Page 100 of Shadows of You

His eyes flicked to me and then to the beast in my hands. “Is that a one-eyed cat?”

“It’s a demon from the fiery pits of hell.” I set Pirate down, and she ran down the hall.

“That’s another one, Mr. Grizz. Be careful, or you’re gonna get extra chores,” Cady warned.

My brother chuckled. “You gotta keep him in line, Cady.”

She let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m trying. It’s not easy.”

Lawson pressed his lips together to keep from laughing outright.

Aspen shut the door. “Is everything okay?”

Lawson turned to her. “I need to borrow Roan for a minute about a case. Not yours,” he assured her.

My skin prickled as I saw something pass across Lawson’s expression. Something ominous.

“Oh, of course.” Aspen motioned to Cady. “Come on, Katydid. Let’s pick up your room while they talk.”

Lawson turned, glancing at Aspen again. “I heard from an Evan Kemp in Jackson.”

She stilled in the hallway. “He’s the police officer who helped me get a new identity.”

“Seems like a good cop,” Lawson said. “He wanted to make sure you were okay. That we were looking out for you.”

A soft smile spread across her face, and a hit of jealousy landed in my gut. “He would. I’ll text him and let him know I’m all right. He doesn’t have my new number.”

Lawson nodded. “He’s going to be my point of contact at the Jackson PD, so I’ll keep him up to date.”

“Thanks, Law.” Aspen placed a hand on Cady’s back and guided her forward.

“Aw, man. I always miss the good stuff,” Cady grumbled as she followed Aspen down the hall.

Lawson chuckled. “That kid is hilarious.”

I nodded, my lips twitching. “She is.”

He studied me for a moment. “Are you…smiling?”

I instantly wiped the grin from my mouth. “Shut up.”

Lawson slapped me on the shoulder. “Happy for you, brother.”

I scowled at him.

“Unfortunately, I’m about to steal a little of that happiness.”

My entire body went on alert. “What?”

Lawson shifted in place. “Just got a call. Body was discovered. Human this time. And the death wasn’t accidental.”

30

ASPEN

I pickedup a ridiculous number of stuffed animals scattered across the floor as Cady chattered away. But my focus was on the men in the living room. It was as if it’d hit me for the first time that even though Roan worked for Fish and Wildlife, he was still a law enforcement officer. He carried a gun. He could be hurt.

“What do you think, Mama?” Cady asked, breaking into my spiraling thoughts.

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