That was Kane—loyal to the end. “Nah. He came into the bar tonight after Chazz refused to pick up my liquor in Juneau.”
“What the fuck? Why?”
“I might have told the Twiner sisters about him running for mayor next election. Pussy move, I know, but fuck, Raquel pissed me off.”
Kane chuckled on the other end. “I’ll keep my eye on him. See if I notice anything.”
“Thanks. He seemed nice enough, but you never know.”
“Yeah, Hayden is flying us north for the day to fish. I’ll fill him in.”
I figured. “I appreciate it.”
We hung up, and I walked up the stairs. Texting Crete, I checked on our visitor.
Me: Dixon still there?
Crete: Yeah, he’s pacing himself now. Chatting with Leroy.
Me: Keep an eye on him. Any extra he leaves over the booze, you take all of it.
&
nbsp; Crete: Thanks, man. Much appreciated.
I knew Crete would never keep that much cash, even though he deserved it. Hopefully, nothing crazy would happen. I just wanted to go home and wrap my arms around Lex.
I opened the door, catching the scent of the peach lotion Lex always used before bed. I felt like I was truly home for the first time in forever. She’d left the light over the stove on—the same way she’d always done when I was out late. I walked into the bedroom and stopped for a second. Lex lay in my bed, her blonde hair spread out on the pillow. It looked like she’d fallen asleep while reading a book. She took my breath away.
We definitely needed some time together. Alone. And if I didn’t make plans now, something else would get in the way. There was something special I wanted to show her. We were ready.
I pulled out my phone.
Me: Do you mind if I take Lex away tomorrow afternoon?
Hollis: Of course not. The medical equipment will be here the following day. I know she’ll want to be there for setup.
Me: We’ll be back by then. I’m going to take her to my cabin. It’s a surprise.
Hollis: Do all Alaskans have cabins?
I chuckled.
Me: A lot do.
Hollis: Do Ike, Hayden, and Kane?
I knew where this was going, and it was hard not to smile.
Me: Yes, they do.
Hollis: I’ll add it to my list. I need a cabin, it seems.
Me: You do that. I’ll even help build it.
Hollis: Wait, you build it on your own?
Me: More or less.