Page 79 of Gunnar

They gather around the car. Torin gets out and they immediately embrace him—long, affectionate hugs.

Then they speak, close together. I can’t hear the words. He gestures to the trunk, something tight in his expression.

My stomach is tight at the thought of speaking to Gunnar again, but not knowing what they’re saying is worse.

At last, I head out of the kitchen, through the front door, and into the yard.

I stop in front of them, words frozen on my lips.

“Hi, Torin,” I manage.

They all turn. Torin breaks into a smile. “Hey, Alexandria.”

“Well?” My heart is pounding.

His smile widens. “All done.”

“You mean⁠—?”

“Everything’s good. Your friend already heard from the cops, so she knows what’s going on.”

“So my cat’s okay?”

“Yeah. She’s fine.”

I close my eyes. “Thank goodness.”

“Want to see for yourself?”

“Huh?”

Torin opens the rear door of the car. I lean in—and give a small scream as two yellow eyes stare out of the darkness.

“Tabitha!”

My Burmese cat is crouched inside a carrier, looking completely affronted. I open it and scoop her into my arms.

She hisses immediately, her body going rigid.

“What?” I pull her back to look at her. “What is it?” She’s never like this.

“She’s not a big fan of bears,” Torin says, ruefully. He lifts his arms, showing a web of fresh scratches. “Getting her in there was… an experience.”

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” I say—but I’m laughing, because I’m so relieved to see her.

“All part of the service.” He grins.

“Thank you. Seriously.” I inhale her familiar smell.

He shrugs. “Figured you’d want her with you.”

He and Gunnar exchange a look.

“And there’s more,” Gunnar says. He pops the trunk. “Take a look.”

Keeping a tight hold on Tabitha I go around, and stop. There’s my suitcase, and a pile of my law books.

“No way.”