Shortly after she disappeared into the bathroom, she called out to him, “Could you bring me that small bag next to the television?”
He made the delivery, but instead of retreating Silas leaned against the doorframe and observed. “This how you do your makeup all the time?”
She was on top of the counter, pressed close to the large mirror over the sink. He didn’t like how risky the position was, but he bit his tongue.
“No, the lighting in here sucks, and I don’t have my proper mirror,” she said, and while he was watching in rapt fascination as she “lined her waterline,” there was a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it,” he said, and he found Linda Vale, the motel owner, standing on the other side.
“Hey,” the woman said, her eyes widening. “I didn’t expect you here. How’s Raven? I heard about the incident yesterday.”
“She’s—”
“Is that Linda?” Raven asked, emerging from the bathroom.
“Oh, sweetie,” the older woman sympathetically said as she watched Raven limp to the door.
“It’s just a sprain. I’m okay, I promise,” Raven said, hugging the woman. “Silas is helping.”
“Don’t worry about the reception,” Linda said. “I’ll deal with that until you feel better.”
The older woman’s odd comment stuck with Silas, and when he and Raven were on their way to Mountaintop, he asked, “What did Linda mean about you not having to worry about reception?”
“I clean the foyer for a discount on my room,” she replied lightly. “Every morning before work, I sweep the area, vacuum, and set up the coffee station.”
Jesus, she didn’t need to do all that.
“You could stay at my place, you know. I have a spare bedroom,” he said casually.
Also, he had a large bed that easily fit them both.
“Thank you, but it’s fine,” she said with a wave of her hand, and he suddenly remembered her tenure was winding down.
She’d either be leaving Cedar or making a bid on a permanent residence. His stomach churned, but it was unclear what scenario it was in response to.
As they turned onto the unpaved road that led them straight to Mountaintop, he saw a lone car already parked next to the cabin.
“Who is that?” Raven asked, leaning forward in her seat.
“No idea,” Silas said, slowing as he approached. “An eager customer, maybe?”
It wasn’t unusual for people to show up early for their first class or tour of the day.
“Let me just make sure. Stay in the truck,” he said as he hopped out and approached.
“Morning, sir,” Silas said to the old white man who stepped out of his car wearing a shabby suit and carrying a briefcase. Definitely not here for any of the services they provided. “You need some help?”
Perhaps he was lost.
The old man stepped forward. “Yes, I’m looking for—”
“Mr. McGowan?” Raven called out from the open truck door. “What are you doing here?”
It took Silas several moments to place the familiar-sounding name. This was Chuck’s lawyer.
“Ms. Coleman, good morning. I’ve come to speak with you and Silas Reynolds, actually,” the old lawyer said. “I’ve made an unfortunate error.”
* * *
