Page 53 of Haunted

As they drew closer, the guy turned, his body stiff, and Sol’s heart went into overdrive. The physique had changed, sure, and the man was a damn sight older than the last time Sol had laid eyes on him, but there was no mistaking those green eyes.

I’d know them anywhere.

He’d dreamed of them enough times, hadn’t he? Just like he’d dreamed of other stuff too, like watching Butch in the locker room when Sol did his best not to stare.

Butch Buchanan, thirty-four years later andwayhotter than he’d ever been as a teenager.

Butch Buchanan who showed him not a single ounce of recognition.

Then it hit him.

Butch remembers too.

A yawning chasm of more than thirty years opened up and swallowed him whole, sending him hurtling back to a place and time he didnotwant to revisit, rekindling memories he would rather were left dead and buried.

Memories of a Sol Davenport who no longer existed.

Memories that also explained why Butch was pretending not to recognize him, wiping away Sol’s initial flash of pleasure at seeing him.

Lord, he felt socold.

Yeah, Butch remembered, all right.

“Butch, this is Sol Davenport, our last guest. He’s here to work on the website design too.” Toby patted Sol’s arm. “So look after him, okay?” He turned to Sol. “Our bunkhouse foreman, Butch Buchanan.”

Butch tipped his hat. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Davenport.” He glanced at Toby. “Sorry about earlier. I wasn’t feeling so good. Thanks for meeting the shuttle.”

“But you’re okay now?” Butch nodded. “And what about just now when I called you? Why did you keep on walking?”

Butch frowned. “You called? I didn’t hear. Must’ve been the wind. Anyhow, I’d best get into supper.” Another nod to Sol. “I guess I’ll see you later.” Then he walked off toward the bunkhouse.

So that was how it was going to be.

Sol stared after him.

What. The. Fuck?

How many thousands of people lived in Wyoming, and the one who turns up in Montanahappenedto be a guy he went to school with?

Any way Sol looked at it, this was one freaky coincidence.

“You okay?”

Sol was most definitelynotokay.

Chapter 13

“Sol.Sol.”

He jumped. Toby stood in front of his chair on the porch, holding out a squat glass.

“Sorry. I must’ve zoned out for a minute.” Sol took the proffered glass of Jack Daniels.

“A minute? Try all evening.”

It took a moment for Toby’s words to seep in.

Sol glanced to his right where Robert occupied another of the Adirondack chairs. Robert’s gaze was fixed on him, his brow creased.

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