Worlds Between
Page 80
“No, but I heard it crashing through the brush and growling.”
“Might have been a black bear, or maybe even a cougar.”
“Maybe it was a bear, and as far as cougars go, my mother had already left for town by then.”
“Wow.” Wolf cracked a wide grin. “Your mom must really be something.”
“Oh, she’s something all right. Wait until you meet her…Just be careful, if you know what I mean.”
“Thanks for the tip.”
Water dripped down my back and I shivered.
“I’ve got a towel and an extra T-shirt in my truck. I was going swimming later, but it’s getting late. I just stopped by to see what needs done and scout the area. Safer by four-wheeler than getting my rig stuck. Hop on and I’ll give you guys a ride.”
I hesitated for a moment then climbed onto the back, holding onto Benny and Wolf at the same time, thankful we wouldn’t have to walk through the weeds again. Scooter chased after us, barking and biting at the rubber tires. The cool breeze chilled my skin and I hugged Benny closer.
We roared past the iron gates toward the house. A black Chevy truck and trailer, with a riding mower strapped onto the trailer was parked in the driveway. My gaze shot to the ground, a habit from collecting rocks, always on the lookout for agates nesting in the gravel, when I noticed a weird rusty mark smeared across the top of my sandal. I wiggled my toes, testing for wounds I couldn't feel quite yet. They throbbed from where I’d tripped over the statue, but they weren’t bleeding. I frowned, staring at the ugly stain. The statue must have had a rusted metal base. Hopefully, it would come out.
We climbed off the four-wheeler and Wolf strode to the pickup. He reached inside the driver’s side window, then tossed me a towel and Harley-Davidson T-shirt. Benny played with the controls on the ATV while I dried off and slipped on the oversized shirt. The cotton warmed my frozen skin and smelled of spiced cedar.
This guy definitely fit the part of a biker. Black jeans, a matching shirt that said untamed as it stretched over his broad chest, and heavy leather boots. For a moment, I couldn't catch my breath, which is ridiculous because I don’t really like motorcycles. For starters, they’re noisy, especially if they have those big obnoxious pipes that amplify the sound. Plus, I get totally anxious when I see motorcyclists weaving in between cars or passing where it’s not safe. But, if I had a chance to ride on the back of a Harley with this guy—all my worries would melt away.
Wolf glanced at his watch. “It’s after five. I should go. I’ll leave the trailer out front and be back tomorrow.” His eyes locked onto mine. “Are you going to be okay here?”
I looked to the darkening sky. My mother obviously wasn’t coming back. It was cocktail hour and no doubt she was dining with the real estate agent. “I don’t suppose anyone gave you a key to the house, did they?”
“No, but I have some tools. I can get you inside. I’m pretty sure I can turn on the water so you can take a shower.”
“Thanks. That’d be great.”
He cocked his head and smiled. I noticed one of his front teeth had a slight chip in it, which only added more character to his smile. “Or,” he said with a wink, “we could just go to my place.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out but a pathetic squeak.
Wolf grinned. “It was a joke. Relax!”
I gave a fake laugh, which came out more like a lame snort, and watched as he walked to his pickup—hoping he hadn’t heard me.
Wolf reached into the truck bed and pulled out a toolbox. “I’ll pry open the door. Maybe we’ll find some cool stuff inside.”
I studied the house and frowned. “By the looks of it, the only thing we’re going to find is a corpse.”
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