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“Maxen, it’s Sadie. Have you figured out what the feds have on Aaron?”
“Not yet. I’m supposed to be meeting someone tomorrow. Hopefully, I’ll get answers then.”
Maxen’s voice drops to a soothing timbre, warm as a fuzzy blanket. “I’d like to come over if it’s all right.”
“I’d say yes, but I’m not at home. I’m out working a lead.”
“Then let me help you. I know you’re more than capable, but no one should work without backup.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not even in Virginia.”
Maxen is quiet, meaning he probably isn’t happy. He sighs and says, “I won’t ask where you are, but tell me that at least Knot knows.”
“He does, but he doesn’t.”
“Dammit, Sadie. Don’t you know how dangerous this sit… You found him, didn’t you?”
“No, I haven’t, but I think I know where he is.”
Maxen goes quiet again.
“I’m not cutting you out, ok.”
Maxen sighs. “I get it. You’re used to doing things one way, and it’s not as if Hosfeld and I get along. I’ve got a job to do here anyway. Just promise me that you’ll watch your ass.”
“It’s. Not. Aaron.”
“I know that, but it just might be that you and the feds aren’t the only ones looking for Grim.”
I glance at the tracking watch on my wrist. I’ll be removing it before going after Aaron. “I’ll be untraceable, but I’ll check in with Knot before I do anything.”
“Good enough. Be careful, Fate. I haven’t had my fill of you yet.”
His words set off a firestorm of tingles in my middle, and I fight to keep my voice even to say, “You won’t be able to reach me tomorrow, so report whatever you find to Knot.”
Come on, Sadie. Don’t be a wuss. “And, Maxen. I haven’t had my fill of you either.”
I hadn’t meant to sound as lusty as I did and hang up on Maxen’s answering chuckle.
Six am comes quickly after a restless night. Forcing my tired ass from the bed, I pull on jeans, thick socks, a tank, and a heavy sweater and step into my old Ariat boots that I found in the closet. Before walking out the door, I grab my old hunting jacket as well. I’ll need it for the long, cold ride.
My father is already in the kitchen when I walk downstairs. He’s sitting at the table drinking coffee and reading a newspaper, one of the few people still getting their news from print.
Noticing me walking in, Dad gets up and retrieves a tray from the oven warming drawer. It’s loaded with biscuits, gravy, bacon, eggs, and breakfast potatoes.
“Somebody’s been busy.”
He only winks and sets the tray on a kitchen towel spread out on the table. Coffee in hand, I join him, and I’m not shy about loading my plate.
A lock of hair falls loose from my braid, and my dad reaches over and tugs on it before tucking it behind my ear. “You’ve grown up to look so much like your mother. She’d be so proud of you.”
“I think she’d be even more proud of you. You raised me, all of us by yourself, and we all turned out alright.”
“It’s probably more that you turned out alright in spite of me.”
I pat his hand, and we get back to our breakfast in comfortable silence. Once I’ve shoved the last possible bite into my mouth, I lean back in the worn Windsor chair. “Dad, I’d like to go out to the hunting cabin today.”
My father lifts a bushy eyebrow at me and crosses his arms. “You know the way. Before you go, I’d like for you to tell me what’s really going on. I know you’ve lost people before, but what I saw yesterday, I haven’t seen since your mother died. Were you in love with this man?”