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The immediate crisis was being handled, but I knew this wasn’t over. There was more to this—more to talk about and figure out. But I’d stay close in case Neil needed me again. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, I was here, and I wasn’t going anywhere.
Daniel insisted that Neil’s dad get checked out at the hospital in Collier Springs, and just like that, Solomon and I were left in the building. The place felt emptier than usual, the tension from earlier still hanging in the air. I didn’t want to stick around longer than necessary, so Iexited, heading out to Lennox Ranch for the meeting with Quinn I’d delayed after finding the car in the ditch.
I drove past said car, which was off the main road, and texted Neil the location so the department could deal with it later. Then it was straight on, passing the main ranch, the familiar buildings and fields slipping by as I carried on up the hill to where Quinn and Levi had built their new place. It was on a stretch of land Levi had bought from Micah, perched to catch the best views of the surrounding landscape. The log cabin that came into view was nothing short of impressive. Fancy, but not pretentious—precisely what I’d expect from Quinn and Levi.
The cabin was large, crafted from thick logs, giving it a rugged, earthy charm. It was the kind of place that felt solid, as though it could weather any storm, and in fact, it had weathered the storm of the century that had created the landslide. Note to self: ensure the cabin is built on bedrock and nowhere near an underground watercourse. Something I was sure Quinn’s architect would have checked.
A wrap-around porch hugged the building, adding a touch of warmth and welcome. Off to the side, a second set of stables sat on a large, flat yard, well-maintained and close for Levi’s work with the horses.
As I pulled up, I spotted Levi in the field, training. He moved with a quiet confidence, entirely in tune with the animal. I waved, and he lifted a hand before returning to the horse, focused on the task.
I made my way up to the house, my boots echoing on the wooden steps as I climbed onto the porch. Inside, thecabin was just as impressive—cozy but spacious, with large windows letting in natural light. Quinn and Levi had made a real home here, and I hated to admit it, but envy twinged in me. This jealousy over what everyone else had was happening all too often, and I hated the intrusive thoughts.
“Get a grip,” I muttered.
I found Quinn in his office, surrounded by papers and a few open laptops.
Quinn glanced up as I entered, his face breaking into a wide smile. He was different from the man I’d met a few years ago. Back then, he was guarded, always looking over his shoulder, always in the media. Now, he was relaxed, happy, and content—a man who’d found his place in the world. At the moment, his hair was the palest shade of blue, which only added to his serene appearance.
“Connor,” he greeted, still smiling as he leaned back in his chair. “Thanks for coming.”
“Of course,” I replied, taking a seat opposite him. “What’s this about?”
Since my security work with Quinn had lessened, I’d taken on other projects, but I assumed one of those was why Quinn had called me that day. He didn’t waste any time getting to the point.
“I’ve been working on something for a while now,” Quinn began, his tone turning serious. “I’m looking to expand the foundation. I want to set up some scholarships for two students I’ve been sponsoring through their senior years at school, Bryce Anderson and Dillon James. But first, I’ve invited them to come and stay here at Lennox Ranch for a bit in the New Year, so Ithought you’d want a heads-up to run your usual checks.”
I grinned at my boss. “Bold of you to assume I haven’t already done that on anything you are connected with.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Of course you have.”
“But I’ll double-check everything, just to be safe.”
Quinn’s smile softened, and he leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. “How are you?”
That was a question from nowhere. “I’m good,” I answered, but he wasn’t done.
“Anything you want to tell me?”
“No.”
He brushed imaginary lint from his pants and wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Sooo,” he drawled. “Noah told Chris, who told Daniel, who told Micah, who then told Levi…” He paused and bit his lip.
“Noah told who what?” I was sharp, but I wasn’t following all of that.
“You’re in and out of Neil’s place, and y’know, doing the horizontal mambo.” Quinn shimmied in his seat, then formed a circle with one hand, poking a finger through.
I covered my eyes. The last thing I needed to see was my boss simulating whateverthatwas. “‘The horizontal mambo’?” I repeated after a pause.
“I thought you didn’t get on,” Quinn finished, and I waited for more because I knew he’d have something to add. “If you want to talk about it.”
“You want to talk about me having sex with the town sheriff?” I asked.
He snickered, “Well, when you put it that way…”
I could laugh this off, but Quinn was a friend Icould talk to about anything, and no filters were needed with him. So, I took a deep breath and steadied myself, and he perked up as if I would give him the best gossip.
“I don’t know,” I began, which was a lame start. “What’s happening between us, it’s … it’s not just physical.”
