Page 28 of Huckleberry Hill
Salem’s eyes saddened. “Yeah, twin. I’ll take care of it.”
“I’ll go with her,” Poet added. “Wouldn’t want her to do something Mount St. Salem like.”
Salem wrinkled her nose, pretending to be offended. “What would I do?”
“Your sister just had her heart broken. What wouldn’t you do in the name of revenge?” Poet demanded.
Salem paused. “Yeah, you should come with me.”
The corner square shook and a moment later Wyn appeared again. “Okay, what did I miss?”
“Nothing,” I assured her. “How are you liking this new family?”
“It’s okay,” Wyn said. “The dad is never around. He works like ninety hours a week. The mom is a part-time parent, but whenever she feels guilty, she just gives me money. The kid though. He’s a fucking trip. Little boys. Whew. Exhausting.”
I caught Salem looking at me, her expression intense.
There was a knock on my bedroom door. “Hadley?”
“Come in,” I called to Dad.
He opened the door and stepped into the doorway. “You’re awake. I wasn’t sure. I checked on you earlier and you were snoring like a buzz saw.”
There was laughter on the other end of my phone.
“Who you talking to?” Dad asked. “Salem?”
I nodded. “And Wyn and Poet.” I flipped the camera around. “Say hi.”
Dad waved.
“Hi, Mr. Powell!” Poet said.
“Looking snazzy, Mr. Powell,” Wyn added.
Dad grinned. “You guys coming to the ranch for Christmas?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Poet said.
“Hopefully I can get the time off,” Wyn said. “But yes, count me in.”
My father and Salem still hadn’t actually said anything directly to one another.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to your conversation,” Dad said, his face blanking. He looked at me. “I’ll be downstairs.”
Dad retreated and closed the door behind him.
“I stand corrected,” Wyn said. “I understand why you won’t have sex with Declan. Your dad looks like he could kill a man with his bare hands.”
“Elk Ridge is a thousand acres,” Salem said. “No one would find Declan’s body.”
“You’re joking,” Poet said. “Tell me you’re joking.”
“About the size of the ranch? Never. You know size always matters,” Salem said.
“Okay, I’m seeing myself out of this conversation,” I announced. “Dad looked like he wanted to talk to me about something. I better go find out what it’s about.”
“Talk to you later,” Wyn said. “I’m signing off too and watching Netflix in bed.”
