Page 44 of Clear Skies (Stormcloud Station)

“What’s going on?” he asked, keeping his tone as gentle as possible. She was clearly distraught. Shaking off his hand, she began pacing back and forth, offering him glimpses of that luscious backside and slim hips.

She didn’t answer, just kept up her pacing, muttering things to herself now and then. He watched until it became too much. Standing directly in her path, he grabbed her by both shoulders. “Daisy, you need to tell me what’s going on,” he said slowly and succinctly.

“I’m not sure…” She stared up into his face, hesitating.

He knew what she was thinking. “Whatever it is you’re planning, I’m not letting you do it alone. Get that through your head, okay?”

She stiffened at his words and glared at him. Trying to stare him down in all her glorious nudity.

He returned her stare, equally determined to win this battle of wills.

Tilting back her head, she blew out a long breath. “Fine. I’m not sure I’d be able to find that gold mine by myself in the dark, anyway.”

“River is at the gold mine? Where we were this morning?”

“Yes. He said he saw us. I’m so mad I didn’t know he was there.”

“You’re not telepathic. If he was hiding from us, how the hell were we supposed to know he was there?”

“Yeah, well, that’s not the worst bit. River told me there is another man hiding out in one of abandoned shafts. He’s been watching him for the past two days. He thinks this man has been living out there. And he might be Karri’s killer.”

There were so many ideas to unpack from Daisy’s statement, Dale didn’t know which one to start with. Most importantly, how could there be a man hiding out on their property without them knowing about it? How long had he been there? And how was he possibly connected to Karri?

“River said he was going in for a closer look. We need to get out there and help him. Protect him.”

“I’m calling the cops,” Dale said, reaching for his phone

“What good will they be?” She stamped her foot in frustration. “They’re hours away. I’m going now. Whether you come with me or not.”