Page 23 of Fallen Flame

Ever’s smile softened.

Jude looked down at her.

“Yeah.”

“You’d better.”

“I am.”

Ever’s father shouted in the background. “Why the hell did you let a cow in the Dairy Bar, Jude?”

Jude looked like he wanted to disappear.

Ever covered her face. “Dad!”

“What? I’m asking.”

Her mother sighed. “Ignore him. He’s being ridiculous. We know it was a freak accident.”

“I’m not being ridiculous,” her dad called. “In all the years we’ve owned The Dairy Bar, we have never had a cow in there.”

“You’re embarrassing her, James,” her mom hissed.

“That’s my job,” her dad grunted.

Ever looked toward the ceiling. “God, take me now.”

“Quiet, James, or you’ll be on the side of the road with your fishing poles,” her mother threatened. “How bad is it?”

“It’s not bad,” Jude said. “Just needs a good clean and disinfect.”

Her mother sighed in relief. “Thank God. Maybe we don’t need to come, but we’re already packed.”

“We’re coming,” her dad said. “We can always hit up the casino for a day or two.”

“As long as you don’t gamble away your life savings, that sounds good,” Ever laughed.

I gave Ever a thumbs-up. Wrecker had wanted her to get her parents skedaddled as quickly as possible, so this was good.

“We should be there by two.”

“Okay, Mom, see you then. Drive carefully.”

“Tell that to your father.”

“I heard that,” her dad shouted.

Ever ended the call and took a deep breath. “Hopefully, they will just be here a day and then leave.”

I nodded. “I mean, yeah. If we get this place cleaned up before they even get here, then maybe they’ll just head to the casino today.”

Ever pointed at me. “I like that plan.”

“See? I have good ideas.”

“You have ideas,” Jude corrected.

I gasped dramatically. “Rude.”