Page 131 of Freeing Lark

“And you love her.”

The bakery went silent. Lark’s cheeks heated. Spark closed his eyes. “Kaia.”

“What?”

“Maybe don’t announce people’s business.”

“But everybody knows.”

Marilyn snorted. Lark laughed. Kaia’s attention suddenly shifted toward Spark. Then she frowned. “But Uncle Duncan’s life is going to change.”

Spark opened one eye. “Oh, fuck.”

“Language,” Kali scolded.

Kaia ignored them and nodded solemnly. “Something big is coming.”

“What kind of something?” Spark asked warily.

Kaia thought about it. “Science.”

Spark stared at her. “Science?”

“Uh-huh.” She nodded with complete certainty. “There’s a lady who knows lots of science, but can’t share what she knows because she’s busy playing hide and seek with someone.”

Nobody laughed this time. Hoot’s amusement vanished. Lark glanced at him. Spark sat very still.

Kaia continued, completely unaware of the sudden tension. “She doesn’t want to be found.”

Kali’s face went pale. “Okay, bubble. That’s enough.”

Kaia shrugged. “I just told you what I saw.”

Spark rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m going to pretend none of this happened.”

Kaia smiled. “You can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s going to find you.”

Spark stared at his niece. “Who?”

Kaia's grin widened. “The science lady.”

Lark exchanged a look with Hoot. Neither of them said a word. But Hoot’s expression told her exactly what he was thinking. After everything they’d uncovered about PSG, a missing scientist was the last thing any of them needed.

And somehow, Lark had the strange feeling that Kaia had just given them their first glimpse of what came next.

“Never a dull moment here,” Cammie stated.

“Small town life at it’s finest,” Lark returned. “Exactly what I love about Bell Creek.” Lark smiled. “There’s just one more thing I need to know to make my life here perfect.”

Cormac tangled a finger in her hair. “What’s that?”

“How did you get the nickname?”

Hoot opened his mouth. Before he could answer, Kaia spoke from across the table. “Because he watches.”