would be nice, thanks.”
He nodded and poured a glass of orange juice, then slid it onto the table in front of her. “Looks like you were out for a run.”
“Yes, it’s a beautiful morning for it and the scenery’s great.”
“Still gotta be careful running by yourself.”
“Jake Reed was just telling me that.”
“Guess he told you about Thea Trebain.”
“Pops, don’t start.” Tori slid into a chair beside Raven, a plate filled with pancakes in her hand.
“I’m not starting anything. Just warning her to be careful.”
“You’re getting ready to spin one of your tales.”
“It isn’t a tale. It’s God’s truth.”
“Your truth, you mean.” She turned to Raven. “Don’t believe a word my grandfather says about Thea Trebain. He likes to make it sound more mysterious than it is. Most people think she got fed up with small-town life and left.”
“Without telling her family? Without packing her bags?”
“None of that is fact, Pops, and you know it.”
Their argument seemed an old one, well worn. Their affection for each other peeked through the words, even as their so-alike brown eyes shot flames. The similarity between the two was obvious, the connection between them filling Raven with longing.
She pushed away from the table and stood. “I hate to drink my juice and run, but I’d really better get home.”
“Now look what you’ve done, Tori. You’ve chased her off.”
“Me? You’re the one trying to scare her.”
“Warn—not scare.”
Raven smiled at the banter, forcing aside her own feelings of loneliness. “Neither of you chased me off. It’s just time for me to go.”
“Now, don’t go rushing off, Raven. I’ve got something for you. A welcome gift. Something a woman who likes to run shouldn’t be without. Come on out to the barn, I’ll get it for you.”
Raven opened her mouth to protest, but Tori shook her head. “You may as well go with him. If you don’t, he’ll be pounding on your door this afternoon. I’ve got to run. Work won’t wait. Much as I’d like it to sometimes. Maybe we can have lunch.”
“I’d like that.”
“Great. I’m in the book.” She paused, glanced at Sam who was stepping out into the hall. Then she whispered, “And listen, if Pops gives you a gun or a sword, just take it and smile. He means well. I’ll get it from you when we have lunch. Gotta run. Bye, Pops.” She rushed forward, kissed her grandfather on the cheek, and was gone.
“Come on, Raven. I may be retired but that doesn’t mean I’ve got all day. You’re gonna like this. I guarantee it.”
Raven quickened her pace and prayed that his granddaughter’s prediction about the gift proved false. Guns? Swords? Maybe Jake was right, maybe walking along a country road wasn’t the safest thing she could have done with her morning.
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