Page 22 of Raven's Hunt
“Since when did you become so damn optimistic?”
“Figured it was worth a try. And I meant what I said. You’re not alone.”
She nodded, relaxing against him, every cut and bruise burning to life.
Bodie cleared his throat, leaning against the desk when Buck turned, looked over at him. “You two need to get some rest. And no, that’s not up for debate. You can stay in the guest suite.”
She tensed. No way she’d be able to sleep down there, tonight. Not after losing it in the bathroom. With the walls a similar structure to the cellar. “I was actually thinking, I’d just go home?—”
“No.” Buck cursed under his breath. “What I meant was, your place is a bit too removed considering everything that’s happened. While I know you have some decent countermeasures, I’d feel better if we weren’t that far away. Though, I also get my RV’s not the safest, either.”
Dalton stepped closer. “You two can stay at the loft, with me. Saylor’s done for the day, so it’ll just be the three of us at the marina. Zain installed a pretty kickass security system. It’s got heavy metal doors, clear sight lines, and we’re only five minutes away.”
Tierney chewed at her thumbnail, all the voices shouting at once. “I don’t want to drag anyone else into this.”
“Too, late. We’re already on board. Besides, I don’t sleep worth a damn, anyway. Might as well make myself useful and take first watch.”
She scoffed. “It’s midnight. By the time you wake us, we both know it’ll be morning.”
“Wasn’t me who got chased through the forest.” Dalton waved toward the door. “I’m not taking no for an answer. This will give everyone else a chance to start running a few deep dives. And Avery and Greer should be back by then. Let’s see what they uncovered before we all assume the worst.”
Tierney glanced at Buck, then nodded. “Thanks.”
Dalton waved them out, jumping in his truck, then waiting as Buck opened the passenger side of his for Tierney, then rounded to the driver’s side. He slid behind the wheel, started the engine, then pulled out, following Dalton along Main Street to the marina cutoff.
The massive building materialized out of the fog, the clean lines and large windows easing some of her tension. They parked out front, climbed the stairs to the upper floor before Dalton opened the door, waved them inside.
The interior was clean, minimalistic, hints of sea salt and gun oil mixed with a distinct vanilla scent. Soft lighting brightened the open concept living area, the foghorn from the lighthouse a low whisper through the walls.
She walked over to the main windows, stared out at the ocean as it surged against the pier, the rhythmic sound almost soothing.
Dalton crossed the room to the kitchen, flicking on the coffee maker as he grabbed a mug. “You can each take a room or share one if you’d rather. Though, sometimes I find it easier to settle out here on the couch, where the walls don’t feel so close. I’ll make a few rounds of the perimeter, ensure we’re alone, then plant my ass on that chair for the rest of the night.”
Buck moved over to the counter. “You don’t have to pace all night. Zain’s security measures are topnotch. Might be best if we all get some sleep.”
“I’ll sleep.”
Buck sighed. “Dalton…”
“I realize the chances of these assholes tracking you down this quickly are low, but I’ve dealt with these kinds of men before. We have no idea what their mental state is, how obsessed they might be. If they’ve been running some kind of illegal organization out of the woods for a while, they’ve obviously got connections that have kept it off the radar. And if anyone saw the Raven’s Watch logo on the chopper, maybe caught the tail numbers…” He whistled. “It wouldn’t take much to put a few things together. So, I’ll spend some time walking the property lines, scoping out any possible nesting sites until my paranoia level drops a notch… or ten. Then, I’ll catch a few hours.”
Buck clapped the man on the shoulder. “Thanks, brother. I owe you.”
Dalton shrugged it off like it was nothing as he clipped a to-go mug on his belt loop, slipped on a vest then grabbed his rifle. He stopped at the door, glancing back at them. “There are extra blankets and pillows in the hall closet if you choose to hunker down out here. Help yourself to whatever’s in the fridge. I’ll be back in a bit.”
He closed the door behind him, the sudden stillness skittering shivers down her spine. She focused on the water, on the fog threading along the pier. On anything but the voices in her head. The echoing memories lingering just out of sight.
Buck’s arms curled around her, drawing her against his chest. Strong. Unyielding. She leaned into him, drinking in the scent of pine and citrus on his skin, the hint of sea-salt from the ocean.
He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “We really should try to get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be just as chaotic.”
She tensed. “I know.”
He sighed, easing back before gently turning her. “I’ll grab a blanket and some pillows. We can camp out on the sofa.”
She tsked. “You don’t have to sleep on a couch because I’m too wired to stay in a proper bedroom.”
“Already told you. I’ve got everything I need, right here. Pick a cushion.”
