Prologue
Geir Pavla watched the pair head back to Minx’s bedroom. He was happy for his friend. Laszlo had been through so much shit and so much hurt. Minx didn’t even know about his father in Norway, Geir was pretty sure. There hadn’t been time. But apparently that was how life was these days. He’d watched so many of his friends come together in a combustible mode, work out their differences and, all of a sudden, be a perfect fit. He didn’t expect perfection in their lives from their start. It would take time to adapt and to find a way to get along the best they could. But he knew Laszlo and Minx would make it. They were so good for each other. And Geir had no intention of interrupting their initial time together as a couple. As soon as they hit New Mexico, Geir would head to California.
He had a lot of contacts there he wasn’t sure the others had. They also had a meeting in the morning. Someone in the group needed to connect with Coronado. He hoped to follow that up with a personal visit to Mason and see if they could get to the bottom of what the hell had happened with Mouse. But Geir hadn’t contacted Mason to see if that could happen. At this point, Geir didn’t know that he trusted anything he’d heard. None of it made any sense. But he needed to give them all an update too.
He sent out a message to Mason, telling him what happened. Even with another four hours until daylight here in Texas—meaning another six in California—Mason sent back a quick message. Let’s do the meeting when you return to New Mexico then.
Geir agreed with that decision. The sooner they could get home, the better. He texted Mason again. After this I’m coming down to Coronado. We’re so damn close. And yet we’re so far away.
No, with every clue, you’re closer, Mason texted back. Things are happening right now, so stand strong. We’ll get to the bottom of this, and it’ll happen fast.
Sure, but I need a place to stay in Coronado. I may have to call some friends.
I know somebody who runs a B&B. If you want, I can call her and get you a room. Nobody will know who you are, so you don’t have to feel beholden to anyone, and you don’t have to feel like you need to entertain or be entertained.
Perfect. What’s her name?
Her first name is Morning. Morning Blossom.
Geir stared at the name and shook his head. Really?
The text came back right away. Yeah, really. But she’s a sweetheart. You’ll love her.
Geir wasn’t sure. But how hard could it be to love anybody named Morning Blossom? He grinned, pocketed his phone and headed for Minx’s couch. While he had the chance, he would catch a few hours of sleep because, as far as he could see, this was all coming to a head faster than ever. And he doubted he’d get Laszlo to go with him to California. But maybe. If not, well, it was time for Jager to come in out of the dark.
As he lay in the dark, Geir thought about the man he’d called best friend for so long. But Jager had taken the incident the worst. He’d been the navigator in the truck and had blamed himself. And yet, no way in hell was he responsible.
Geir sent Jager a quick message. I know you’re seeing these. I’m heading to Coronado in a couple days. Things have blown open. Road trip?
He waited and waited, and, when he thought, No way in hell would Jager break his silence, Geir got a message. He read it and grinned.
I’ll be there.