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Daniel ladled soup into two bowls. “It’s chicken and vegetables from a can. Hope that’s okay.”
“More than okay. I could eat the napkins at this point.”
His lips lifted in a smile. “Mind cutting the bread? I found a loaf in the freezer and stuck it in the microwave to defrost.”
They moved around the kitchen in comfortable companionship, setting the placemats, cutting the bread, filling water glasses. It was homey and domestic, and by the time they sat down to eat, Ellie felt more centered. More at ease. So when it came time to bless the food, she extended her hands across the table. “Will you lead us in prayer?”
Daniel hesitated and then took her hands in his. The warmth of his touch was comforting, the quietness in the kitchen making the moment intimate. Ellie bowed her head.
“Lord, we come to You with grateful hearts. Thank You for protecting us today. We pray for James, that he may feel the touch of Your healing hands. Keep Owen safe. Give us the wisdom to find the missing evidence, and the ability to obtain justice for the innocent people who need our protection. Last, Lord, we ask that You bless this food, so it may nourish our bodies and give us strength for the mission in front of us. Amen.”
Ellie, touched beyond words at the fact that he’d included James and Owen in his prayer, gently squeezed Daniel’s hands. “Amen.”
His gaze met hers briefly, his eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion. Once again, Ellie was struck by the notion that his feelings for her ran deeper than he would like. She wasn’t sure how to broach the subject. And now probably wasn’t a good time for an emotionally charged conversation. They were both hungry and tired.
She picked up her spoon. Steam curled from the bowl. Ellie took a small bite, mindful of the heat, and made a noise of satisfaction. “This came from a can?”
“Yep. I dressed it up a bit with some spices and a little lemon.” He flashed a boyish grin. “My mom has taught me a thing or two over the years.” Daniel pointed at the slices of bread with his spoon. “Can’t take credit for that though. My cousin must’ve made it.”
The herb bread was soft and contained just the right amount of rosemary. Ellie spread a thick layer of butter on top. “Bread is my weakness. I can turn down sweets ninety percent of the time, but give me a loaf of fresh bread, and I’ll eat the whole thing in one sitting.” She groaned with happiness after taking a bite. “Okay, I need to meet your cousin and shake his hand. This is delicious.”
“Family reunion in September. He’ll be there.” Daniel winked. “I’ll ask him to bring a loaf just for you.”
She chuckled. “I’ll be happy to have it, although I don’t know if I should crash your family reunion.”
“No one will mind. There’s hundreds of us anyway.”
Her eyes widened. “Hundreds?”
“My mom has five siblings and my dad had ten. Just my immediate family, with my brothers and sisters, their spouses, and kids is twenty-five people. Sunday lunches are a circus.” He shook his head as he spooned another mouthful of soup. “And the youngest, Juan, isn’t even married yet. He’s graduating college next week and intends to take over the family ranch. His girlfriend already lives in Silver Creek. It’s only a matter of time before they get hitched and start multiplying too.”
“Multiplying… you make it sound bad.”
“No.” A flicker of something crossed his face, but then it disappeared. “It’s nice, actually. I enjoy having so many nieces and nephews to spoil. And my siblings have been fortunate in their marriages. They’re all very happy.”
Ellie broke off another piece of bread. “What about you? You never wanted to get married?”
“I was married. It didn’t end well.”
The words were matter of fact, but Ellie didn't miss the way his fingers tightened around the spoon. She waited for him to elaborate. He didn't. Getting information from Daniel was like pulling teeth. At least now she had some understanding of hishot and cold behavior. He wasn't trying to hurt her. It was clear whatever had happened in the past was coloring his present. It was also obvious he didn't want to talk about it.
She reached across the table and rested a hand on his arm. “Something is happening between us, Daniel. I’m not sure what it is, but I know nothing can move forward until you share with me whatever it is you’re worried about.”
He breathed out. “You’re right, but I don’t think I have it in me to talk about it tonight.” He lifted his gaze to meet hers. “You deserve an explanation, and I promise to give you one. Soon.”
It would have to do for now. Ellie gave a small nod and returned to her dinner. She smothered another piece of the homemade bread in butter. Her mind turned to everything they'd learned from James, including the message in Lena's letter. “I spent most of the car ride up here thinking about where the evidence could be. I’m at a loss.”
Daniel took a sip of water. “Flash drives can be tiny. Lena could’ve hidden it someplace where it would be easily overlooked.”
A long-buried memory bubbled to the surface and Ellie gasped. Her spoon clattered to the bowl and soup splattered on the placemat. “Two weeks before she died, Lena gave me a bracelet for my birthday. The flash drive could be hidden within it.” Her mind whirled. “I was wearing the bracelet when I was shot.”
“Where is it now?”
“At my house. In Silver Creek.” It was one of the few things she’d taken with her from her old life into her new one.
Daniel’s mouth flattened. “If the Iron Fist knows who you are, they’re probably watching your place. Tobias might be too.”
“I know. But the bracelet’s well hidden. We’ll be quick. In and out. Chief O’Neal can send someone to meet us.”