Shiver(45)

“You’ll eat what I cook you.” Pike pointed at her with his spatula. He was a big man, tall and wide with thick salt-and-pepper hair. Her father would look similar to Pike if he’d lived.

“You’re pretty brave, or really stupid,” Raven said under her breath to Aidan. “Uncle Pike isn’t the forgiving sort.”

“I heard that,” Pike hollered, arrowing a sharp look at Aidan. “If I was going to go after Aidan, it would have been twelve years ago and he wouldn’t have seen me coming.”

“Believe me, I’m completely aware of that fact.” Aidan glanced at Raven and lowered his voice, “I’m still waiting to see if my food will stay down.”

She gave him a smile. His eyes widened and focused on her lips. Unconsciously, she licked them and thought she heard him groan before he turned away, and picked up his coffee.

Pike came out of the kitchen and dropped a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast in front of her. “Eat.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled.

Pike poured a cup of coffee and set that in front of her too. Then he leaned over the counter and looked at her. “Why didn’t you tell me what was going on at Earl’s place?”

She turned to Aidan. “You told him?”

“He’s head of the village council. Something happens here he needs to know.”

“Listen to him, girlie.”

Pike and Aidan on the same side? She really needed to get more sleep, either that or she was dreaming while awake. “It’s probably nothing.”

“I hope it is, but you should have let me in on it.” He stood and grabbed the rag hanging over his shoulder and wiped down the spotless counter. “You let me know what you find out there.”

“Yes, sir.” She scooped up a bite of egg. They tasted like rubber. Her uncle was a great cook, so she knew the eggs tasted bad because of her poor appetite. Ever since Aidan had come to town, her world, her appetite, her ability to think were turned upside down.

“You got enough firepower?” Pike asked as though he’d just asked her what time it was.

“I grabbed Dad’s old forty-five.”

He raised a brow, reached under the counter, and handed Aidan his Magnum. “Here. Can’t be too careful. You could have some squatters with that place empty all these months. Though I don’t know who would be crazy enough to try and get into that dump. Look what happened to you.Your dad was one mean son of a bitch.” He motioned to Aidan’s leg.

“No arguments here,” Aidan agreed.

“How’d he die?” Pike asked.

Aidan’s cup froze half way to his lips. In fact, his whole body froze.

“Heart attack?” Pike asked. “No, he’d have to have a heart in order for that to be possible. Aneurism? Infection? Stroke? What finally did the old bastard in?”

Aidan swallowed. “He was shot.”

Pike straightened. “No kidding. By who? I’d like to send the fellow a thank you card.”

Aidan pushed his cup aside and stood. “I shot him.” He threw some bills on the bar. “Thanks for breakfast, Pike. Raven, I’ll wait for you outside.”

He turned and hobbled out of the restaurant.

Pike looked at her. “Did he say what I thought he said? He killed Earl?”

“That’s what I heard,” she returned softly.

Pike shook his head. “Poor kid’s even more messed up now than he was when he left here.” Pike pointed at her. “You find out the whole story. I’m sure him killing Earl isn’t the worst of it. Be careful out there today.” He undid the ties to his apron. “In fact, I think I’ll go with you.”

“No.” She held up her hand. “Let me feel him out. You’re too strong of a personality, and I say that in a good way. He’s not going to talk with you there.”

“You’re sure?”

She nodded, drank down her coffee. “Besides, if something is going on, I’d feel better if you were here watching things. Keep an eye out for any newcomers. Mom’s got a lot of reservations for this weekend, due to the snow.”

“Good point.” He retied his apron strings and picked up his rag and once again wiped the already spotless counter. “Take care of that boy. I think he needs us.”

Raven tightened her lips and nodded, afraid of what she’d say in response and followed Aidan out of the dining room. She found him sitting outside on one of the benches placed around the wide porch. He looked lost.

She walked up to him, wanting to reach out and touch him, but afraid to. Afraid of how he’d take the overture and afraid that if she opened herself to him where it would lead.