Page 16 of The Haunting Plot

“All I’m hearing is that she’s out of my league and I’m screwed.”

“That’s not what we’re saying at all,” Lucy says.

I lean back in my seat as I consider how much to share. “Look, I caught her in a moment of weakness with the fire, and even then, she handled herself with grace and strength. I’m known to be a shit stirrer around the firehouse. Most people can’t keep up with my ribbing, but she did. And that did something to me. That’s what scares me. She seems like someone who knows her worth and wouldn’t put up with a terrible partner.”

“You’re absolutely right, she wouldn’t,” Bella agrees. “I had a terrible ex who made me question my worth. When his friend tried to ruin my reputation around town, Raven had my back.”

Lucy nods. “I had bad luck with men and didn’t feel like I deserved to be loved, and Raven supported me. She kept my secrets, even the ones I didn’t share with her, and she never gave me a hard time about it.”

Summer turns towards me. “Raven knew that RJ and I were meant to be together, and she helped us see that. We all have a role in our group, and Raven is the rock. She keeps us in line, and she doesn’t put up with BS. But she also pushes us to be the best version of ourselves. None of us are perfect, and she’s never demanded that of us. But we’re worried about her. She’s been through a lot lately, and she deserves a partner that won’t give up on her even when she bares her claws. We want what’s best for our friend.”

She pauses as if waiting for my reply. “And you think that’s me?”

They all nod.

“Look, it’s not that I don’t believe you. But the woman ghosted me, and I’m not about to force my way into her life.”

Bella leans forward in her seat. “You need to be direct with her. Make your intentions known from the start. It may not sound romantic, but sometimes she needs time to come around to an idea.”

“That’s exactly what I did, and it’s been three days of waiting.”

“Did you call or text her?” Lucy asks.

“No, I put the ball in her court.”

They all give each other knowing glances.

“This is what I’m talking about. What am I missing? It’s like there are rules to a game I barely understand how to play.”

Summer walks around the desk and places a hand on my shoulder. “I think you’re exactly what she needs. And I have a plan for how we can help push her in the right direction.”

“We have a few tricks up our sleeves,” Bella adds.

“We’re gonna head out, but for now your homework is to text her,” Lucy says.

The women walk out of my office, and I sit there dumbfounded. If I have their help and support, maybe I do have a shot at this?

I pull up her contact on my phone and tap out a quick text.

Hey, it’s Sawyer. I know it’s been a few days but my offer still stands. I’d be happy to help you.

My phone lights up on my desk right as an alarm goes off in the station. Before I can make out the address for the call, RJ pops his head around the door. “Chief! It’s a medical call. At Raven’s address.”

My normally calm demeanor is hanging by a thread as I try not to spiral into worst-case scenarios. “You’re still on desk duty. You know you can’t answer that call.”

“No, but you can.” I stare at him incredulously. He’s not wrong. Having the hots for someone isn’t a conflict of interest. “Please. She’s not answering my texts.”

“Fucking hell.”

CHAPTER 6

RAVEN

The wail of sirens sounds as I watch the ambulance pull up, leaning against the front doorframe of the house. Please don’t let that big, dumb oaf climb out of the vehicle. I groan when Sawyer’s hulking frame emerges. His eyes widen as he rushes over to me.

“Who did this to you?”

Why does he sound like one of my overly dramatic book boyfriends? “You can cool it with the manufactured concern.”