Logan Chapter 148

I am absolutely charmed by the cabin that Logan and Landon’s grandfather built. It’s bigger than I picture for a cabin, but it’s set deep in the woods next to what could almost be called a lake. It’s more of a massive pond than anything, but it’s fed by a little mountain stream coming off of the Catskills. There’s a rickety dock for fishing with a paddle boat attached to the end, and Landon’s SUV is parked in a carport to the side. There’s a small shed behind the other structures that Logan said houses a couple of snowmobiles and all the tools needed to clear out downed trees.

Landon walks out the front door when he hears the car pull up, looking surprised to see us and a little worried. Please, please, don’t be a kidnapper or killer. I think to myself when I realize he’s unhappy to see us. Logan rubs my back as we walk up. Landon doesn’t greet us, just waits with his hands on his hips for us to come to him. I give him a megawatt smile, hoping to get one in return, but he just looks back and forth between Logan and me with his eyebrows raised.

“What brings you two out here? I distinctly remember telling you that I came here for vacation so that I could be away from everyone.” This is not a great start.

Logan restrains his anger, already wanting to jump in with accusations. I try to start more diplomatically. “We haven’t heard from you since the night before you left, and we worried about you. When we got some bad news on top of our- okay, my- worry, I just felt like we had to come up and check on you. You’re all alone out here.”

Landon smirks at me. “I’m a big, bad, wolf, Em. I can handle a little nature by myself. I wanted to be alone. What’s the news?”

Logan clears his throat. “We got a visit from some detectives. Cora is missing.”

Landon’s eyebrows shoot up his forehead. “Missing? Do they suspect foul play?”

*See? He didn’t know!* I think toward Logan smugly.

*If you don’t think he could lie convincingly for five entire seconds, you’re not using your brain, baby. We don’t all have glass faces like yours.* I resist the urge to stomp my foot. I don’t smell any lies. I’ve been working on recognizing the scents of emotions, and lies have a particularly bitter aroma that cuts through everything else.

“They actually think that she ran off. They didn’t find any of her toiletries or electronics when they searched her apartment. They’re not even really sure when she disappeared because she’s been such a homebody for the last little bit. Honestly… I still care about her a little bit, deep inside. I was hoping you’d have some insight into where she might be. I just want her to be okay. I don’t want to be, but I’m worried.” Logan rubs my back some more. *Well done, little rose. I knew you could find a way to ask him nicely.* My chest warms at Logan’s approval.

Landon tilts his head to the side. “Why would I know anything? It’s not like we talked. She knew I was watching her, but we aren’t best friends or any bullshit like that.” He narrows his eyes at me. “You’re talking like you don’t think she ran off. She had to know she would lose the trial, Emory. Are you surprised she didn’t want to stick around to the gory end?”

I remind myself to tread lightly. “I know Cora, Landon. She doesn’t give up on anything until the final bell. She’d never run from something like that. Not when I knew her.”

That was a mistake. Landon’s head pulls back like I struck him. “You think I snatched her. You two came up here to drag her back to the city and… what? Turn me in? Are you kidding me? I wanted to come out here for a vacation! Do I smell like Cora? Take a deep whiff, Emory, see if you smell your ‘friend’ on me.” I can’t help myself. I instinctively take a deep breath while I lean just a little in Landon’s direction. The scents that were previously background notes come roaring into the front of my perception.

I cough hard a couple of times, rubbing my nose while I try not to gag. “Landon you reek! You smell like low tide and whisky!” There’s a flash of vicious amusement at my expense on Landon’s face.

“Serves you right. I didn’t plan on getting all nice and clean for anyone today. This is what a man on vacation should smell like- fishing and drinking.” Landon crosses his arms over his chest. “But this isn’t your fault, Emory. I’m sure Logan jumped directly to this conclusion and dragged you behind him.” I wince as he guesses exactly what happened.

Landon laughs mirthlessly at the confirmation on my face. “Yeah. That sounds like our Alpha. Look, if you don’t believe me, Logan, you can give your little wifey a tour of the cabin. I’m done with this conversation. I’ll be fishing.” Landon stomps back toward the docks, determined to ignore the both of us and catch his dinner.

I look at Logan, hurt on his brother’s behalf. Logan has the good grace to look embarrassed and regretful. “I really would like to give you a tour of the cabin, if you’re up to it. Even if we don’t look around for Cora or take in all the decor details I know you’d love, we should take a bathroom break before we get back on the road. I’m sorry, little rose.”

I sigh, walking toward the front door of the cabin. “It’s not me you should be apologizing to.”