Taylor rolled her eyes. “Austin, would you quit it?”
I waved a hand. “No, it’s a smart thing to ask.” Austin wore a triumphant grin, while Taylor scowled at us both. “On the whole, Sutter Lake is an incredibly safe town. Most people don’t even lock their doors. Though I wouldn’t recommend that. There’s a small drug culture, but as long as you don’t mess with that stuff, you’ll be fine.”
I placed one of my business cards on the coffee table. “My cell’s on the back of that card. Call me anytime. I’m happy to help if you have any questions or concerns.”
Taylor’s shoulders straightened. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
It appeared that Taylor had an independent streak. I fought a grin as I stood. “Well, we should get going. It was great to meet you all.”
“Aw, do we have to?” Noah moaned, still clutching the hat Austin that had signed for him.
I pulled Noah to his feet. “We do. I need to get you home, and then I have to get some work done.”
Austin stood. “I’ll walk you out.”
Taylor didn’t rise from her chair but gave Austin a searching, slightly suspicious look. He ignored her and headed for the door. Noah followed as Carter and Liam called their farewells.
Something told me that Austin wanted to discuss something, so I bent to whisper in Noah’s ear. “Why don’t you go wait in the truck, I need to talk to Bulldog for a minute.”
Noah’s face took on a pout. “Aw, man. I always miss out on the good stuff.” But like the good kid he was, he headed to my rig.
Austin chuckled. “He’s a great kid.”
“The best.” I studied Austin’s face, but his expression was unreadable. I guessed that was a skill he would’ve had to master as a cage fighter. “What’s up? Are you having trouble in town?”
“Oh, no. Nothing like that. I have a favor to ask.”
“You’ve made my nephew’s year, so if it’s within my power to give, it’s yours.”
“I was hoping you’d say something like that.” He paused, seeming to search for the words he wanted to voice. “I want you to look out for Taylor.”
My brows furrowed. “Are you just worried about her being here alone? Or is something else going on?”
“Taylor’s been through a lot the past few years. She took care of her mom through two battles with cancer. Lost her a couple months ago.” My chest tightened. Itwasgrief I had seen in those pretty eyes.
Austin pushed on. “She’s shutting us out, and I’m worried that by moving up here, she’s only going to isolate herself more.”
“That’s a heavy load.”
Austin ran a hand over his buzzed head. “It is. And she doesn’t have any other family. Her dad’s a deadbeat. A rich one, but still. She’s alone in the world except for us. She’s family, and I hate the idea of leaving her up here while we head back to LA. You seem like a stand-up guy. You’re a cop. You take good care of your nephew. You’re the best option I’ve got, other than moving my entire family to middle-of-nowhere Oregon. No offense.”
I chuckled. “None taken. The peace and quiet isn’t for everyone.” Austin grunted an agreement. “I’m happy to keep an eye on her. And if she’s working at The Kettle, my sister will look after her, too. I’ve got a big family who’d love to bring Taylor into the fold. But that means she’s gotta say yes to things.”
Austin pursed his lips. “You might have to get creative on that front.”
“I sensed that. All I can do is give you my word I’ll try.”
Austin grasped my hand in a firm shake. “Thanks, man. And I’ll send you some tickets to the next UFL fight in Portland.”
“Not necessary, but certainly appreciated.”
“Happy to do it. Glad to meet you, man.”
I squeezed his hand back. “You, too.”
As I descended the porch steps, Taylor’s haunted blue-gray eyes flashed in my mind.
6
