Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(105)

He realized he was staring at his phone and slowly put it away.

Calling her now would be futile. Might make everything worse. She needed time to get over her anger, to slow down and think. To ask questions.

Carson was a good kid. He’d talk to his mom once they both calmed down. Holt pulled in an unhappy breath. Arson investigations could get ugly. It would be best if the boy came forward on his own.

Unfortunately, Holt needed to turn this information over to someone else. He was too closely involved—look how he’d already fucked things up—and it wasn’t his investigation anyway.

He had a cold lump in his gut as he pulled out his cell and dialed the fire department offices.

As the phone rang, a new icy worry slid between his ribs. Josie might well see his talking to the Captain as another type of betrayal.

If she did, would she abandon what was growing between them? Would she truly close the door and figure their relationship a lost cause?

His jaw locked.

If she did, she’d have a fight on her hands.





Chapter Twenty-Five





After supper the next day, Josie washed dishes in Oma’s small kitchen as her great-aunt grumbled about her reading club’s next book selection.

“Literary fiction should come with black box warnings,” Oma stated. “Something like: Reading this book can lead to an increased risk of depression.”

Josie managed to grin. Breaking up with a man should have the same warning. She rubbed her aching eyes, gritty from lack of sleep and crying. Her muscles and bones and everything ached.

Too many nightmares. Of Pa shouting she was a disgrace and a whore. Get out, get out, get out.

Or of a fire consuming Carson’s middle school. She shuddered. Holt had been inside in yellow firefighter’s gear, and she’d slammed the door, trapping him inside. The building collapsed on him, and she’d screamed as her heart ripped in two.

Or Carson being in a burning building, calling for her. She couldn’t find him. Couldn’t save him.

Waking, drenched in sweat and tears, she’d gone to Carson’s room, to listen to him breathe. To see the cat curled in the curve of his body. She’d wanted to wake him and hug him and let him know whatever happened she’d be there.

She wanted to run next door to Holt and tell him the same thing. Oh, God, she missed him so much.

This morning, she’d automatically poured two cups of coffee…and fought tears as she dumped the second cup out.

Carson hadn’t talked to her at breakfast, and she hadn’t seen him since. He’d had afterschool soccer practice, then gone to Yukio’s house to finish their co-written English project that was due tomorrow.

With a jolt, Josie realized Oma was frowning at her. “Did you ask me a question?”

“I asked if you were feeling all right, my girl,” Oma said.

“I’m…a bit unhappy.” Josie glanced at the clock. “But it’s a long story, and your ride should be here in a minute. How about I catch you up tomorrow? Actually, I could use some advice.”

“Of course.” Oma gave her a wry smile. “Wisdom is gained from mistakes, and I’ve made my fair share of blunders, so I have plenty of insights to offer.”

Josie laughed and heard the doorbell ring. “I’ll get it, Oma.”

Zuri was on the doorstep. “Hi, Josie. I got halfway here before remembering Mrs. Avery has church tonight. But I wanted to drop these off.” She held up a batch of cuttings.

“Oh, I love geraniums.” Oma took the cuttings.

Zuri beamed. “A friend of mine does landscaping design, and she was planting scented geraniums around our pond. When I told her about your garden, she snipped these for you.”

“Please, thank her for me.” Oma touched one of the leaves and sniffed her fingers. “Chocolate?”

“You have a chocolate mint, an apple, and a rose fragrance.”

“Seriously? Chocolate?” Josie tested the same one. “That’s amazing.”

Oma gave Zuri a hug. “Thank you. I’ll pot them for the patio so I’ll have them close to enjoy.”

A light beep at the curb made everyone turn. “There’s my ride,” Oma picked up her purse and a light wrap. “Josie, dear, will you put these in water and lock up for me?”

“Sure.” Josie kissed her cheek. “Have fun.” Catching Zuri’s snicker, she amended, “Or pray hard or whatever.”

“My young heretics.” Oma was laughing as she strolled to her friend’s car.

“She looks good,” Zuri said. “She’s abandoned her walker?”

Josie smiled. “She’d been using it for dizziness, but during rehab for her sprained ankle, her meds were adjusted. No more dizziness. No more walker.”

“That’s awesome. She hated that thing.”

“Come in, if you have a minute,” Josie motioned to Uzuri. “I see you at the Shadowlands, but we never have a chance to talk.”

“You do stay awfully busy. But the members are happy you’re there. Aside from Cullen, none of the Masters enjoy making fancy mixed drinks, which meant no one got mixed drinks because no submissive wants to annoy a Master. Especially Master Sam and Master Nolan.”

Nolan was a bit scary. Master Sam? A lot scary. “It’s nice to be wanted.”