Page 79 of Colton’s Inferno

After a pause that had gone on for a moment too long, she said, “There’s just a lot going on. Have you heard anything about the case?”

Aiden shook his head. “Nothing new.”

The last information they’d gotten was about the padlock used on the door. It was a common variety, sold all over the country, and could have come from anywhere. They were still waiting to see if any DNA or fingerprints could be pulled from the metal.

“How’s Rusty?” Aiden asked.

“Nothing new with that, either. He’s recovering slowly. One of the nurses said something about rehab the other day. But I don’t know when that starts.”

Ruth returned with the waters and coffee. Setting all the drinks on the table, she said, “Your sandwiches are almost ready. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Once they were alone again, Lucy asked, “What do you know about drop-add?”

“Like for classes?” He lifted both shoulders and let them drop. “I never needed to change my schedule once the semester started. Why?”

Nodding her head toward the college students in the next booth, she said, “I overheard them talking. They said any course changes had to be done next week. It got me thinking.” She gripped Aiden’s hands tighter, as if he was the only thing that could keep her afloat. “Can people enroll at the university after classes start?”

He stared at her for a moment. Then, he gave her a big smile. His dimple was more adorable than ever. She could feel the heat rising from her chest to her cheeks.

“Are you thinking about going back to school?” he asked.

Was she?

Lucy thought about the ranch and all the work. She thought about the cost of school and how little money she had. With a shake of her head, she said, “I’m not really thinking about anything.” She let her hands slip away from his. More than all her current responsibilities, there were logistics just to get into college. “I mean, I graduated high school eight years ago. I never took any entrance exams. I don’t have my old report cards.”

Aiden lifted his mug from the table. “You can get your official transcripts sent from your school, and I think UND at Red Grove is test optional now. You only submit scores if you think they’ll help you get in.” He paused and sipped his coffee. “When Chief Kane’s son applied, he didn’t bother taking any tests. A lot of schools are like that now.”

Lucy imagined the path for her to go to college was like a narrow track through the woods, lined on both sides with trees just starting to change color. Somehow it was both inviting and mysterious.

“The ranch takes up too much time. Too much money.” For some reason, the words didn’t land with the same weight she felt.

“Hire someone to work at the Five Steers part-time. You can start by taking one class.”

Lucy’s throat was dry. Picking up her water, she took a long drink. “Sounds like you’re trying to talk me into going to school.”

“I’m not trying to talk you into anything,” he said. “But ask yourself what you want.”

“Things are up in the air right now.” All her responsibilities dropped onto her shoulders, pinning her in place. She slouched with the weight of it all. Besides, if she were pregnant, going to school would be impossible. “Grandpa Rusty. The investigation. The ranch. Winter’s coming up, and I need to find the money for feed.”

“Here we go,” said Ruth, approaching the table. She had two plates in her hand. “It’s the Aiden Colton special for you both.”

She set the plates on the table. The sandwiches were toasted and cut into triangles. Cheese oozed out of the sides. A heaping serving of French fries sat between the two halves.

“Looks perfect,” said Aiden.

Lucy picked up a fry and popped it into her mouth. Salty. Warm. Crispy. “It is perfect,” she agreed.

For several minutes, they ate without speaking. The quiet gave Lucy time to think. For so long, she’d only focused on the ranch and everyone she’d lost. Could she do something different? Could she expect more from life?

Before she could decide, the door opened and Ted Barrett stepped inside.

Ruth called out, “Mr. Mayor. Welcome.”

Aiden looked over his shoulder and waved. Lucy kept eating as Ted worked his way through the restaurant. He stopped at each table to shake hands and chat with the patrons. He wore a bright smile and a pristine golf shirt in light blue.

“Your brother is a natural politician,” she said.

Aiden glanced over his shoulder again. Turning back to Lucy, he nodded. “Statistically, he should be in jail or something. Ted never knew his dad. His mom died of an overdose when he was young. If it wasn’t for his grandmother…” Aiden shook his head, as if the alternative was just too awful to consider. And maybe it was.