Page 65 of Shadows of You

“Small mercies,” I muttered.

“Trapping’s illegal on state land,” Lawson said, a muscle under his eye fluttering.

“Doesn’t mean people don’t do it,” Dr. Miller said. “I’ve seen several animals who were caught in traps.”

“People are assholes,” I grumbled.

“They certainly can be,” Dr. Miller agreed. “I’m no crime scene expert, but from the photos you’ve shown me of the deer, I’d say it’s likely the same person. The cuts are in the same places. Only these are deeper.”

Lawson scrubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw. “Getting more comfortable with it.”

“That’d be my guess.” Dr. Miller glanced at his watch. “I have to get back for a patient.”

Lawson extended a hand. “Thanks for coming out on such short notice.”

Dr. Miller nodded as he shook the proffered palm. “Happy to do what I can to help. Please let me know if there’s another victim.”

“I will,” Lawson assured him.

Dr. Miller stopped near me. “Question for you.”

I just stared, waiting.

He shifted on his feet. “Do you know if Aspen is single?”

It was as if someone had jabbed a hot poker through my chest. My hands fisted as I fought off the shock of pain. “She’s got a lot going on right now and doesn’t need guys giving her trouble. Leave her alone.”

Each word vibrated with fury, and Dr. Miller’s eyes flared. “Not in a place to date. Got it.”

I glared at him.

“All right, then. I’m gonna head out.” He hightailed it down the trail.

The moment he was out of sight, Lawson barked out a laugh. “Hell, Roan. Pretty sure you just made the vet crap himself.”

I turned my glare on my brother. “You think Aspen needs someone messing with her head right now?”

A little of the humor fled Lawson’s expression. “No, she doesn’t. But she could probably use a partner. Someone who has her back. Someone to share her burdens with.”

That burn in my chest lit again—some dead part of me trying to flare back to life.

“But it seems like you’ve been playing that role pretty well the past few days.”

My back teeth ground together. “That’s not what this is.”

Lawson stared me down, dead-on. “If that’s the case, then you shouldn’t care about a good man showing interest in her. Have never heard anything but great things about Damien. Maybe I’ll invite them both over for dinner and get the ball rolling.”

“Law…” I growled low.

His lips twitched. “Just think about why you hate the idea so much.”

I didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t want to admit what it might mean. Couldn’t.

“I gotta bring you up to speed on something else,” Lawson said, interrupting my spiraling thoughts.

“What?” I snapped.

“Went to The Brew this afternoon to talk to Aspen.”

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