Page 124 of Into the Storm

She felt a thrill at knowing he was back on the peninsula and was disappointed she wasn’t home to greet him properly. The last time he’d shown up at her door unannounced had been rather spectacular.

Audrey: The gate is closed but unlocked. There are contractors coming and going in the lodge.

Xavier: Great. Meet you at the site, then. Should be there in ninety minutes or so.

That would be fast, but Lake Olympus Road was free of ice, so not unreasonable.

Audrey: Don’t speed. And I really hope you aren’t texting and driving.

Xavier: Pulled over to look at the photo. Now using voice text. And I won’t speed…much.

She rolled her eyes.

Xavier: I promise I’ll be careful. How is Apple today?

Audrey: Snug as a bug. I’ll let you focus on the road. Can’t wait to see you.

Xavier: Soon. Love you.

Audrey: Love you.

She tucked her phone away and circled back to her SUV, a happy buzz filling her.

Ninety minutes. She was giddy with excitement.

And so very glad she’d come here today to document the damage to the site. The moment that was done, she wouldn’t think about her job again for two weeks.

She hadn’t worked the last three weeks, but it hadn’t been a vacation. She’d been recovering emotionally and providing long-distance support for Xavier. She’d been terrified of being alone at night knowing the unaccounted-for mercenary could find her name in the heavily redacted news accounts of what had happened in the lodge.

It had been a huge relief when Mikhail’s body had been found, but she still hadn’t been ready to be alone. Jae and Undine were the best friends in the world to agree to continue splitting babysitting duty until Xavier’s return.

They would appreciate her vacation with Xavier as much as she would, and by the time Xavier had to return to Coronado, she’d be ready to be alone again.

She drove to the Baldwin cabin and took her time placing each item where the original had been located. She’d had to guess on a few items and wondered if she’d forgotten anything, but the REI gift card should cover anything she’d missed.

She wrote a note to Danielle, again thanking her for her forced generosity, then added a note about wanting to book the rental for a few days if possible. If the rental request didn’t set Danielle’s fears to rest, nothing would.

From there, she drove north to the lodge, passing the main structure and continuing on the gravel track that ran behind the complex, finally parking not far from where this same vehicle had sat for several days during the siege.

The lights were on in George’s shop, and she popped in to say hello.

Stretched out between supports was a large log. It appeared George was embarking on making a new totem pole. He hadn’t made one of those in a long time, and she couldn’t wait to see what animals he would carve into the massive work of art.

He beamed at her as he took in her reaction to seeing the log being prepped for carving. “I’ve been saving this wood for a long time. Waiting for the right inspiration.”

“I can’t wait to see what you have planned.”

“It’s going to be my greatest work.” Then he winked at her. “Well, until the one I make after it.”

She laughed. “Of that there is no doubt.” She nodded toward the rear door of the shop. “I’m heading up to record the damage to the site. Xavier should be arriving in”—she glanced at her watch—“about forty minutes.” She’d spent more time at the Baldwins’ than she’d realized and was pleased he’d be here soon.

“Maybe I’ll take a break later and join you.”

She nodded. “I have a thermos of tea.”

“If I don’t make it up, stop by on your way back.”

“Will do.”