“So you were prepared.”
A hint of pink flushed her cheeks. “There were some treats by the checkout at the hardware store. Thought it wouldn’t hurt to have some on hand.”
I adjusted the ballcap on my head to block the sun. “You’ve made his day.”
“A little spoiling now and then doesn’t hurt.”
“He gets more than a little of that,” Dad cut in, taking a step forward. “I’m Gabe. It’s wonderful to finally meet you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our family.”
Everly slid her hand into my father’s open one for a shake. “I’m glad to meet you, too. And thanks for coming out here to check out the barn. I’m afraid it might be a total loss.”
I didn’t miss that she avoided the thanks from Dad. I studied her carefully, trying to figure why that was. I was sure it brought up bad memories at the very least.
Dad inclined his head towards the leaning structure. “Let’s go see what’s what, and we can take it from there.”
“Sure.”
Everly led us towards the barn. “I haven’t been inside.”
I looked up at the building—if you could even still call it that. “That’s probably a good idea. It looks like the snow did a number on it.”
Dad let out a low whistle. “We’ll take a walk around the outside first. I’m guessing it might not be sound to go inside.”
Everly’s steps slowed as she worried the corner of her lip between her teeth and stared up at the structure. I could see the mental calculations eating up her mind. I doubted she’d been gifted a massive pile of cash to go along with the property, and taking care of animals got expensive when you did it right.
My fingers tapped out a rhythm on my thigh. The urge to reach out and provide some sort of comfort took me by surprise. It seemed incredibly unfair that she had so much stacked against her. “Why did you come back?” The words came out a little more abruptly than intended, and my dad cut me a glare.
Everly stiffened, her lip dropping from between her teeth. “You know you don’t have to help, right?”
“I did
n’t mean it like that. I just meant…I’m curious, why. You’ve never been back before. Wouldn’t it be easier to sell this place and use the money to start your sanctuary somewhere else?”
“Ignore my son. His manners leave something to be desired, and he often puts his foot in his mouth.”
Everly’s lips curved, and her eyes got back a little of that sparkle that had fled once my dad said the barn might be a loss. “I’ve learned that about him.”
“Hey, two against one isn’t fair,” I said.
She met my gaze. “Life rarely is.”
That was the truth. I learned it day after day. Those who deserved a break, rarely got one. That familiar marching band of guilt picked up its tune inside me. Everly deserved a break, and I hadn’t given her a single one. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have stuck my nose where it didn’t belong.”
“You and your dog have that in common. He’s just a little friendlier about it.”
Dad snickered. “She’s got your number.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m sorry, okay? Forget I asked.”
“Fair enough.” She turned back to the barn. “I think the worst of it is around the other side.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out. Seeing the dispatch number on my screen, I hit accept. “Easton.”
“Sheriff. We’ve got a call. There was an attempted abduction over by the lake.”
I stilled, the world seeming to tunnel, my gaze traveling to that damn shed. What were the chances of getting a call like this when I was standing where I was? “Who’s the vic?”
“Cammie Sweeney. She’s okay. Ruiz and Young are already there and told me to call you.”