fall to his sides. “Time you left my property, Henderson.”

“Fuck off.” He turns and slams his fist down on the truck’s hood before climbing in and spewing dirt and rocks as he roars away.

Knight watches until the truck disappears then stomps his foot down on the white business card and crushes it into the dirt like he was putting out a cigarette. When he turns toward the cabin, he’s smiling.

I meet him at the door. “Knight, oh my stars, he could have…”

“I saw the gun, darlin’. He’s a big talker, not so much a doer.”

“You don’t know that. He sounded so angry. Maybe I should…”

Knight grabs me by the shoulders. “Listen to me, Clover. I was the kid with the weird interests and hobbies that bullies took exception to. I learned how to read people’s intentions at an early age.” He pauses and rolls his gaze toward the ceiling. “Most people. Didn’t work too well with my ex. My point is, no matter how important some dumb coat might be to him, he’s not going to do something stupid and risk ending up in jail. Pretty sure he probably has already been there done that.”

“But…”

“No, Clover. Whatever you’re thinking, stop. This has nothing to do with you.”

“Actually it does. I did take his coat. Not to keep, it was just the first thing I grabbed when I wanted to get away. Now, what do I do?”

“How about this? When we’re in town for the festival, we’ll take the offending piece of clothing to the post office and mail it to him. He’ll get his precious coat back and you won’t have to encounter him.”

“You think that will work?”

“Darlin’ I don’t see why not. Now, let’s make supper and have a quiet evening.”

I don’t talk much while we cook then enjoy our meal. I’m frightened that somehow I’m putting Knight in danger and know that if I start voicing my thoughts and fears I won’t be able to stop. That would make Knight second guess having me stay here. Maybe he wouldn’t want to stay either and he’d go back to the woman who can actually help him be successful.

He’s concerned about my silence but doesn’t ask, doesn’t push for me to expose my dire thoughts. He acts like this is a normal evening. I attempt to do the same, but from the questions and concern in his eyes, I know I’ve failed.

“I’m heading out for my evening check. Don’t worry. I won’t be long. You’re safe here.”

“I know. Go on, your routine is important.”

“So are you, Clover.”

I have no answer for him. He strokes the back of his fingers along my jawline then presses a kiss to my forehead.

Less than thirty seconds after the door closes behind him, the sat phone rings, startling me. When it rings again, I cross to the bedside stand and stare at the blocky device. I should ignore it, but I’ve never been able to not answer a ringing phone. Besides, what if it’s his parents?

“Hello?”

“Who is this? Where’s Knight?”

This sharp voiced woman can’t be his mother. “He’s outside checking the property.”

“Oh. Then you must be the reason he refuses to come back to the city.”

Peas and carrots, it’s his ex-girlfriend. Hanging up on her is tempting, even though I know she’d just call again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play the innocent with me. I know women like you.”