The day just drags with nothing exciting happening at work. It’s as if the universe has one mission these days, and that’s to make my life miserable.

No interesting case. No phone call from local PD. Nothing.

I try to look away from the folder on my screen, where I’ve stored Autumn’s emails, but my pathetic self-control lasts for only a few seconds. I randomly open an email from a few years ago,

From: autumnthefallqueen

To: lukasspencer

Hi, Lukas,

Is a Navy SEAL scared of anything?

I’m not scared of water, heights, speed…but I don’t know why, whenever there’s an image of a burning building or car in the news, I get goosebumps.

I think if there’s one way I would really not want to die, it would be by getting burned.

~ Autumn

From: lukasspencer

To: autumnthefallqueen

Hi, Autumn,

Everyone is scared of something, even a Navy SEAL.

And what is this talk about dying? You’re too young to think about that. Are you still binge-watching horror movies?

- Lukas

From: autumnthefallqueen

To: lukasspencer

Guilty as charged. :P

~ Autumn

Fuck! I turn off my monitor. This is miserable.

Maybe I should go on a ride or go away for a few days. The thought comes with a gnawing worry that I’d miss whatever Autumn has sent for me and asked my friends to hide in my house.

That’s the reason you’re going away, you fucker.

Before my brain gets fried, winding and releasing like a yo-yo every other second, I decide to go for a bike ride. That always clears my head. I leave the office feeling more energized than I’ve felt in the past week, but my steps come to a halt hearing Connor and Keith’s argument.

“We should tell him.”

I can sense the urgency in Keith’s voice.

“He doesn’t want to know. Why can’t you understand that, Adams? Meanwhile, Gavin is there, and he can do whatever Lukas can. Or are you doubting my brother’s capabilities?”

My feet are plastered on the ground. I can’t believe my ears. Connor King never takes sides, and definitely not his brother’s.

“I didn’t say that. But it’s…Autumn. Lukas needs to know—”

Fear flickers in my chest as I barge into Connor’s office, kicking the half-open door. “What the fuck is going on?”

They both look at each other, and when Connor’s expression gives nothing away, I grab Keith’s shoulders. “Tell me.”

“The inn caught fire.”

My pulse pounds at a furious rhythm as I imagine black smoke rising up in the air, burning everything.

“A part of it. Some barn. It’s used for storage…or something,” Keith rushes to add. I remember that the day Mr. Big gave me a tour, he showed me what he called the waiting-for-some-love section, which is now used for storing old furniture.