Page 65 of Watch Me Burn
“We were finishing lunch at Nancy’s when we saw your truck pull up.” Eleanor bustles over with that purposeful energy she’s famous for, brushing snow from her wool coat. “How are you? Haven’t seen you in town much.” She gives me a once-over, her sharp eyes cataloging every detail, though I see the concern in them. “You look all healed up from your run-in with your bear, thank goodness.”
I give her a reassuring smile. “It was over a month ago now. And I’m good. All healed up.”
Eleanor’s expression shifts, becoming more serious as she glances around the store, then leans closer. “I’m glad we ran into you, honey, because I owe you an apology.”
“What for?”
Frank moves to browse the hardware section, giving us women our space to talk, but I catch him listening from the corner of my eye.
“That ex of yours—Caleb—came into the post office a few weeks ago, slithering around like the snake he is.” Eleanor’s mouth purses with distaste. “I told him to get lost and leave you alone because you had a new beau. I mentioned Damien Wolfe.” She wrings her hands, her usual confidence wavering. “But then Maren told me he went to your place and threatened you. I’m so sorry if I caused any trouble.”
I’d rather forget Caleb and his visit, especially since I still haven’t heard from Karen about those flowers, and it’s been almost two weeks. My lips curve into a forced smile. “Eleanor, it’s okay. It’s not your fault.”
“But if I hadn’t opened my big mouth—”
“Caleb would’ve come by, regardless. It had nothing to do with your mentioning Damien. Besides, Damien showed up and threw him out on his ass.”
Frank snorts from the hardware aisle. “Wish I could’ve seen that.”
“You and Maren both.” I chuckle as he peeks around the endcap and gives me a thumbs-up.
Ever since Maren’s comment, I can’t help but see the old man from UP every time I look at him.
“How’s that security system working out? The one Damien installed for you?” Eleanor asks.
“It’s been a lifesaver. I caught a poacher trying to get into the wolf enclosure last week.”
“No!” Eleanor’s hand flies to her chest. “What happened?”
“Found himself staring down the barrel of my shotgun until Karen arrived.” I’m unable to keep the hint of satisfaction from my voice. “He wasn’t so tough then.”
Frank chuckles, abandoning his perusal of screws and bolts to rejoin us. “That’ll teach ’em to mess with Luna Foster. Bet he pissed himself.”
“Frank!” Eleanor swats at him. “Language.”
I can’t help but smile at their familiar banter. They’ve been married for fifty-four years and still act like newlyweds half the time.
“Maren mentioned something about a fancy Denver gala you attended with Damien, too.” I can already see where this is heading. Maren needs to learn to keep her trap shut. She’s becoming more of a gossip than Eleanor.
“Yes. It was lovely. He raised over ten million dollars for his foundation.”
“So are you two seeing each other?” Eleanor prods with the tenacity of a bloodhound.
The door chimes again, and Karen steps inside, stomping snow off her boots. Saved by the bell.
“Luna!” She zeroes in on me before the door closes behind her. “I saw your truck outside. I was planning to stop by the sanctuary later.” She smiles at Eleanor and Frank. “Afternoon, Eleanor. Frank.”
This is about the flowers. It has to be. I keep my expression neutral, but my fingers curl into my palms. Betty emerges from the back room at that moment, the box of medical supplies in her arms.
“Here we are, dear.” Her gaze lands on Karen. “Sheriff Mills! How are you?”
“Doing well, Betty.” Karen’s smile appears on cue, then her eyes drift back to me. “Mind if I borrow you for a minute, Luna?”
Betty sets the box on the counter. “I’ll just ring these up when you’re ready.”
Eleanor clears her throat. “We should get back to the post office, Frank. The afternoon mail won’t sort itself.”
“Of course,” he replies with an obedient nod.
