Page 60 of Shattered By the Currents

Ethan: They always break up.

Joel: No. Ferris and Gerome were fighting about something outside the grocery store. Ward drove by and pulled over. Then Ward and Ferris started arguing about Ferris having a go at Gerome.

Connor: Jesus. You find out what the fight between Ferris and Gerome was about?

Joel: Nope. They all definitely made spectacles of themselves though.

Ethan: Shit. Guys, I was reviewing the security footage here at base and I found something.

Something else?

Ryan: Did that creep in black return?

Ethan: Yes. And put up his own cameras.

14

Raven watched her father’s hand shake as he lifted his mug.

She swallowed, forcing her attention to her parents’ faces. “How have you two been?”

“Oh, wonderful,” her mother answered, sipping her own tea as she leaned back on the deck chair. “We played bingo yesterday, didn’t we, Craig?”

“Your mother is far too competitive,” he grumbled.

“I am not,” Mom gasped. “I just didn’t want Pattie to win. That woman is the bane of my existence.”

Raven choked back her laugh as the cool breeze ran over her skin in one of the cozy outdoor seating areas behind Deep River Residence. “What did Pattie do to you?”

“She stole your mother’s dinner spot last night,” her father answered.

“Not just last night,” Mom countered. “Every night for the last week. Pattie knows I like that seat. She also gossips like she’s sixteen years old. And purposefully carries on with loud activities during quiet time.”

“Mom, you usually get along with everyone.”

“There is no getting along with Pattie Russel.”

This time Raven did chuckle.

“What about you, darling?” her mother asked, voice softening. “Anything new?”

“Well, actually.” She hesitated. She wasn’t sure why. She shouldwantto tell them about Connor. “I moved in with a guy. We’re not dating. But, I don’t know, sometimes I think it might go that way.” When she wasn’t wallowing in the weight of her secrets.

Her mother’s eyes widened. “Who?”

“You’ve met him. Connor.”

Her mother frowned. “Connor?”

She didn’t remember. Because of the dementia? Or because she’d only met him a couple of times? “Yes, Connor. He works search and rescue.”

Her mother was still frowning as her father asked, “You like him?”

“It’s just friendship right now.” But yes. She really liked him. Something that probably didn’t escape her father.

“That’s great, honey.” Her mother smiled. “You deserve to be happy. But do you think it’s a bit soon after Xander?”

“Xander and I were done long before we called it.” She glanced down at her tea. “I should have left sooner.” Before Sampson. Before the night that changed everything, most of all herself.