Page 41 of Kian

“Who’s Mr. Barton?”

Killian laughed. “I’ll tell you all about him some other time, but he is a godsend on less traveled roads when it snows.”

“It sounds like it.”

“Hey, Dave was thinking of making an announcement on the local TV channel about you missing. He thinks that will let those men think you’re dead and maybe they’ll make some kind of move. But he’s worried that if they’re not sure, they might go back to look for you, and that could put you and Gretchen in danger.”

“I’d hate for them to come back and find her cabin. Talk it over with Dave and I’ll talk to Gretchen. If it bothers her, I’ll call you back right away. I’m going to head back. I hope I see you next week.”

“Me too. Be careful. We’ll talk soon.”

“Yes, sir. Love you.” Kian hung up and smiled. He couldn’t wait to get home.

As he got back onto the ATV, he saw Lobo staring into the woods with his hackles raised. Kian looked in the same directionbut didn’t see anything, but he didn’t have a good feeling.

“Calm down, boy,” he whispered. Lobo glanced at him, then back toward the woods. Then Kian saw them. Wolves. “Shit.”

There were at least six of them, but they weren’t moving, just watching. Kian removed the gun from the back of his jeans where he’d tucked it and cocked the hammer. He wouldn’t shoot them, but he’d scare them away.

Lobo growled and lowered his head as he stared at them. There was no way Kian would let anything happen to the dog. He started the ATV and revved it hard, making the wolves scatter.

“Let’s go home,” he yelled as he turned the machine back toward the creek, making sure Lobo followed.

Once they reached the shed, he drove into it, shut the machine off, and then quickly made his way into the cabin with Lobo on his heels. Then he closed the pet door.

“What’s wrong?” Gretchen asked him.

“Wolves. A pack of them were watching us. I scared them away by revving the ATV, but I’m not sure if they followed us. I don’t want Lobo going out to look for them.”

“Thank you. Are you alright?” She walked toward him, and he pulled her into his arms.

“Yes, I’m fine. It was just scary for a few seconds.”

“Did you talk to Killian?”

“I did.” Kian removed his coat. “He said it’s supposed to warm up to forty-five tomorrow, so the snow should be melting. Maybe enough for me to get home.”

“That would be nice.” She smiled.

“Yes, but also no.” He kissed her lips. “But I promise you, Gretchen, this is not going to be over between us.”

“I hope not.”

“Woman, I just promised you,” he said.

Gretchen laughed. “Okay.”

“Did you get much painting done? No offense, but you stink.”

She gasped and shoved him away. “It’s the turpentine. I just cleaned the brushes. That’s why the window is opened a little. I’ll shower in a little while. But you have it on you now, so you’ll need a shower too.”

“Well, hell. What a shame.” He laughed.

“I have gloves on though, so maybe you don’t need a shower.”

He kissed her forehead. “I really don’t right now.”

“That’s fine. I’ll shower then start dinner. I’m starving.”

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