Page 51 of Burn Falls

“Ever since you told me that you witnessed your father’s attack, I’ve been worried that the person would come back and finish the job.”

I sighed with relief. He was just worried about me. My heart swelled. “But I didn’t see his face.”

“We know that, but it doesn’t mean the attacker knows that.”

“But why does it matter now? I’m all the way in Seattle, and nothing more happened while I was home in Burn Falls.”

“It matters because I don’t want you to have to drive by yourself back to Burn Falls, and I won’t be able to make the drive with you.”

“It’s not like the guy can smell me coming.”

“No, but what would happen if your truck broke down? There are monsters in this world—you know this.” Draven was right. What would happen if I broke down in the middle of nowhere with no cell service? I hadn’t really thought about my move or the fact that I’d have to drive a moving truck back to Burn Falls. What about my car? Would I be able to tow it while driving a large truck? I’d never towed anything in my life, nor had I ever driven a moving truck. And I didn’t want to sell my belongings because I didn’t have the money to completely start over. Sure, I’d make money when I was on the payroll at OBB, but I loved everything I owned.

I was far from being a damsel in distress, but knowing that Draven was worried about me made me feel warm inside. “Right,” I breathed. “So, you asked your friend to move me all the way to Alaska?”

“Yes. He’s a Lieutenant with Seattle PD and can keep you safe if anything happens.”

“Thank you, but I don’t think I need a police escort.”

Draven chuckled. “It’s not because he’s a cop. I trust him because he’s one of my best friends, who just happens to be with the police department.”

“Thanks, but I can’t let a stranger help me. Moving is a lot of work, and I’d feel uncomfortable making him help me.”

“Then you’ll just have to meet him this weekend when I’m there so he’s no longer a stranger.I’llmake him help you.”

I smiled as I thought about Draven coming on Saturday night. The thought of seeing him was giving me those warm feelings again, though it wasn’t going to be a long trip. He’d said that he had to help Martin with something.

“I’m being paged, sweets. Have a good day at work tomorrow, and I’ll call you on my break tomorrow night.”

“Okay. Have a good night, Hottie McNaughty.”

“Hottie McNaughty?” Draven laughed.

“Yeah. Haven’t you ever seen Grey’s Anatomy?”

“Um … no?”

“The hot doctors are Mc whatever. So, I’ve dubbed you Hottie McNaughty.”

He chuckled again. “Good to know you think I’m hot. But how do you know I’m naughty?”

My face flamed. I didn’t know for certain if he was naughty or not, but given what I thought he’d told me the night at Maxwell’s, I hoped he had a naughty side to him. “Just a hunch.”

I could hear the smile still in his voice as he said, “All right, sweets. I’ll talk to you later. Hottie McNaughty has to go save some lives now.”

I’d been at the bank for over five years, and now I was leaving because I was a distillery owner. Well, almost an owner. Mother had called and said that her meeting with the attorney went well. They faxed me documents to sign, and then they were filing them with the county recorder’s office. The attorney said it would take four to six weeks to transfer over and I was okay with that. It gave me time to get settled back in Burn Falls. Also, for the time being, Ted and the master distiller, Willy, were running what they could until I took over.

The rest of the week was kind of a blur. I packed, checked in on my mother, and then talked to Draven for a few minutes each night. I hadn’t talked to V much, but tonight was my second to last Margarita Friday with her. I met her at our usual place, Unicorn, and we bellied up to the bar. Chance, of course, was the bartender; however, V wasn’t paying him any attention.

“You’re over him?” I asked, motioning with my head toward Chance as he was at the other end of the bar pouring drinks.

She bit her bottom lip but didn’t say a word.

“What?”

“I have to tell you something.”

“I’m not getting any younger here.” I grinned.