Page 56 of Solid as Steele
She released Mackenzie and looked her in the eye. “You’re supposed to be on vacation. Don’t tell me you cut it short to go back to work.”
“No.”
“Then what?”
“I’m making breakfast for an associate,” Mackenzie said, trying to be vague but knowing her gran would persist until she got all the details. Mackenzie had to fend off the inevitable questions and get them out of the house before Owen arrived.
Her gran’s eyebrows rose under the deep red-framed glasses. “Must be someone special to not only end your vacation but for you tocook.”
“Just an associate I’m helping with a murder investigation.”
“Is he handsome?”
Ah, here we go.Mackenzie would answer to move them forward, and she would help unload the basket too, which also contained cookies and brownies. Her gran spoiled them something fierce.
“He’s very handsome.” Mackenzie took out the pan of frosted brownies, wishing she could face-plant into the pan instead of facing the grand inquisition.
“Single?”
“Yes.”
“Interested in him?”
“Yes.“ There was no point in lying when her gran would flush the truth out of her. “But I won’t do anything about it.”
The doorbell rang. Mackenzie sighed. Relief or fear? She didn’t know.
“Oh, good.” Gran’s beautiful broad smile could warm even the coldest day. “We can meet him.”
Mackenzie wanted to groan but held back. “Don’t say anything, Gran. Nothing. The murder victim we’re investigating is his sister, and he just found her remains in the desert. He’s hurting and doesn’t need any prodding on what his intentions are for me.”
“Oh, dear.” She clutched her chest. “Of course not.”
Mackenzie turned to her grandad. “That goes for you too. But also no prodding on the murder investigation as I know you’re already itching to do.”
His big brown eyes narrowed behind silver-framed glasses with thick lenses. “Got it.”
She headed for the foyer, letting the kitchen door swing closed behind her, hopefully telling her grandparents it was time to leave. It was futile, but a girl had to try.
She straightened the basic navy and white striped knit shirt she’d paired with jeans. She’d gone through her closet multiple times to choose her outfit and finally stopped primping for Owen and put on something comfortable for the long drive back to John Day.
She opened the door. Owen stood looking down at his booted feet. He wore black tactical pants, a tan T-shirt, and a water-repellant jacket. He looked ready to do battle. Under the jacket, she spotted an outline of a gun at his hip.
He looked up, his dark eyes tormented. She didn’t think. Didn’t speak. Simply stepped out into the brisk and very cold wind to give him a hug. He didn’t back away but clutched her tightly. She could go on and on being held by him, but she heard footsteps from inside. Her grandparents were on the move.
She pushed back and caught the glimpse of an army-green pickup at the curb. “I see your truck wasn’t stolen.”
He shook his head. “But my Jeep is missing. So must’ve driven that.”
“Hopefully, we’ll find it.” She backed inside. “Just a quick warning. My grandparents stopped by and want to meet you. I told them very little, but I did mention we’re working an investigation together, and your sister is the victim.”
He nodded and pressed his lips into a narrow line but didn’t speak.
“This way.” She led him to the dining room.
Her gran stood next to the table place settings, and she held a coffee pot. Her grandad stood behind her.
“Owen Greer, meet my grandparents,” Mackenzie said. “Artie and Eloise Steele.”
