Page 78 of See You There

“Not a problem. I’ll take the couch. Did you see any extra pillows?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Luke had takenthe news better than she’d expected. After his reaction to the cabin, Dahlia thought he’d be more upset. For the briefest second, she almost offered to share the bed, but then the memory of his face when he’d heard about Scott came to her, sealing her lips. When Luke retreated to the single bathroom to change, Dahlia explored the rest of their temporary home.

The cabin consisted of one large open room with a small hallway leading to the only bedroom and a bathroom. In the center of the space was a plaid sofa and two mismatched recliners atop a thin, colorful rug. The grouping faced a rustic stone fireplace, where a few logs lay unused. A galley-style kitchen on the far side of the room completed the space.

Dahlia opened each of the cabinets to assess what they had. There were a few plates and cups in one cabinet, and basic pots and pans in another. Dahlia didn’t consider herself spoiled, but the absence of a coffee pot was making her feel increasingly panicked.

Earlier, during her search for the bedroom, she’d found a closet containing a hot water heater for which she was profoundly grateful. However, that completed the list of amenities.

Dahlia made a face. It had been years since she’d lived without a dishwasher, but she would survive the few days they were stuck there. Much longer than that and she might lose her mind.

Abruptly, the absence of another item hit her like a lightning bolt, and she spun in a slow circle. Her eyes scanned the room again. Unfortunately, the second perusal didn’t magically make a television appear. Dahlia groaned. What in the world were they going to do for entertainment?

Dahlia pulled her phone from her pocket and settled into one of the rocking chairs, grateful she at least had full cell coverage. That would make any interviews she could reschedule easier.

She cast a guilty look over her shoulder. Dahlia needed to call her sister before she saw the news. Even if Luke had kept her role in the shooting at his building last night out of the coverage, the media would connect her name with the one earlier in the day. A burble of laughter escaped her lips as she pressed the screen to call her sister. This is my life, she thought.

Differentiating between which shootings I’ve been involved with in a single day.

“Hey! Twice in one week. It’s a record.” Hannah sounded breathless.

Dahlia let the dig slide. “How are you?”

“I’m trying to wrangle a toddler and two preschoolers into eating their breakfast. Can I call you back?”

“Sorry! I was up so early. I guess I forgot what time it was.”

“What was it? Early morning spin class before brunch?”

Dahlia winced. “Actually, that’s why I’m calling.”

A high-pitched screech sounded on the other end of the line. “This really isn’t a good time, Dahlia.”

“I’ll be quick.” She didn’t know how long Luke would be, and she knew he wouldn’t like it she’d made the call.

“There was a shooting yesterday. I didn’t want you to worry if you saw it on the news.”

“Uh-huh.” It was obvious Hannah wasn’t listening.

Hurt spiraled through her. She and Hannah might not be close anymore, but they were still sisters.

“I’m okay, but I didn’t want you to worry.” Dahlia kept her voice neutral. “I’ve had to leave town until they make an arrest. The press might pick it up. I’m not even supposed to be calling you but—”

“Wait,” Hannah sounded confused. “What do you mean? Was someone shooting at you?”

“That’s the current theory. Because of the other attempts. It might have to do with the pictures I gave them from the robbery. There’s no other reason I can think of.”

“What are you talking about? Cole!” Hannah yelled for her husband. “Watch the kids,” Dahlia heard her say, and then a screen door slammed. “Okay. I’m outside, so I can actually hear you now. What is going on?”

Warmth spread through her chest. Her sister actually sounded like she was worried. Maybe Dahlia wasn’t as alone as she thought she was. Dahlia gave Hannah a quick synopsis of the last few days, leaving out the connection to the Russian mob, and her make out with Luke.

“So, your lawyer thinks they are trying to kill you because you can identify the shooter?”

“I overheard him talking with his brother.” Dahlia didn’t tell Hannah how much it hurt when she overheard Luke and James discussing whether she was trustworthy.

“But why would the shooter think you would know him? I thought you said it only showed a tattoo?”