Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“That doesn’t sound good,” Ian said.
“It worries me.”
“When will it air?”
“Probably first thing in the morning since he knows that’s when most locals get their news either from their TV or one of the local shops they frequent that run the morning program. I hope he won’t let his ego get in the way, but I have my doubts.”
“Then the quicker we solve this case, the better,” Ian said and gave my hand a squeeze.
“I was thinking to see if Amy and Beau would want to come over to my place for supper tonight,” I suggested.
“We think the same,” Ian said. “But Beau called just before Lynx and told me that he was taking Amy out to supper tonight to get her mind off things and that he’d be staying over.”
My phone dinged then, twice, and Ian let go of my hand so I could dig my phone out of my backpack. I smiled as I returned to the chair. “Amy and Beau informing me of the same.”
“Anything special you want to do? I’m free in about two hours.”
“Would you mind helping me go through my aunt’s books and shelving them in my library? The boxes you so graciously got down from the attic have sat in there long enough. It’s time I get my library together.”
“I’d love to. I spied some first editions your aunt has, not to mention the autographed copies of well-known authors. I can’t wait to go through those boxes.”
Mo ambled into the room, his vest in his mouth.
“Looks like he’s had enough and is ready to leave,” Ian said, giving him a quick rub behind the ears.
I secured Mo’s vest, then slipped my parka on.”
Ian took my knit cap from my pocket and tucked it down on my head before kissing me. “I miss you already.”
“You’re so good with the lovey-dovey stuff,” I said, feeling inadequate when it came to that.
“And you’re awesome with…”
He brought his lips to my ear to whisper and darn if I didn’t blush. Okay, I even got aroused a bit.
“I’m looking forward to later this evening, maybe in the library,” he teased with a nibble at my neck.
Gone was my blush, replaced by eager anticipation. “That’s a date.”
“Text me when you get home,” Ian said as he walked me out of his office and through the lodge, Mo receiving more good-byes than I did.
Mo and I hurried our step on the path between the lodge and my place, both of us eager to get home. I had some prepper work to do before Ian came over. I stopped abruptly when we were a few feet from the house and Mo growled low, alerting me that someone unfamiliar to him was nearby. I looked and was shocked to see Amy’s dad standing on my front porch.
I sent a quick text to Ian. Camera, Amy’s dad.
It was times like this I was grateful for the cameras I had installed, and Ian had access to, my dad as well, though at times that proved problematic.
I approached the porch, Mo staying close to my side, a low growl still rumbling in his chest.
“Sorry to show up unannounced, Pepper, but I wanted to plead my case to you since you obviously have remained best friends with my daughter,” Noah said and stepped off the porch.
Mo sent him a strong growl and moved protectively in front of me. Mo had good instincts about people, and I wholeheartedly agreed with him about Noah Berwick. He was not a good man.
“Your dog is protective,” Noah said.
“That he is.” I stayed where I was. “If you’re looking for me to intercede for you with Amy, you’re wasting your time. Amy’s wise enough to make her own decisions. Besides, I don’t like you, so I wouldn’t have a good word to say about you.”
“Hey, Pep.”
I knew Ian wouldn’t waste a minute getting here.
Ian stood beside me. “Who’s this?”
“Noah Berwick, Amy’s dad,” Noah said and approached with his hand extended.
That got Mo really growling and taking a fighting stance in front of me and Ian.
“Easy, Mo,” I cautioned, knowing he felt my dislike for the man and thinking he might just attack Noah. He relaxed but kept a low rumble going in his throat.
Ian introduced himself. “Ian. I thought you were going to give your daughter space and let her decide for herself.”
“You know about that.” Noah shook his head. “I suppose the whole town does by now. Willow Lake was always a bed of gossip.”
“You mean neighbors protecting neighbors,” I said, though the town could gossip.
“I didn’t come here to argue with you, Pepper. I wanted you to know how serious I am about making amends with my daughter. Maybe it’s age, regret, sorrow, I really don’t’ know, but I mean what I say. I did wrong by Amy and Nancy, and I want to do what I can to make up for it. Hopefully Amy realizes that, and you do as well. I am sorry my impromptu visit upset you.” He turned to Ian and nodded. “It was nice meeting you, Ian, and I hope we meet again under better circumstances, since it’s obvious you are important to Pepper.”