Page 142 of In Death, Love Survives
“Maybe they’ve just stopped?” she asks hopefully.
“Yeah, maybe.”
Nova sits upright and looks around the patio. A twinkle appears in her eyes.
“I have an idea.”
I chuckle.
“I can tell.”
She gets off the patio sofa and grins widely.
“Let’s head to The Lodge.”
“You want to go to the bar?”
“Why not? We’ve been staying in a lot. And I know you need a distraction.”
I grip her waist and pull her closer into me.
“I’ve got everything I need right here.”
“Hunny, I know your tells already. You aren’t used to just sitting tight. I get you aren’t trying to stir up more commotion with this loose end not tied up, so let’s go out for a bit.”
“Alright. Caleb and some of the boys are already there.”
“Perfect. I’m just going to change, and then we can head out.”
I furrow my eyebrows together as I take her in. She looks perfect.
“A chance to wear one of my new-me outfits,” she says with a waggle of her eyebrows.
“Right,” I tease.
“Be right back. Meet you at the front door in five.”
“Didn’t thinkI’d see you out here,” Caleb says as we shake hands.
“Nova’s worried about me.”
I take a seat next to him as she heads to the restroom. Caleb kicks over an empty barstool and then slides back into his.
“I think we all are.”
“No need to be worried about me, man. Channel that shit into finding something out.”
I flag down the bartender to order a vodka soda and get a cold draft beer. He gets to work making them. I can tell something else is weighing on Caleb. It’s been full speed ahead and barely any catch-up time.
“There’s a delivery coming next door. We could always run interference.”
I take a sip of my beer.
“Whose load?”
“No one important.”
“What is it?”
