Page 104 of Red Marked

“Thanks, Magma.”

“Not so fast. I might not be able to get you anything. I suspect it might take time to find out about that company. Especially if it’s a front.” He clears his throat. “When did you last speak to Ridge?”

“Um…it’s been a while.”

“Give him a call when you get a chance.”

I sit up.

“Why? What’s going on?” I frown.

“It’s not for me to tell you.”

I grin. “Is Robyn pregnant? Is that it?”

“Call him, Flint.” His voice sounds wooden.

My grin fades.

“I hate shit like this,” I mutter.

“I’ll get back to you as soon as I have something.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

I end the call and sit with the phone in my hand.

I’ve been so buried in this facility, with Pryce and the Council, and the females on that mountain, that I can’t remember the last time I spoke to Ridge. The last time I saw him was at the wedding. It’s been too long. I make a mental note to call.

“I guess that means we have to wait for answers,” Star says.

“Looks like it.” I fold the bank statement and put it back in my pocket. “Let’s go and get some ice cream. You mentioned a spot.”

Her face brightens.

“Are you serious?”

“I said we’d do it. It looks like we have time to burn.”

“Okay…yes. Let’s go. Head out of town and over the bridge. There’s a little group of stores along the road there.”

“I think I know it.” I nod.

I start the car and pull out.

“We can brainstorm over some Rocky Road. They also make this salted caramel that is to die for. I used to dream about it while I was sitting out there in the jungle.”

I start laughing.

“What?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone this excited about pizza or ice cream in my life.”

“Try eating fruit, squirrel, deer, and nuts for five years and see how crazy you get over pizza or anything with carbs, for that matter.” She points a finger at me. “Then talk to me about excited.”

I laugh harder. “Point taken.”

We drive. She watches the town go by, and I watch her from the corner of my eye.