Page 127 of Unexpected Entanglement

“They’re cats,” Rae said, raising a brow at Chris.

“These cats are special,” Chris said. “Aren’t you, buddy?”

After another scratch, Chris straightened, threw his leg over the seat, and started the bike. The loud purr of the engine filled the quiet afternoon, and Felix retreated to wherever he’d come from.

“I’ll see you soon,” Chris said, putting on his helmet.

“Ride safely,” Rae said.

Chris nodded and pulled away.

After a quick stop at the farm to speak with Kieran, Chris met his crew at the ferry service. Walt managed to get Chris a ticket back to Rockland at the last minute. He was lucky there was room for his bike. There were limited spots for vehicles on the ferry.

“Why are you leaving today, Boss?” Walt asked when they settled on a bench on the top deck.

“I gotta see my dad,” Chris answered. “He’s been calling and texting me.”

“Mr. George Sullens, texting?” Walt questioned. “That’s new.”

Chris' mouth quirked. “He’s been texting every day, asking me where I am.”

“He must really need to see you,” Walt said.

Chris just nodded, not wanting to discuss the subject further.

Flicking through her phone pics from the weekend, Jane suddenly said, “I told Rowan if she ever needed help again, I’d take pay in free vacay.”

“Hah! That’s funny. I told her the same thing!” Walt laughed. “Who would’ve thought the two of us enjoyed nature?”

Chris rolled his eyes. “Nature with five-star accommodations.”

“It really is a great place,” Jane said. “That fire is tough luck.”

“It’s crazy,” Walt agreed. “I thought you’d stay to help, Boss.”

“They can handle it,” Chris stated, wanting to believe that Rowan didn’t need him.

The ferry ride was quiet mostly, with Walt and Jane talking among themselves, leaving Chris to his thoughts.

“Hey, isn’t that Gwen?” Walt said to Jane, discreetly looking to the other side of the ferry.

Jane turned to look. “It is. She flaked last night after saying she had an emergency and her cousin had to cover for her at the reception.”

Chris turned to them. “How come I didn’t hear about a bartender switch?”

“You were busy with the groom. I had it handled. Gwen said her cousin owns a pub in town and taught her everything she knows about mixing drinks,” Jane justified. “I had to make an executive decision. I stayed with the cousin for a while, and she was excellent.”

Chris didn’t know why, but his spine tingled with unease.

“Gwen bartended for the clambake, didn’t she?” Chris asked.

“Yeah, why?” Jane asked.

Chris shook his head and stood. “It’s probably nothing. I’m gonna say hi.”

Though he didn’t invite them, the dynamic duo followed Chris to the other side of the ferry. Gwen was leaning against the railing, watching the sea. She glanced his way when Chris came to stand next to her.

“Hi, Gwen,” Chris greeted with an easy smile.

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