Page 79 of Daybreak

“The same thing that I think… That we both want to be close to home because of our dads. That week I spent with Dad and Pearl was the best time I’ve had in years. He’s not getting any younger, and I want to be there for him, like he was there for us. The lottery win gave me so much more than just money. I have the freedom to go home again.”

Asher could hear the longing in his brother’s voice. “Then I am happy for you, and Dad will be ecstatic. Just stay aware and stay safe.”

“I will. Love to little Jake and Nora for me, and decide how you want me to send you the money I promised: transfer into a bank account, or just write you a check. And tell Dylan I need the same info from him, too.”

“Yeah, I will talk to Nora tonight. We will never be able to thank you enough.”

“I don’t need thanks. It isn’t charity. It’s just a gift from one brother to another. Talk to you later,” Gunner said and hung up.

But now he had a whole new concern. Surely a man on the run for murder would not be hanging around to get revenge for being coldcocked, but he was definitely going to take Asher’s advice and pay attention.

Chapter 15

Beau Whistler did not know the Feds had cleaned the security footage, and it wouldn’t have occurred to him to wonder because he didn’t know that was possible.

He was not trying to hide anywhere. He was preparing to move on and sleeping in a different motel every night because he had his own set of enemies who might be interested in taking him out.

He’d sold his old truck because he knew it wouldn’t make it to Mexico, took the cash from that sale and a little more from his stash, and bought a Harley off a guy who’d won the bike in a poker game.

But there was one thing still eating at him. That cop who’d decked him in front of Dixon. That incident was what had driven the wedge between him and the boss. If that had never happened, then Dixon wouldn’t have been looking for someone to replace him. Dixon paid for his decision, but in Whistler’s mind, the cop still owed him.

* * *

By the time Holly headed home, she was ready to get out of her work clothes and put her feet up. She had leftovers in the fridge from her dinner with Gunner last night. The only downside was eating them alone. But when she drove into her neighborhood, the idea of a quiet night was looking iffy.

Residents at the far end of the complex were having a party. She could see a faint pillar of smoke and guessed meat was cooking on a grill. A good half-dozen extra cars were lining the streets, and it appeared more guests were arriving.

“Please lord, don’t let this be an all-nighter,” she muttered as she drove into her garage. To her relief, the noise from down the street faded once she went inside and began her normal unwinding routine.

Upstairs to strip, shower, and get comfy.

Downstairs to graze through the contents of her fridge.

She shivered, wondering what life with Gunner Kingston would be like. For certain, it was going to be a wild ride.

After she ate, she called home. She wanted to hear her dad’s voice. She would know by the sound of it if he was doing okay.

The phone rang a couple of times before Garrett answered.

“Hello, ladybug, it’s good to hear your voice. Is everything okay?” he said.

Relief rolled through her. He’d called her ladybug, a name from her childhood. He was doing okay.

“Everything is very okay. How’s Granny and Travis?”

“They’re good. We all have our moments, but we’re getting there, honey. What’s going on in your world?”

“Work, and Gunner Kingston,” she said.

“So, this is getting serious?” he asked.

“Yes, and you better be happy for us. He’s moving back to Crossroads and building a house on the Kingston property. I’m coming home, too. We’re making plans for life together. He’ll be staying at their home, and I’m going to need a place to hang out until the house gets built. Any chance of my old room still being available?”

Delight was evident in Garrett’s voice. “This is wonderful news, Holly. Your room will always be here if you need it. I’m happy for both of you… So happy, and your mom would be over the moon.”

“I know, and thank you, Dad. I miss talking to her so much,” Holly said.

“We all do, sugar. We all do.”