Page 10 of First Chance

That can’t be good.

I slice open the envelope and start reading, piecing the information together as best as I can.

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To whom it may concern:

Current records show your rehabilitation license has expired. A reinstatement application will need to be submitted and approved by the relevant licensing authority. Failure to do so or practicing while the license is expired will lead to disciplinary action.

State and Local agencies need copies of your records, or further action will be taken.

Submit documentation by the date posted.

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Yep. Not good. The date posted on the header is for three days from now.

I should tell Lochlan about this asap, but I never leave the house. I park right out front, walk inside, and stay inside the entirety of my time working. He told me not to wander around, but this seems really important.

Walking across the gravel lot outside is getting moredifficult now that we’ve had rain. The dirt is softer, even muddy in some spots. I have to dodge and leap to avoid sinking into the ground and ruining my shoes.

I find a particularly dry gravelly spot and stop before I reach the big barn and the other outbuildings. I don’t actually know where Lochlan is.

He told me not to go into the bunkhouse. He also said the old barn is off limits, so that helps narrow down my options, but it only gets muddier the farther I get from the house.

“Something I can help you with, ma’am?” A man’s voice startles me as he steps out of the bunkhouse. It’s a young guy, maybe even younger than I am. He has a hat on and a hooded sweatshirt, but I can see fingerless gloves covering his hands. It’s not cold enough for gloves, but they also don’t look equipped for cold weather. The material is almost spandex, looking like compression socks would be.

“I’m looking for Lochlan.”

“He’s out mending fences, I can get him on the radio for you.” He pulls out an old-fashioned handheld radio and starts talking, but I’m distracted by his hands. The exposed parts of his fingers are scarred and discolored.

He notices where my attention is, and he turns his back. The heat rises in my cheeks with embarrassment. It’s rude to stare. I know better than that. I should apologize, but that would only draw more attention to something he clearly doesn’t want to be seen.

“And, I thought boss man had you locked away in that house of his.” Another guy walks out of the bunkhouse, and I recognize him as Frank, the guy I saw on my first day.

“I’ve been pretty busy,” I respond politely. I don’t feel the same ease around Frank as I do theyounger one.

“I’m surprised a pretty thing like you would want to work with a man likeLochlan,” he clicks his tongue, enunciating his name like a curse word, and not taking the hint that I’m trying not to engage with him.

“Everything has been great so far.”

“You’re not worried about the allegations.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

He smirks at me. He knows that I know what he means. “You let me know if he gives you any trouble, sugar.” He winks, and it’s the least endearing thing ever.

I know about Lochlan Dane’s past, and I’d still choose to be alone in a room with him over this guy any day.

“Frank, leave her alone. He’s on his way, he said to meet him at the house,” the younger guy says, stepping around Frank.

“Aren’t you a good boy, Curtis. Maybe he’ll give you a cookie.” Frank scoffs but doesn’t leave.

“I’ll walk you up there,” Curtis murmurs, ignoring Frank, and I’m glad not to be left alone.

“Thank you. I appreciate your help,” I tell him quietly as I struggle up the slight hill of the dirt lot.

“It’s none of my business, but I agree with the rule about us leaving you alone. Some of them are a little rough around the edges, Frank especially.”

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