Partners in Crime by Josh Lanyon & Sarah Black

Author:Josh Lanyon & Sarah Black [Lanyon, Josh & Black, Sarah]
Language: nld
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

123

When Peter went back inside, Casper was leaning over the counter, talking to Travis, who had been off duty for two hours. He was back behind the reception desk, though, like he needed to keep a large, wooden barrier between Casper and himself.

“So sleep in the boat, kid. All I’m gonna do is throw a few lines in the water, hope the fish don’t bite, then I’ll read my book for awhile. Or I’ll just sit there, let the boat rock me to sleep, let the sun shine, not think about anything. That’s what you do when you go fishing.”

Travis chewed on his bottom lip. “Yeah, okay.”

“Casper, would you like a cooler of soda and a lunch basket? How about an Italian

sub?”

“Peter, thanks. That would be great. Yeah, I love your subs.”

“I’ll get the cooler.” Travis disappeared into the kitchen, and Casper watched him, a faint frown between his eyes. Peter started picking up the newspapers and letters on the front desk. “So, you think he’s adjusting well, Casper? He’s only been home four months.

That’s not very much time.”

“No, it’s not. Early days.” Casper shrugged. “Doesn’t seem like he’s been sleeping like he needs to. I’m gonna try and talk to him. Make sure everything is working itself out.”

“Casper, anything you say to me will be held in confidence. Travis will always have a home here, for as long as he wants one. He never has to worry about that.”

Casper nodded and fitted his nylon fishing cap over his bald head. “Tell him I’m down at the boat dock, Peter.”

In the kitchen, Peter pulled out a couple of long, soft loaves of Italian bread and sliced them lengthwise. He poured olive oil over the bread, then started slicing tomatoes. Travis brought a cooler in, filled the bottom with ice. “Nothing’s going on,” he announced. “I mean, like, if you were wondering about me and Casper.”

“Okay.”

“I mean, it’s nothing like…”

124

Sarah Black

Peter turned around. “Travis, you don’t have to report to me. You’re a grown man. But I’m always happy to listen if you want to talk.”

Travis ran both hands through his hair, rubbed the heels of his hands against his eyes.

“I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“You’re going fishing with a friend. Men do it all the time. It doesn’t have to be a big deal.”

“I thought you might have some rule about fraternization. You know, like with guests.”

Jacob stuck his head in the kitchen door. “Hey. Am I interrupting?”

Peter smiled at him. “Come on in. Travis, I think you should use your best judgment.”

When Travis left the kitchen, Jacob leaned against the food prep island for a moment, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans, then he reached out for Peter, reached for his shirt and tugged him close, and Peter thought that his hands were so young and eager and beautiful he couldn’t have resisted him. Jacob’s cheeks were flushed with color, eyes dark, like the velvet night sky in the Alaskan wilderness, all the light from starshine.

“Peter, I know you’re busy.

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