Page 19 of When the Smoke Clears

Her trembling fingers skate down her jeans. She tries to hide it by pretending she’s brushing dirt off, but I see it. When it comes to Isla, I’ve always noticed every little thing.

A small crowd has gathered outside the stores, curious about the commotion.

“What are you doing here?” I snap.

Her head jerks back. “You know why I’m here. My mom died!”

I close my eyes for half a second, the weight of it hitting all over again. “I mean, what are you doing in the middle of the street without looking?”

Before she can answer, footsteps slap behind me, and a hand lands on my back.

“Oh my gosh, Luke, are you okay?”

I lower my head. This is the last thing I need right now. Stacy. I turn and sidestep her touch. “I’m fine.”

“I’m fine too,” Isla calls out, lifting a hand like she’s introducing herself at a support group meeting.

Stacy circles me and faces Isla, lips tight. “You could have gotten Luke killed.”

Isla’s jaw drops. Her cheeks are still flushed, but this time it’s not from fear. “Are you for real right now?”

Oh, good. Because this is definitely what I need: them circling like feral cats.

“Stacy,” I cut in. “We’re fine. Both of us. Go back to what you were doing.”

“Are you sure you don’t need anything? You could be hurt.”

Placating her is the only way to get out of this alive. “I’m not hurt. I’ll talk to you later.”

She beams. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“We appreciate your concern,” Isla deadpans.

Stacy narrows her eyes. “I remember you, you know. Already causing problems, and you just got here. No wonder I never liked you.”

Isla balls her fists at her sides as recognition sparks in her blue eyes. “The feeling is mutual.”

That’s my cue.

I catch Isla by the elbow and steer her away from the crowd. “Let’s go talk over here, Slugger.”

Once we’re alone in the shadow of the building, she yanks out of my grasp and squares her shoulders. “Shouldn’t you be reassuring your girlfriend? She’s obviously very concerned.”

I plant my hands on my hips. “What are you talking about? You know how Stacy is.”

“I remember she’s a pain in the ass. Guess she finally got you after all.”

“There’s nothing between Stacy and me. Never has been.” My voice sharpens. “But if there were, that would be absolutely none of your business. You have no right to feel anything toward me, especially jealousy.”

Isla grinds her teeth, her jaw set tight.

“Now, let’s stay on topic.”

The radio crackles on my shoulder. “Sheriff, everything okay? Heard there was an incident.”

I press the button. “Everything’s fine. Tim, meet me on Main Street.”

I turn back to Isla. “We need to go over what happened while it’s fresh. The driver left the scene. What do you remember?”