Page 120 of Bound in Ashes

Christopher cleared his throat. “I’m starting to feel like a broken record here, but I hope you aren’t shaken up about last time…what you saw in town.”

“Really? Why?” I asked like it was an actual fucking question.

“Father is a…blunt instrument. But he means no harm. He wants us all to survive. Together. That’s not an ignoble goal,” Christopher said.

“No, it’s not,” I responded, unwilling to say anything else.

Christopher beamed. “See, I told Father you were reasonable, Asia.”

I glanced over at Jack, who was again surprisingly neutral-looking, and said nothing else.

Ten excruciating minutes ticked by, and I could have cried with relief when I saw Caitlin and Sheriff Hayes come back.

It was revolting, but I appreciated what Caitlin was doing. Couldn’t imagine voluntarily subjecting yourself to Hayes. But if the alternative was him rambling around the farm causing trouble we couldn’t afford, I’d take it.

“Thank you for the hospitality, Caitlin. You really are a useful asset to this community,” he said.

Caitlin smiled, bright enough to block out the sun.

“Thank you, Sheriff.”

“What about you, Thorne? Are you an asset to this community?” the sheriff said.

Fuck.

We were this close, and idiot Hayes had to push.

Seemed not to realize that Jack would murder him right where he stood, consequences be damned.

Jack said nothing, but held Hayes’s gaze. Then Hayes smiled. “You are. You know how to toe the line. Keep your head down. Focus on what’s going to keep your new friends alive.”

Caitlin’s smile faltered when Jack turned.

“Or maybe⁠—”

“You have a safe drive back, Sheriff,” I cut in.

“I will, Asia. Tell Levi I stopped by.”

Then he mercifully packed up poor Scotty’s body, got into the truck and he and the others drove off.

“I’ll get a shovel,” Jack said and walked away.

I stared at Aunt Kathleen’s flowers, then turned to Caitlin. Forced myself to smile with amusement I didn’t feel.

“You in the market to become the next Mrs. Hayes?” I asked.

“Very funny, Asia. Also, barf.

I laughed. “Not your type?”

“I love a silver fox as much as the next girl, but that gaping asshole couldn’t touch me if he was the last man on earth,” Caitlin said.

“Well, thank you for running interference,” I said.

“No problem. Figured I needed to step in before Jack either had an aneurysm or went on a killing spree,” she said.

Neither of us laughed.