“I did. Men like that, they don’t stop. Human or supernatural. Once they’ve had a taste for the violence, there’s no stopping them. Especially when they’re willing to kill innocents.” He meets my gaze. “I don’t give second chances.”
“You did for me.”
“You were different.”
“How?”
“You were corrupted by something else.” He stops and turns toward me. “You could have killed us at least half a dozen times, and each time, you stopped. If you’d been truly evil like that man was, like Lucy was, you wouldn’t have stopped.”
Swallowing hard, I avert my gaze, shame and guilt forcing me to redirect my attention momentarily so I don’t spoil this night any more than I already have. I clear my throat and opt for a subject change. “She’s sweet. Seems young.”
Thankfully, Tarnley bites, and just like that, we’re back on track. “Mid-twenties. Her parents owned the place, and when they retired, she took it over.”
“You spent a lot of time here?”
“I used to. Haven’t been by in just over a year. Not since—”
“You took care of her boyfriend.”
“Right. I wasn’t prepared to answer her questions, so I left her a note from him, detailing his untimely departure to another state, and stayed away long enough for the dust to settle.”
“And now she’s engaged.”
“Uh-huh.”
“You’re going to run this guy by Rainey, aren’t you?”
“What good is it to have a friend who works with the police if you can’t use them to threaten bodily harm? Besides, she loves threatening to shoot people.”
I throw my head back and laugh, feeling lighter than I have in decades. Mini golf on a Thursday night? It’s absolutely perfect. The scent of nacho cheese and fresh popcorn fills my lungs, and my stomach growls in response.
“What do you want?”
“Nachos. Extra jalapenos.”
“Really?”
“I like ‘em spicy.” I wink at him, and his answering smile is like sunshine.
“Spicy it is.”
“What can I get for you two?” The boy working the counter asks, and I turn to look out over the course as Tarnley places our order.
It’s so peaceful out here, and for a man like Tarnley, who’s spent his life in chaos, I can understand why a place like this would call to him. Couples dot the horizon, each at a different place in the game. They all look so happy, so unburdened by life, and honestly, I feel a bit jealous.
Why couldn’t Tarnley and I have a life like that? A life of peace. Living quietly and enjoying each and every moment without having to wonder whether it will be our last?
“You okay?”
I turn. “Huh?”
He offers me a plate of nachos that smell absolutely amazing. “Thanks. These look great.”
“Are you all right?” he asks as he leads us over to some picnic tables beneath strings of fairy lights.
“I am, sorry. I was just enjoying the beauty. This place is great.”
“Since I couldn’t go out during the day, I’d come weekly just to feel normal.”