Page 42 of Their Haunted Hearts (Detectives Kane and Alton #27)

Forty-One

Helena

Light rain was falling when Julie stepped out of the conference hall with Rhett at her side. She glanced across the parking lot for the bus. “The bus is late again. I need to get back to the hotel and pack.”

“I’ll give you a ride if you’re not scared of motorcycles.” Rhett smiled at her. “You might get a little wet but I have a spare slicker in my saddlebags if you want to wear it.”

Julie smiled. “I would appreciate a ride, and the slicker, thanks. I’ve ridden with my dad before. I like motorcycles. My dad has a Harley.”

“He is a man of great taste.” Rhett chuckled.

She turned on her phone and messages came in. “Oh no, they’ve delayed my flight to Black Rock Falls until ten tonight.”

“The storm is heading that way.” Rhett frowned. “Why don’t you get packed and we’ll go and have a meal? I can drop you at the airport. The rain will be gone by then.”

Surprised by his generosity, she smiled. “That would be great.” She stared at her phone. “Give me a second. I need to send a message to my dad. He’s expecting me this afternoon.” She handed him her backpack. “You sure you’ll be able to carry my bag as well?”

“Yeah, it will fit on the back.” Rhett pulled out a spare helmet from the saddlebags and went about fitting their backpacks into the space.

Although she had no reason not to trust Rhett, Julie turned away and thumbed a message to Wolfe.

She mentioned the storm delay and that she was getting a ride with Rhett and included his full name and license plate.

He appeared to be a nice guy, but living in Black Rock Falls, she’d become suspicious of everyone.

Not long after she’d sent the message a reply came back, telling her the storm looked bad and that he’d run Rhett’s name and get back to her.

She wanted to roll her eyes but her dad was just looking after her.

She pulled on the helmet and smiled at Rhett.

“If it doesn’t bore you, you’re welcome to wait with me while I pack. It won’t take long.”

“I figure you’ll need to shower and change as well.

” He raised both eyebrows. “I sure do. I’ve been damp all day.

I’ll drop by my dorm and come by in an hour.

” He pulled on his helmet. “It will give us plenty of time to find a place for dinner. There’s a nice diner not far from the airport.

We could go there.” He climbed onto the motorcycle. “Jump on.” He started the engine.

Nodding, Julie slid on behind him. “That sounds like a plan.” She held on tight and they roared out of the parking lot.