Ramsey’s eyes narrowed. “I remember that. The Granger kid.”
“Her boyfriend at the time. Laiken was hurt. I’m not sure about the others.”
A muscle along Ramsey’s jaw ticked. “She was hurt the worst. In the hospital the longest.”
A deep ache spread through my chest, thinking about Laiken in the hospital alone. Had she gotten the support she needed then? It didn’t seem like her family was a huge part of her life. What about Jase’s?
“Last night, she was alone and hurting. I brought her back here without thinking. She needed someone, but I should’ve gone to her place.”
Ramsey’s gaze cut to me. “The sheriff thinks someone might try to hurt her?”
“There’s a chance. He doesn’t know what’s what right now.”
“Tell her to stay here.”
This time, my jaw fell fully open. “What?”
“Tell her to stay in your cabin.” His eyes narrowed. “No one else. Laiken, and that’s it.”
“Thank you. I’m not sure she’ll take me up on that offer.”
The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Use some of that famous charm of yours, movie star. I’m sure you can convince her.”
And with those parting words, he was gone. When it came to Ramsey, that might as well have been a friendship bracelet.
I pulledup my text messages for the hundredth time that day and stared at the screen.
Me:How are you feeling?
There was no response. Laiken was likely working, but how long did it take to type back a quick text? Thirty seconds?
My grip on the device tightened. I’d seen the panic in her eyes that morning. I’d seen beneath the carefully crafted mask, and she hadn’t liked it. For once, she’d let her guard down, and now she was running scared.
I typed out a text to someone else instead of sending another to Laiken the way I wanted to.
Me:It’s Boden. Can I treat you to lunch?
A few seconds later, my phone dinged in response.
Hayes:Meet me at The Wolf Gap Bar & Grill in ten.
Me:See you there.
I typed the name of the restaurant into my internet browser and pulled up the location. It was only a couple of blocks from where I was parked, and I could use the now-familiar bite of winter air.
Sliding out of my truck, I beeped the locks. I took the long way to the bar and grill, letting the brisk cold really settle into my skin. Pine still laced the air, but it was mixed with something else now: the promise of snow. I wouldn’t mind a good snowstorm. Peaches had never seen the white stuff. An image of Laiken and me curled up on the couch in front of a fire filled my mind, but I shoved it down.
As I rounded the corner, Hayes lifted a hand in greeting. “This place has the best burgers and nachos you could ever hope for.”
“That sounds promising.”
“I’m glad you texted.”
I took his hand in a shake. “I’m glad you accepted my bribe.”
He chuckled. “Careful what you say to a sheriff.”
“If you put me in lockup, I doubt my dog will bail me out.”