Page 25 of Burning Secrets

“I’m so sorry.”

“It was just me and my mom after that. I was their only child—they had me late in life. Mom is still a field research biologist. She works for Yellowstone, overseeing the bear and bison population—health and protection, and even interaction with tourists.”

Crew’s dark eyes had pinned to her, a hint of what looked like sweet concern on his face. Or maybe she just hoped it.

Sheesh. Not his girlfriend. Hello.

“Sounds like a strong woman.”

“Absolutely. I remember standing at his graveside, the rain pouring down. It was autumn, a hint of chill in the air, the trees letting go of their leaves, a sort of loamy smell mixed with dirt, and I just couldn’t get my eyes off the coffin, the hole. And my mom squeezed my hand and said, ‘This darkness will not consume us, Joann. We won’t let it.’”

He went silent, and she looked over at him. He wore a frown.

“How?” he said quietly. “How do you not let the darkness consume you?”

Oh. “My mom’s way was truth. She said to me, ‘Jo, even though life feels out of control, it’s not, and we’re going to hold on to truth.’ She’s a strong Christian, and every time life felt overwhelming, she’d find a Bible verse and paste it on our cabinets or the walls or the refrigerator—even the bathroom mirror. Our house was full of God’s word. I couldn’t escape it.” She closed her eyes. “‘Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.’”

She opened her eyes, Crew’s gaze still fixed on her. Then, slowly, he nodded.

“I know that verse. My father became a Christian in prison. Took me to the prison Bible study. I accepted Jesus as my Savior but…” He blew a breath. “Maybe I’ve forgotten that a little.”

“Not anymore.” She got up, walked over to him, knelt next to him. His eyes widened, but she just took his hand. “‘Two are better than one. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’”

“There’s something in that verse about keeping warm,” he said. “‘How can one keep warm alone?’”

Oh.

Then he winked and grinned. “Just kidding there, Wolf Girl. You’re safe with me.” He squeezed her hand, then let go. “Go to bed. Sleep. I promise, I won’t try and kiss you again.”

And as she lay down, wrapped the blanket around her, she closed her eyes.

Bummer. She might not mind being kissed again.

FIVE

The longer they stayed,the less he could protect her. Because as much as Crew meant what he’d said, he might not be a match for the rabble who could hurt her.

Starting with Jer.

He’d seen how the big man had looked at her when Crew had led her away to the guest cabin last night. And then later, when he sat outside the shower room, Jer had come out of the bunkhouse, sat on the porch, smoking a cigarette, the ember like an eye glowing in the night.

Crew needed to get her away as soon as he could.

Which started with a conversation with Viper.

He didn’t even like leaving her alone in the cabin, sound asleep, the sun casting across her in the room through the grimy window, illuminating deep copper strands in her now-dry hair. She slept sweetly, her face on her hands, covered in the blanket, and he refused to let himself watch her and instead, locked the door behind him, the key in his pocket, and headed to Viper’s office.

The smell of eggs and bacon sizzling on the griddle filled the hall as he entered. They’d brought in a side of pork and receivedeggs from a nearby homestead, who clearly had no idea who they’d dealt with.

Then again, Viper kept a lid on their true purpose, just one of many groups who hid out in the Alaskan forest. Some of them for religious reasons, others hippie or art communes, others simply survival communities.

He knocked on Viper’s closed office door, heard steps inside, and Viper stood in the opening. He wore a black canvas jacket, his meaty hand on the frame as he considered Crew. Then he opened the door. Motioned with his head.

Crew stepped inside. Didn’t glance at the table with the maps. No need to raise suspicion. However, he did spot her backpack in the office. “I have a plan.”

Viper folded his arms across his barrel chest, his legs planted. “For what?”

“You want to get the smokejumpers for torching our camp, right?”

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