Page 141 of Haunted

He knew why Toby had asked him to check out the cabin—he wanted to keep Butch occupied. Hell, the night before, everyone had been handling him like he was made of glass.

Thebossis the one who needs all the attention, not me.Him and Diana? That had been way back when dinosaurs roamed the land. Now she had a husband who was probably over the moon with relief right then.

Butch was in pretty much the same state.

She’s gonna be okay. She’s in the best hospital in the county. A linear fracture is better than a severe fracture. She isn’t leaking spinal fluid. She’ll be home in five days.

It was all good.

He came to a stop at the hitching rail, and dismounted. Once he’d tied him up, he patted Bailey’s neck, and pulled an apple from the saddle bag. “Brought this for ya,” he said in a low voice. He cut it into pieces with his pocketknife and let Bailey take them from his hand. Then he crossed over the creek and climbed the porch steps.

Inside the cabin was cool, and he removed his hat, placing it on the couch. He smiled to himself when he caught sight of the bottle of lube sitting on the coffee table.

Guess I know what someone was up to in here.

Butch took out his notepad and did a quick inventory, making a note of what was missing. He loved the plan to let the hands use the cabin for overnight guests. What pleased him even more was that it had been Sol’s idea.

He was looking out for us hands.Good man.

It was only then it occurred to him that Sol didn’t know about Diana. He pulled his phone from his jeans pocket and scrolled for the number he’d entered on Friday evening.

Was it only four days ago?

It felt like a lifetime.

Butch went out onto the porch, sat in one of the chairs, and clicked on call.

After four rings, Sol’s deep voice filled his ear. “Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me.”

There was a pause. “Hey, Butch.”

Butch’s skin prickled.It’s a bad time.“If you’re busy, I can—”

“No, it’s okay. I needed a break anyway. I just wasn’t expecting to hear from you, I guess.”

“Then why else would you make sure I got your number? Which kinda surprised me, I have to say.”

“Why?”

“I had the feeling when we said goodbye that I was never gonna see you again. And then you go and give Toby your number.”

“I’m glad he remembered to pass it on.”

Butch had been momentarily distracted by the lush sound of Sol’s voice, and the mention of Toby sent a wave of guilt surging through him.

“I’m calling because something happened yesterday, and I know Toby’s got his hands full taking care of the boss, so—”

“Butch. What’s happened?” Butch told him about Diana’s accident, and Sol’s breathing hitched. “Oh my God. What’s the prognosis?”

“She’s gonna be okay. They’re talking about letting her come home in four or five days.”

“How’s Robert taking it?”

Butch sighed. “I think he’d have fallen apart by now if it wasn’t for Toby.” He hesitated.

“Is there something you’re not telling me? Is Diana really going to be all right?”