The Eligible Suspect(50)

                “There aren’t many who can tell Savanna what to do,” Hurley said with a grin. “I’ve offered to help her on many occasions and she usually refuses. Nicely, but a refusal nonetheless. Folks up here tend to be that way. We like our isolation.”

                “Yeah, well, so do criminals.” Macon eyed Korbin. “As we’ve seen.”

                Savanna stepped up to Macon, taking his hands. “I’ll be all right. I’ll do what the sheriff suggested. Get a security system. I’m not running away from my life.”

                “What about him?” Macon thumbed toward Korbin. He was close to his height.

                Savanna rolled a slow glance toward him. “He’ll take his trouble and go away.”

                She meant more than Damen. After last night, she was pulling back, ruling him out as a potential love interest. He should be relieved. He wouldn’t have to face all the turmoil and confusion having feelings for Savanna invoked. But something shifted inside him. He was relieved, but regret was stronger—regret that he’d never see her again. Regret that she’d be out of his life for good. And a question as to whether letting her go that way was wise...or right.

                “Mom’s going to have a fit,” Macon said. “She won’t stand for this.”

                “She’ll have to.” With a disgruntled breath and a shake of her head, she turned to Hurley, who had emerged from a storage closet behind the front desk carrying two pairs of winter boots. Korbin and Savanna were still in ski boots. The man sure thought of everything. That had been obvious with how well equipped the yurt had been.

                “What’s with her?” Macon asked.

                Korbin saw how perplexed Macon was. More than Korbin’s character had him wondering.

                “She seems upset about something.”

                Korbin didn’t offer an explanation and hoped Macon would just drop it. He didn’t.

                He scrutinized Korbin. “Is something going on between the two of you?”

                “Someone shot at us.”

                “No.” Macon kept eyeing him suspiciously. “You two have something going on. Is that why she won’t go with me? She’d rather be with you?” When Korbin said nothing, inwardly squirming, Macon said, “You were alone for a long time. A night at her place. The yurt...”

                “Nothing’s going on between us.” Nothing he was willing to discuss, anyway.

                “What’s your story, Maguire? What weren’t you telling the sheriff back there?”

                If he hadn’t told the sheriff, what made Macon think he’d tell him? As guilty as he appeared, some information had to be withheld. For now.

                “If you get my sister hurt, I’ll have to do something about that.”

                Again, his acting profession didn’t mix with this glimpse of a man who delivered threats that had to be heeded. Korbin had the distinct impression that he was capable of retaliating to avenge his sister. Where had that background come from? Korbin doubted even his family was aware of this side of him.

                “As soon as I know more, I’ll be the first to tell the police. You have my word,” Korbin said.

                “How do I know your word is any good?”