Page 107 of Light My Fire Three Times
Sloane’s eyes soften for a moment, just enough for me to catch the flicker of determination. “You don’t need to. I’m just doing my job.”
It’s hard not to be in awe of her right now. There’s something so… commanding about her.
She doesn’t just talk about helping, she does it. She’s not afraid to take charge, to get her hands dirty, to step into the fire. And I can’t help but feel grateful, relieved, even a little humbled. It’s like she’s giving me the courage I’ve been lacking.
I can see now why Ivy’s been raving about her.
I nod, feeling everything in me shift. I can finally breathe again. Sloane’s got this. She’s got the plan, the skills, and, most importantly, the drive to take down someone like Stokes.
“What’s the first thing we need to do?” Ivy asks eagerly. “I can’twaitto get started on this. I can’t wait to put this fucker in his place.”
Sloane straightens, her confidence never wavering. “First, I need you to get me everything. All the paperwork, any correspondence with Stokes, all the financial records. Everything.”
She pauses, her gaze unwavering, and I can feel the weight of her focus. “We’re going to hit him where it hurts. Legally and personally. And we won’t stop until he knows we’re not backing down.”
I nod again, feeling that same wave of relief washing over me.
With Sloane leading the charge, and Ivy and the town of Coyote Glen on my side, I finally feel like we have a shot at turning this whole thing around.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Karl
DECEMBER 17TH
Coyote Glen'salready buzzing with that winter buzz. Lights twinkling, the air biting, and a dusting of snow made everything look like a scene from a movie.
Christmas is truly on its way, and the Winter Solstice Lantern Walk isn’t far behind. The whole town’s in on it. It’s an evening where everyone’s got their holiday spirit cranked to eleven, and I’m here for it.
A smile crosses my face when I think about how Olivia will enjoy it. She’s not done this before, I’m sure, and I bet she’ll enjoy it.
I think I’ll ask her to walk with me.
As I stroll down Main Street, the snowflakes fall thick and fast, the quiet of the night only broken by the distant hum of Christmas music playing from the town hall speakers.
The windows of the shops are decked out in lights and tinsel, and the scent of cinnamon rolls wafts from Rosie’s Bakery.
“Oh, please, Arlo,” Lani calls out from the Coyote Cup, tossing her hair back as if she’s just won some decorating championship. “You finally put up a few lanterns for the walk?Wow. Really pushing the envelope this year. What’s next? A three-foot tree in the window?”
Arlo doesn’t even flinch, deadpan as usual. “Just enough to keep the scrooges out. The rest of us don’t need to be blinded by a tacky explosion of glitter and tinseleverytime we walk by.”
It’s funny because the bar truly looks like Christmas personified. I roll my eyes as I feel a tap on my shoulder.
“Karl, how are you?”
The smile on Dottie’s face makes me a little nervous. She knows everything about everyone, most of the time, and I hate to be on the receiving end of that.
She’s sweet, sure, but she’s also got the kind of insight that makes you wonder if she’s got a direct line to the universe’s gossip network.
“I’m good, Dottie,” I say, flashing her a smile, though I know it’s a bit half assed. “Just taking in the festivities. Can’t help but appreciate the town’s holiday spirit this year.”
Dottie raises an eyebrow, lips curling into that infuriatingly knowing smile. “Oh, I’m sure you’re taking in all the holiday spirit,” she says, her tone dripping with something that makes me squirm.
“Have you seen Olivia around yet? I’m sure she’s enjoying all the lights and lanterns… Maybe she’ll walk the Lantern Walk with you…”
I feel the heat rise to my cheeks, even if I try to hide it behind a casual shrug. “Maybe. I don’t know, we’ll see.”
“Her apartment is looking rather good now, after the fire.”
