Page 57 of Wild Embers
“What?” I snap at them. My tone is probably too harsh, but I’m too frustrated to care.
They don’t know why I need to be involved, and I shouldn’t hold that against them. But with progress running a deficit, I want to scream.
“You don’t have your car. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s still in the Timberline parking lot,” Santiago points out, and my cheeks heat as I remember why my car is at the bar.
Clearing my throat, I respond brusquely, “I’ll walk.”
I don’t actually want to walk, but I’m too angry and too embarrassed.
“Don’t be stubborn,mi Cielo,” Santiago reproves and grips my elbow, bringing my tromping to a grinding halt.
“I’ll give you a ride,” Levi offers.
Santiago’s hold on my elbow doesn’t let up.
They’re not going to let me leave here on foot.
“Fine,” I concede.
I’ll do what they want…for now. They can’t hover over me incessantly. As soon as Levi’s gone, it’s back to continuing my own investigation.
Whatever it takes.
CHAPTER 15
LEVI
Pressing the big circle button on top of the countertop appliance, the steam carries a rich, bittersweet aroma through the small kitchen in Northfork Veterinary Clinic. It’s only eight in the morning, and I’m already making my fourth cup of coffee. Impatiently, I tap my fingers on the counter as I wait for my large mug to fill up.
I barely slept last night. After Blake forced Walker to go home and leave the crash site, I went to Santiago’s and spent the night in his bed. We comforted each other the only way we knew how—with our bodies.
Every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was the blood flowing from Walker’s head wound. When I got there, he was still in his truck. The fire department was grabbing the Jaws of Life to get the driver’s side door open—a detail I didn’t share with Blake. I didn’t want to scare her more. She was already worked up when I found her screaming at Johnson. If Santiago hadn’t been there to verbally rip him in two, I probably wouldn’t have been able to hold myself back from punching him in the face.
I’ve always known Blake had a little crush on Santiago, Walker, and me when she was younger. I didn’t realize howmuch that had matured until I witnessed her relief when I brought her to Walker in the ambulance.
“Levi? Are you here?”
The echo of my name from the lobby pulls me from my introspection.
“Can I help you?” Abbott responds.
“Oh! You scared me.” The customer’s voice registers when I realize it’s Blake.
Nabbing my full mug, I head for the front. On my way, I unintentionally overhear their conversation.
“I’m sor—” Abbott’s voice cuts off. “Blake Jennings?” A hint of genuine delight enters his tone.
“Yes,” she answers plainly.
“Abbott Sutton,” he informs her, reminding her who he is.
I forgot that they’re the same age. They probably went to high school together.
“Oh my God, Abbott,” she exclaims contentedly. “It’s so good to see you. How are you?”
My grip on my coffee tightens as pain flares in my jaw from clenching my teeth.
“Good. Just working here,” Abbott converses casually, “When did you get back?”
