Page 44 of Shattered By the Currents

Her heart beat fast, and she was about to turn around and get out of the center when the female voice grew louder. Angrier. Thefamiliarfemale voice.

“I don’t know where she is, but I’m not wrong about this, Ferris.”

No…

Raven crossed the room and stepped into the office to see Joe Ferris, the town mayor, and Lottie Fuller standing behind her desk, holding her pillow and blanket.

Ferris frowned at her. “Raven…have you been sleeping here?”

Shit.

Connor pulledup in front of Trap and looked over the building exterior. The faded brick frontage, the big, weathered sign above the door.

It was almost midday, meaning the bar was opening soon.

His phone vibrated with a text.

Rob: Hey, kid. We’ve got the car. We’ll let you know what’s going on with it as soon as we figure it out.

Connor: I appreciate that, Rob.

Ethan had recommended Rob last night, and the mechanic had texted back this morning, letting him know he’d send someone out for the car as soon as possible.

Connor wanted to know what the hell had happened to her car, and he wanted to know now. Smoke like that didn’t just come out of nowhere.

A truck pulled up behind his as he climbed out.

“Do we know if he’s here?” Ryan asked, as he joined Connor.

“Nope. But he works a lot, so I’m counting on him opening with Dusty.”

Ethan had also confirmed days ago that the car parked outside the community center the night of the paint-and-sip was Nathaniel’s.

And he wanted to know why.

“Let’s go then.” Ryan shot him a glance as they walked. “Did Raven stay with you last night?”

“Yeah. She finally agreed. But she actually thought I’d let her go back to the community center tonight.” That wasn’t happening. No way in hell.

They knocked on the door and waited a couple of seconds. When no one answered, he tried the handle. Unlocked.

Inside, lights were on but no one was in sight.

They headed toward the bar as footsteps sounded from the kitchen.

Dusty walked out, only to stop at the sight of them. “Connor. Ryan. Wasn’t expecting to see you boys so early.”

Ryan leaned against the bar. “Sorry. We knocked but?—”

“I don’t hear shit from the back room. You here for a drink?”

“Actually, we’re here to see Nathaniel,” Connor said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Is he around?”

Dusty’s brows shot up. “Nathaniel? No. I mean, he should be. He’s due to start now, but he’s always late. Can’t find good help these days. I’d get rid of him, especially after that incident withyour woman, but he’s a damn good bartender and they’re hard to come by in this small town.”

“I get it.” Ryan scanned the room. “You know much about him?”

As the guys spoke, Connor moved through the bar. He passed the pool table. The bathrooms. As he neared an office, a hushed voice sounded from the other side of the door.