Viator (The Viator Chronicles Book 1) by Jane Ralston-Brooks Page A

showed Matt’s arm was broken, but besides some nasty bruises and scrapes that was his only injury. Once his cast was on, and the doctor and nurses had signed it, they were ready to go.
    They trudged back to the car in the dark, worn out and famished.
    Matt said, “It’s still my birthday. Let’s stop for pizza.”
    “That sounds like a great idea,” Gary said.
    The pepperoni never tasted better at Vince’s Pizzeria, and Erin felt better with food in her stomach. The drive home was much more cheerful than the ferry ride had been. They dropped Jacob off at his house and drove to Erin’s, where she helped the children into the house while Gary lifted the bikes down from the top of the car.
    Stars were bright as Erin went back outside to find Gary waiting for her, leaning against his car, his form a silhouette against the streetlight in the distance.
    “I’m so sorry about Matt. I feel completely responsible. If I hadn’t encouraged the idea, or if I’d ridden behind the boys, this never would have happened,” he said.
    “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re not to blame—don’t even think that. It was Matt’s idea, and I’m the one who said it was all right. And what would I have done without you there?” Erin couldn’t help but catch her breath as she said this, and she wiped a tear from her cheek.
    Gary took hold of Erin’s arm and pulled her close. He wrapped his arm around her neck, rested his head on top of hers, and said, “It must have been a terrible day for you.”
    “Don’t, you’ll just make me feel sorry for myself.”
    He pulled her around to face him and held her arms, then bent his head and kissed her lips softly. She wrapped her arms around his back and relaxed her body against his.
    “Ohhh,” Gary moaned, turning his face away but holding her closer. “I’d better go before I’m not able to.”
    “It’s so late,” Erin said. “I have a guest room. You can stay here if you like.”
    He laughed. “No, I’d be in your bed for sure. And I know you’re not ready for that.”
    Erin felt a thrill run through her, but she knew he was right.
    His cell phone rang, and he looked at it and scowled, then glanced at Erin. “This’ll just be a minute.”
    “Yeah?” he answered the phone and listened. “They won’t budge?” Erin heard the angry voice of the man on the other end of the line. Gary walked a few steps away.
    “Calm down. Look, all right. I’ll get it cleared up at the meeting. I’m heading back right now,” Gary said.
    The other voice spoke more quietly; Gary’s eyes traveled from the ground to Erin’s face. He turned away. “There’s no risk. I need to find out.” He paused, listening again. “You’re overreacting. Shit, I’ll take care of it.” He disconnected.
    “Is everything all right?” she asked.
    Gary put a smile on his face. “Yeah. That was my business partner—he always overreacts. Sorry about that.”
    He kissed her again. “Thanks for letting me come.”
    “I’m glad you did.”
    “Me too. I’ll call you this week.” He climbed into his SUV and drove away. A crow landed in the driveway where his car had been and let out one loud caw before it flew away. After that, the night was still.

Chapter 14
    The bell jingled above the door of the bookstore as Michael opened it and stepped out onto the busy sidewalk. He’d just made the final arrangements for his book signing to be held in a couple of days, and he started the long walk back home. A few scattered clouds dotted the sky, a light breeze stirred the blossoming trees, and it was a perfect day for a walk.
    As he drew near the music store, he thought about the women he and Bruce had noticed the other day. One of them had gone into that shop. Did she work there? He opened the door and walked inside.
    Instruments hanging from the walls and rows of sheet music crowded the store. A few customers were browsing through the music, one teenage boy was tuning a guitar, and the sound of a piano came