I turn, surprised to see Thunder standing in the entryway of our building.
“Yeah, I thought you were gone on an assignment.”
“Durango and I are leaving the country in a few hours. I’m just happy I could catch you while you’re here. Can I walk you to your car?”
I nod and we step outside.
“That guy never bothered Lucy, right?”
I glance over at him. “Not that she ever mentioned. What exactly did you do to get Vince to back off?”
He smiles. “I paid him a visit. I can be persuasive, you know.”
“I really can’t thank you enough for taking personal time to help me.”
“Hey, that’s what friends are for. I got your back, and you got mine. Always.”
Hours later, I land in Seattle and head straight back to Stormy’s rental house. I want to be well-rested for my plans tomorrow. Before I see Lucy, I need to take care of a few things.
* * *
Drivinginto Fallwell Cove used to put me in a foul mood, with all the rich, entitled bastards that lived there, and the university that wouldn’t have me. But knowing my future is here now, I see the place as it is—a quaint, small town on the edge of the water, with gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountains. It’s the town where I hope to be living with Lucy someday soon.
Vince’s car is parked at the food bank when I arrive; I’m happy to have found him so fast. The front door to the building is open, so I go in.
“Hello?” I call.
“Can I help you?” a voice calls from the back. Then Vince appears. “Ah, you again.”
I hold back a laugh. I’m not thrilled to see him either. I’d much rather be on my way to Lucy’s.
“I’m here to make sure you don’t forget your promise,” I say.
Vince rolls his eyes. “Let’s go talk in my office.”
I follow him down the hall. He sits in the chair behind his desk, and I take the one across from him. Nothing has changed since the last time I was here; the same coffee cup even sits on his desk in the same spot.
“If you are talking about what I told that thug who came in here last month, yes, I have kept my word. I would never hurt Lucy, she’s my niece.”
The man seems sincere, and as far as I know, Lucy’s fine. I’m going to have to trust him on that. For now.
“Where is Joseph? Did he return?”
I heard from Rover while I was gone; he said he was never asked back to the university. That means either Joseph never turned up, or the president decided Joseph was no longer being threatened.
The only reason I give a rat’s ass is because I don’t want Joseph showing up and hurting Lucy again.
Vince smiled. “According to his latest correspondence, he’s somewhere tropical.” He points to something behind me.
I turn and see a bulletin board, and on it are several business cards and a postcard.
I stand and go to it. The picture is of a sandy beach with a palm tree. I flip it over.
“Now that my debt is paid, I’ll be retiring here. Good luck, my friend. Joseph.”
The postmark has been smudged, so I can’t make it out, and there is no description on the postcard telling me where the pictured location is. It’s as if someone wants me to believe this but not be able to confirm it.
“Is Joseph dead?” I ask with my back still turned.