Page 17 of Hudson
“Smart man. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too.” A brief pause. “I’m heading out of towntomorrow. Should be back in two days.”
“For a case?”
“Yes, ma’am. Need to speak to a prisoner in Deer Lodge.”
“Deer Lodge?” She frowned, keys jingling in her free hand.
“Montana State Prison.”
“Oh.” Her mouth went dry. She wasn’t sure what else to say.
“It’s about the case I took over. Nothing dangerous.”
“Okay.” She traced the outline of her car key with her thumb. “Please be careful.”
“Always. I’ll be in touch when I get back. You have a good evening, Blair.”
The line went dead, leaving her with nothing but the distant sound of traffic and a weight settling quietly in her chest.
She slid behind the wheel and sat for a moment, fingers curled around the leather- wrapped steering wheel. The sky had draped Clifton in shades of violet as she pulled out and navigated the quiet streets toward home.
Celine’s red brick townhouse was easy to love. Climbing ivy softened its edges and window boxes overflowed with early spring blooms. Celine had moved in with Killian not long after they got together, renting the place out a few times before it sat empty, waiting. When Blair arrived, it had felt less like renting and more like the house had simply been holding its breath for her.
She rolled into the narrow driveway, gravel crunching under her tires, and cut the engine. Inside, she hung her sweater on the wrought iron hatrack bythe door, stepped out of her sneakers and locked the world out behind her. The living room was cool and quiet. She crossed to the fireplace, turned on the gas and struck a match, watching the flames spring to life and send dancing shadows climbing the walls. It wasn’t a wood fire, but the flickering orange glow made the room feel warm and rustic all the same.
She trudged up the narrow staircase, the banister worn smooth from years of use, and changed out of her scrubs into soft cotton lounge pants and a T-shirt. At the window she paused, looking out at the backyard where a bare cherry tree stood silhouetted against the darkening sky. The thought of Hud heading to Deer Lodge made her heart tighten. She pressed a hand against the cool glass and whispered a silent wish for his safety before heading back down.
In the kitchen she pulled a frozen meal from the freezer, set it in the microwave and leaned against the counter while the smell of rosemary and garlic filled the air. She ate on the sofa, its cushions hugging her, the fire still casting its warm glow across the room, and called Celine.
“Hey,” Celine answered. “How did the rest of your day go?”
“Long. I just got home. Hud called and asked me to dinner Saturday at The Hartland.”
“You love that place.”
“The food is incredible.” Blair sighed. “And knowing Grant Hunter owns it makes the whole thing even more exciting. I’d love to see him walk through the dining room sometime.” She laughed.
“I’ve seen him plenty,” Celine teased. “You sound tired.”
“I am. And Hud mentioned he’s heading to Deer Lodge tomorrow to interview a prisoner. It’s makingme nervous.”
“He’ll be fine. The prisoner will be in shackles and Killian’s been there several times without a hitch. Hud’s careful.”
“I hope so. I don’t know how you manage it, being married to someone in law enforcement.”
“It’s their calling,” Celine said gently. “I knew what Killian did before I ever went out with him.”
Blair grinned. “But not before you kissed him.”
Celine groaned with laughter. “I still can’t believe I did that. But I’m so glad I did.”
“Me too. He’s crazy in love with you.” Blair’s smile softened. “I want that.”
“You’ll have it. And don’t let Hud’s job scare you off. What he does matters.”
“I know.” Blair set her plate aside. “Do you want to go dress shopping at Paige’s on Friday? Wednesday’s too hectic for me.”
