Page 38 of Mystery in the Mountains

“Yeah, I’m fine. How long have you lived here?” Sunny asked.

Julie stood from kneeling and brushed the dirt off her knees. “I moved onto the mountain last October.”

“Do you like it?”

“I love it.”

“You love the mountain or?—”

As if on cue, the door opened, and Abe joined Asher.

The two tall strapping Black brothers stood on the porch of the small cabin.

“The man,” Sunny finished.

“Both,” Julie said as quickly.

And, man, Sunny understood that.

“Why don’t you guys stay for dinner?” Julie said as she walked over to the porch.

Abe smiled at her and pressed a sweet kiss to the top of her head.

“No. I still have some work to finish up on the porch,” Asher said, strolling to the van.

“Are you sure?” Abe asked, eying him carefully.

She looked at him, wanting to stay, wanting to get to know Julie more and spend time with this new, less grumpy version of Abe. But it didn’t seem like Asher was quite ready yet.

“Ya ready to go?” Asher asked.

“Yeah.”

Sunny tried to say in her normal disposition, but she was feeling gloomy, as she had been so sure they were making progress.

As they pulled up to her house, once again, she noticed the black car parked outside.

Asher’s demeanor changed, and it was almost like she could feel his wolf growling.

“Stay here,” he said before slamming the van into park and getting out.

“Asher, wait,” she called out, getting out of the van as quickly as she could.

“I thought we told you to get off the property,” Asher said as he stalked over to the suit.

He held his hands up. “Easy. I’m just here to deliver an offer. We’re hoping to set up operations here in Hecate’s Hollow. There are a lot of jobs in it for your community.”

Sunny could spot his slimy smile from a thousand miles away. Every suit was the same as another. Slimy.

“Get the fuck out of here and take your offer with you,” Asher said.

The suit looked him up and down, which made Asher shake with anger.

The guy simply raised an eyebrow at him before turning to Sunny, who was hobbling around the van.

“Ms. Palmer. Please take a look. It is a generous offer. Twice what your house is worth. It is a good opportunity for your community.”

Sunny carefully reached out and took the manilla envelope. “Thank you. I’ll take a look,” she said with a polite nod.

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