“You didn’t know?” Should she be surprised no one told him? Probably not.
His expression morphed from shock to gratitude. “If you hadn’t been there...”
His voice hitched on the last word.
“It’s a good thing we never have to find out,” she said.
“We owe you big-time,” he continued.
“It’s what people do for each other in Mesa Point.” It was a large part of the reason she’d returned. “You being here is no different.” She paused. “No matter what else happens, we help each other in emergencies.”
“I’d like to stick around for a cup of coffee, if you’ll offer one,” he said without making eye contact. His demeanor toward her changed, though. “That would give me time to update Crystal on what we found and possibly get more information from Dallas. Not to mention I could use a caffeine boost for the drive back to the ranch.”
Was he genuinely interested in the investigation or just plain ol’ curious about her past?
Shame on her for thinking his motives were anything but pure. He’d given her no reason to believe that he had any interest in her other than figuring out if she could be a demented killer’s target.
Another involuntary shiver rocked her body along with a renewed sense of purpose. Whoever this bastard was...he wouldn’t win.
Chapter Three
Duke kept an eye out while he walked alongside Audrey back to her cabin. At this point, the tracks were the only visible signs someone had been there. “If you’re uncomfortable with me coming inside, I—”
“No, it’s fine,” she responded.
Fine usually meant the exact opposite in his experience. But arguing seemed like a bad idea, and he could use another cup of coffee while he collected his thoughts, so he nodded.
While on the trail back, he texted Nash to find out if there’d been any change in his grandparents’ conditions. The response came almost immediately: none.
“I’m guessing you already checked the perimeter,” Audrey said to him as they approached her cabin.
“That’s correct,” he confirmed.
She stopped at the door long enough to unlock it and let them both inside. “I’m sorry about Grandpa Lor and Gram Lacy,” Audrey said to him after he closed the door behind them. He’d forgotten she used to call them that, too.
Without her, they wouldn’t have a fighting chance. He was surprised no one told him Audrey was responsible for saving their lives. “Thank you for finding them and rendering aid.”
“It’s my job,” she said with a shrug. “Plus, I’m used to checking on them.”
He wasn’t letting her get away without some credit. “They’re lucky to have you in their lives.” He was still trying to figure out why they hadn’t mentioned her visits. What else didn’t he know?
A wave of disappointment washed over her features. Why? He’d just complimented her. Or so he thought. Then again, he had a lot to learn when it came to Audrey Newcastle.
“Initial report said Grandp... Mr. Remington swerved to avoid hitting an animal,” she informed.
“He’s getting older,” Duke pointed out. Should his grandfather still be behind the wheel?
“I have those pods for coffee,” she said, turning her back as she walked into the kitchen. He could take it as either a sign of disrespect or trust. In this case, he decided on trust. It also indicated he’d brought up a subject she wasn’t touching. “Do you want to pick one out?”
If that meant standing in close quarters to Audrey, no thanks. “Whatever you’re having is good with me.”
“You like a darker roast,” she said before catching herself. “At least, you used to even at sixteen.”
“Nothing has changed on my end.”
If he could reel that comment back in, he would. Everything in his life had changed since she’d known him all those years ago. He’d grown up, for one. He no longer trusted as easily, for another. It was probably just part of becoming an adult, and normal to be more guarded.
Rather than dwell on the changes in him, he glanced around. The place was cozy and comfortable even for a person of his size. The walls were a calming shade of white. Eggshell maybe? Hell if he knew. The couch was beige but not in a boring way. There were accent pillows that added color. Art on the walls showed off her taste in paintings. A stack of books on the coffee table pulled the whole scheme together. She had a modern but soft vibe that he could see himself getting used to.
Duke stopped himself right there. He wasn’t here for Sunday supper or a date. There was nothing about this room or the kitchen that would make him want to stick around longer than he had to because every inch of it belonged to a person who’d had no problem stomping on his heart.
Call him a jerk, but he had no plans to get comfortable or appreciate the style of her home.
He pulled out his cell and took a seat at the small dining table in front of the glass patio doors. His call to Crystal went to voicemail. “I guess we’ll have to wait.”
“Why?” Audrey asked, concern in her voice.
“My sister isn’t picking up,” he informed her with a frustrated sigh. His irritation came from the fact they were stuck. He could also admit the condition of his grandparents weighed heavily on his mind.
They’d been everything to him after losing his mother after Abi was born. His father had split and was now remarried. The ranch had been a respite. There’d been rumors about his father cheating before Abi was conceived, but who knew what the truth was? Gossip could be cruel, and too many folks felt the need to be in each other’s business as far as he was concerned.
His phone vibrated, causing a burst of hope to fill his chest that they were about to get some answers. Until he checked the screen. As it turned out, hell could freeze over. The incoming call was from dear old dad.
“What can I do for you?” Duke asked. He could hear the stiffness and formality in his own voice.
Stewart Remington had moved out of Texas with his second wife to raise her children in Colorado at her parents’ dude ranch.
“How are they?” Stewart asked, clearly playing up his concern. It shouldn’t gall Duke so much, except that he knew his father was a fraud when it came to the family he’d walked away from.
