“That’s a heavy load.”
Austin ran a hand over his buzzed head. “It is. And she doesn’t have any other family. Her dad’s a deadbeat. A rich one, but still. She’s alone in the world except for us. She’s family, and I hate the idea of leaving her up here while we head back to LA. You seem like a stand-up guy. You’re a cop. You take good care of your nephew. You’re the best option I’ve got, other than moving my entire family to middle-of-nowhere Oregon. No offense.”
I chuckled. “None taken. The peace and quiet isn’t for everyone.” Austin grunted an agreement. “I’m happy to keep an eye on her. And if she’s working at The Kettle, my sister will look after her, too. I’ve got a big family who’d love to bring Taylor into the fold. But that means she’s gotta say yes to things.”
Austin pursed his lips. “You might have to get creative on that front.”
“I sensed that. All I can do is give you my word I’ll try.”
Austin grasped my hand in a firm shake. “Thanks, man. And I’ll send you some tickets to the next UFL fight in Portland.”
“Not necessary, but certainly appreciated.”
“Happy to do it. Glad to meet you, man.”
I squeezed his hand back. “You, too.”
As I descended the porch steps, Taylor’s haunted blue-gray eyes flashed in my mind.
6
Taylor
I collapsed in the rocker on the back deck of my new home and took in the scene. Fields rolled out before me for what looked like miles until forests of pine trees sprang up. A creek cut through the pasture directly in front of me, snaking through the grass and providing the handful of lazily grazing horses water to drink.
My friends had left late that morning, but not before Carter had stocked my fridge and freezer with groceries and dishes she’d prepared over the last couple of days. I was pretty sure they all thought I was going to starve to death, and that Walker would be calling to tell them that he had found my malnourished body.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved my friends. So much so, that it freaked me out. Because the depth with which you loved someone determined the amount of pain you felt when they were gone.
I let out a long breath. This would be good. Quiet, but not overly so—solitude, peace. The cabin itself was perfect. Two bedrooms, including a master suite that had an amazing soaking tub, an open-concept living area that transitioned into a kitchen with all the appliances I was determined to learn how to use, and a back deck that I could sit on for hours.
Except I was already getting twitchy. Already eager to get back to my workout routine. I craved the feeling of my muscles crying out for mercy and passing out into a dreamless sleep each night. It was the only high I needed.
I checked the time on my phone. Two p.m.. Plenty of time to run the ten miles into town and back before dark. Maybe I’d pop by The Tea Kettle to see if my shift schedule was ready. I hopped up and headed off to change into my running gear. The afternoon sun shone brightly, so I opted for a tank top and shorts and then slipped into my favorite sneakers.
Grabbing my phone, a twenty-dollar bill, and my house key, I headed out the front door. I felt rusty for the first mile, and when I paused to stretch, my muscles protested the action. I picked up the jog again, and it wasn’t long before I found my zone and lost myself in the pounding of my feet against the road.
Gravel crunched beneath my shoes with the rhythmic beat of my stride. I had missed these workouts, the quiet times when I could take out my rage on the pavement or in the pool. No machines—the payoff just wasn’t as good.
I relished the burn in my lungs and the fatigue in my muscles as gravel turned to asphalt and, soon, storefronts started to appear. Slowing my run to a jog, I returned the friendly waves or nods from passersby. The town was pleasantly busy but not too crowded. I’d heard that it was a bit of a tourist destination for families from Portland on weekends. I’d just avoid coming into town on those days, but right now, it was perfect.
When I reached The Tea Kettle, I took a moment to stretch and wipe sweat from my brow. Grimacing, I wondered if showing up a sweaty mess was the best way to make a good impression at my new job. I gave a mental shrug. I wasn’t actually on the clock, and this seemed like a pretty active and low-key town. I was sure it would be fine.
I made my way up the walk and pushed open the door. Cool air caressed my skin, and the wonderful, familiar aroma I’d smelled the first time I entered the shop filled my nose.
“Well, hello there.” A voice sounded from behind the counter, and I looked up to see a woman who appeared to be in her sixties. She sent me a warm smile that socked me right in the stomach. The expression was wide and open, just like my mother’s had been. The damnedest things could sneak up and punch you right in the gut.
I pushed the memories of my mom down and cleared my throat. “Hi. I’m Taylor. I’m going to be working here starting next week. I was on a run, and figured I’d stop by to see if my schedule was ready.”
The woman came around the counter now. “Oh, Taylor, it’s so lovely to meet you. I’m Sarah, Jensen’s mom and sometimes helper here at the shop.” Her smile faltered as she took in my appearance. “You ran here?”
“Yup. It’s such a beautiful route. Thank you for renting me the cabin, by the way. It’s just perfect.”
“You’re welcome,” Sarah said distractedly, a look of stunned concern filling her face. “But it’s ten miles into town.”
I had to fight a smile. “I like to run.”
“Well, you’d have to love it to run that far.”
“Not a runner, I take it?” I asked.
“Not a fan of it, no. I like a good walk or going for a horseback ride with Jensen, but running is not at the top of my list of hobbies.”
The bell on the door sounded, and five girls who looked to be in middle school poured in. “I’ll let you help them. I can get my schedule later or just text Jensen.”
Sarah waved a hand in front of her face. “Just go on back. The schedule is hanging on a clipboard next to the fridge.”
“Thank you.” I ducked around the counter and moved into the kitchen. A brunette woman stood with her back to me while she prepared drinks. “Hey,” I greeted.
The woman whirled, upending the tea she was making and sending it everywhere.
“I’m so sorry.” I started to move forward to help, but she skittered back. Stilling my movements, I spoke softly. “I’m Taylor, I’m going to be working here and was just coming back to check out the schedule.”
Her eyes were still wide. Though a bit fearful, they were the most gorgeous eyes I’d ever seen—a shade of blue that almost seemed purple in the afternoon light. “S-sorry,” she stammered. “I was just startled. I’m Tessa.” When she extended her hand to grasp mine, it shook.
I gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have snuck up on you like that.”
Tessa ducked her head. “The schedule’s right over there.”
“Thank you. Can I help you wipe up the mess since I’m the one that caused it?”
She shook her head. “It’s all right. I’ve got it.”
As I snapped a photo of next week’s schedule with my phone, and Tessa cleaned up the spilled tea, I noticed that she never turned her back to me, as if afraid I might startle her again. “Okay. I’m all set. I’m so sorry I caused a mess, but hopefully, I won’t cause any more when we work together.”
Tessa gave me a small smile. “It’s no problem. It was nice to meet you.”
“You, too.” I headed back out to the shop’s main room. As I did, the bell sounded again, and the door opened. Noah rushed in, trailed by a frazzled Jensen. I was struck by how much she looked like her brother.
I wanted to smack myself. Walker Cole had popped into my mind more times than I was comfortable with over the past few days. All charming smiles and too many questions. He was trouble.
Noah skidded to a stop in front of me. “Tay Tay! Is Bulldog with you?”
&nb
sp; I grinned. Noah seemed unable to call Austin anything but Bulldog, no matter how many times he was told he could call Austin by his given name. It was adorable. “Hey there, little man. He left this morning, I’m sorry.”
Noah’s face fell. No more one-on-one time with his hero. “Will he come back?”
“He just might. He liked Sutter Lake.”
“I’m glad he did, and that you do too,” Noah’s mother’s voice cut in. “Hey, Taylor. Thank you so much for being so sweet to my little fight fan here.”
“I’m not little!” Noah said with a stamp of his foot.
“Sorry. My big-boy fight fan here,” Jensen corrected with a grin.
“Not a problem. Austin loves to meet his younger fans.”
“I can’t say I’m crazy about Noah watching those fights, but at least this Bulldog is a stand-up character.”
I let out a light laugh. “The fights are definitely not for the faint of heart.”
Jensen grimaced. “So, are you settling in okay? Need help finding anything?”
“I am, but now that you mention it, is there a pool in town where I can swim laps?”
“Unfortunately, there’s no public pool since the lake is so popular, but we have one at the main house you can use.”
I pressed my lips together before answering. “That’s really kind of you, but I don’t want to disturb your family.”
“You wouldn’t be—”
Jensen was cut off by her mother putting an arm around her shoulders. My heart clenched. “Hey there, baby girl. I finally met Miss Taylor here.”
Jensen slipped an arm around her mother’s waist. It was an effortless gesture that spoke of years of comfort and love. Tears stung the backs of my eyes. “Good. I was just telling her that she could use our pool to swim laps.”
Sarah’s face brightened. “Oh, yes, please do. We put that thing in a few years ago for Noah, but it hardly gets any use. Come over anytime. It’d do my heart good to see someone enjoying it.”
I twisted the ring on my right hand. I really didn’t want to give anyone the chance to initiate curious conversation, but I worried I’d go crazy if I couldn’t swim. I could try the lake, but I wasn’t exactly keen on communing with the fishies while I tired myself out. I gave in. “Thank you. I think I’ll take you up on that. Do you want me to call you before I come over?”
Sarah waved a hand in front of her face. “Oh, no, that’s not necessary. People are constantly in and out and around the ranch house. Just come on over whenever you like. And we’d love to have you to dinner once you’re settled.”
I gave a noncommittal, “Thank you.” I didn’t want to answer the inevitable questions that were always asked. I didn’t want to see the looks of pity. I didn’t want to talk about any of it. Working here, the shop was busy enough that I doubted there would be time for any in-depth conversations, but a family dinner was a whole different ballgame.
I made a show of glancing at the clock on the wall. “Well, I better get going, finish my run.”
“She ran all the way here from the cabin,” Sarah told Jensen.
Jensen’s brows rose. “Whoa. You aren’t messing around.”
I gave another shrug. “I like to run.”
Sarah shook her head as if perplexed. “Just be careful on your way back. You have Jensen’s number if you need anything, right?”
“I do. Thanks for everything.”
“You’re very welcome. Hope to see you for dinner soon.”
Noah saved me by shouting from behind the bakery case. “Bye, Tay Tay!”
Jensen whirled. “Noah Nolan Cole, you better not be stealing treats out of there.”
With that, I made my escape.
7
Walker
Cool air rushed over me as I pulled open the door to the station, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting out.
“Good morning, Walker,” a soft voice called from behind the reception desk. Ashlee Elkins was as sweet as apple pie and as shy as a groundhog during a particularly long winter.
“Morning, Ashlee.”
“I have your cup of coffee,” she said, a blush staining her cheeks.
She also had what I was pretty sure was a massive crush on me. I gave her a kind smile. I didn’t want to encourage it, but I also didn’t want to be an asshole. It wasn’t that she wasn’t pretty, she was. In a sundress-wearing, church-every-Sunday kind of way. But she’d forever been like a little sister to me. It was just a no-go. I would never see her that way. Plus, her brother had recently started dating my sister, and that felt incestuous. “I told you, you don’t have to make my coffee.”
Her blush deepened. “I don’t mind.”
I dipped my chin. “Well, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Also, the chief wanted a word when you got in.”
I nodded, taking the mug from her hand and heading towards Clark’s office. I rapped twice on the door. “Come in.”
I entered the room. “You wanted to see me, Chief?”
“Morning, Walker.” Clark Adams was a great Chief of Police for Sutter Lake, but as he got closer to retirement, he’d begun grooming me to take over the role. “Grab a seat.”
I sank into a chair opposite him and took a sip of my coffee. Just as I liked it. Black, one sugar.
Clark placed a stack of papers on his desk and gave me a careful look that put me on edge. “We’ve got a missing hiker out there.” He gestured at a map, indicating the miles of national forest that surrounded our town. “A girl from Seattle.”
Straightening, I placed my mug on the desk. A lead weight settled in my gut, reminding me of another missing girl all those years ago. I told myself that this was different, just a hiker lost in the woods. We’d find this girl. And she’d be alive. “Search and rescue been called?”
“They’ve been put on alert, but the search area is large. The young woman’s parents don’t know exactly where she was going hiking. Just some trail near Sutter Lake.”
“Hiking alone?”
“Yup.”
I groaned. When would these people learn? You never hiked alone, and you always told someone where you were going and when to expect you back.
Clark rubbed a hand over his jaw. “There’s not a lot we can do at the moment, but I wanted to make you aware of the situation.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Of course.” Clark continued to hold my gaze. Searching. Sending the same silent apology he always did whenever there was a case that hit too close to home.
Almost a decade had passed since the spring I’d lost Julie. Since she was taken from me. I still held out hope that a clue would appear or a witness would come forward. I went through the case file every year on the anniversary of her death, hoping that something would jump out at me that I hadn’t noticed before. It never did.
And it wasn’t for Clark’s lack of trying either. He’d done everything he could to find answers. To get justice for Julie. He hadn’t been able to. What Clark had done was light a fire in me to become a cop. He’d encouraged me every step of the way. “Take that anger and turn it into something productive,” he’d said. So, I had.
I shook myself from the memories pressing down on me and pushed from the chair. “I have some paperwork to wrap up, but let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
Clark jerked up his chin as I headed out. “Will do.”
Pushing open the door to my office, I blew out a long breath. The ghosts were going to be running rampant today. I rounded my desk and sank into the chair. I punched a few keys on my keyboard to bring my computer to life, then just stared at the home screen, unable to force myself to descend into the dull world of police reports.
My phone buzzed on the desk, sending vibrations through the wood. I snatched it up.
Caitlin: Hey you. Want to get dinner tonight?
Guilt flared in my gut, but I tamped it down. Thinking about Julie didn’t mean I cared any less for Caitlin. Didn’t mean that I wouldn’t be able to lo
ve Caitlin one day. I just wasn’t there yet.
I typed out a reply.
Me: I’d love to. Pick you up at 6?
Moments later, my phone buzzed again.
Caitlin: I’ll be waiting. ;-)
I turned back to the boring-as-hell police reports. At least those didn’t make me feel like an asshole.
I took a pull on my beer as Caitlin gazed at me from across the table, her light brown hair curled to frame her heart-shaped face, her makeup perfect. I strained to feel something deeper for her, just a faint flicker of what I’d felt for Julie. It wouldn’t come.
Caitlin took a sip of her wine. “So, how was work?”
“It was good.” I glanced around the bustling restaurant. Folks from town and tourists I didn’t recognize filled the tables. “Mostly just catching up on never-ending paperwork.”
Caitlin’s mouth turned down. “That doesn’t sound like too much fun.”
I chuckled. “A lot of police work is boring. Still needs to get done.”
“So—” Caitlin’s words were cut off by the appearance of someone at our table.
Arthur Grigg was a staple in town. Seventy-eight years old and nosy as all get-out. “Walker, Caitlin,” he greeted, then turned to face me. “I heard there’s a missing hiker.”
“There is.” I eyed Caitlin from across the table. Her lips pressed together in a way that said she wasn’t too happy I had neglected to share this news with her.
Arthur huffed. “Well, what are you doing about it?”
“There’s not a lot we can do at the moment. Search and rescue is on standby, and we have an APB out on her vehicle. Other than that, our hands are tied.”
Arthur’s eyes narrowed. “You’re telling me there’s not one thing you could be doing for that girl? I’d think you of all people would want to be looking for her.”
My jaw tightened, and Caitlin sucked in a breath. “I’d love to be looking for her, but there are thousands of miles of forest around here. Where would I start, if I have no clue where she started?” My chest burned, and I fought against the urge to put the old guy in his place. I knew Arthur didn’t mean any harm, but his words cut deep.
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