“Can you tell me what business took over that space?”
She laughs. “None, it’s abandoned. I’m guessing you haven’t been to this town. We’re about the only business left. But not for long if things don’t change.”
Abandoned? My heart rate picks up. Is there really someone meeting me there, or is this a way to get me alone somewhere?
“Oh, sorry to hear that. Is there a for sale sign on that building?”
“Just a minute.” She sets the phone down with a clunk. About thirty seconds later, she returns. “Nope. No sign.”
“Okay, thank you for your time.” I end the call.
No sign. Is the place even for sale? I grab my laptop and log in to my office. I want to know the layout and historyof this place. If I’m walking into a trap, I need to be prepared.
I read through all the notes. The building has been on the market for years with no takers. The more I read, the more unsettled I am.
I notice a missed text on my phone.
Maria:Hunter is going to be at the cabin this weekend. You should talk to him. Let him decide if you need protection.
Hunter is close by. My stomach flutters. No, why am I reacting this way? Because I’m scared. That has to be it.
Maybe Maria is right, and I should talk to Hunter. I could convince him to come with me. Well, maybe after I apologize. That is assuming he will even talk to me at all. I have to try. I have a bad feeling about this building.
CHAPTER 3
Axel
I smileas I pull into the driveway. A relaxing three-day weekend at the cabin sounds fantastic. Despite buying this place with my sister, I haven’t had a chance to really spend any time here yet. Before the Wyoming assignment, I had a grueling situation in Colombia that went sideways. Fortunately, Moose and I were able to get everything back on track, but it extended the time we were required to be there by a couple of weeks.
Inside, the cabin is chilly, so I turn on the heat. After putting away the groceries I purchased on the way up here, I climb into bed. It’s a little early even for me, but I’m exhausted.
When I wake, it’s dark outside. According to the clock, I slept for ten hours. Damn, I was tired. The good news is, if I get moving, I can get out on the water by sunrise.
My sister was right. Having a cabin right on the lake is great. Instead of lugging my kayak all the way from my car, all I have to do is pull it down a few feet from the grassy bank.
The water is like glass as I push off the shore and then hop in. This weekend I’ve dubbed as Operation Relax. It’s moments like this that I can honestly say it was all worth working with the most annoying real estate agent in the world to get our little slice of heaven.
As I row, I enjoy the silence. As the sun begins to rise, a few birds chirp, but it remains peaceful.
The cabin needs some work. Nothing major, just some paint and new cabinets in the bathroom. As much as I’d love to knock out those projects this weekend, my sister hasn’t yet agreed with any of my suggestions. We don’t exactly see eye to eye when it comes to decorating. I prefer neutral colors like gray. Maria prefers bright colors. Her place looks more like a preschool classroom than one that belongs to a grown woman. But she claims the colors make her happy. Regardless, I put my foot down on bright-yellow cabinets.
As I round the other side of the lake, I spot a familiar woman kayaking toward me.
No way. It can’t be her. I’m seeing things.
I can’t pretend I haven’t seen her, as we are the only two out here this early.
“Hunter?” she calls to me.
Only my sister calls me by my given name. And now apparently her. I hold up a hand to wave. If I’m not at least polite, my sister will rip me a new one.
She glides up next to me. “I didn’t realize you were a morning person. You strike me more as a night owl.”
Is that because all military men are womanizers and are therefore out late? I take a deep breath. No, I’m jumping to conclusions.
“Nope. Morning person.” I keep it short. Something I suspect is best when talking to Savvy Williams.
She smiles her fake smile. “Are you planning to stay long?”
