“Matt Winston. Yeah, I know.”
“Well, did you know that it was once a resort, but then it burned down, and his whole family was killed?”
“Yes. I read about it in the local library.”
“Of course you did,” Toni grumbled.
Bree laughed. “What else have you got?”
“Not a lot—yet. Cursory searches aren’t producing much, so I’m going to have to dig deeper. They seem to be good at flying under the radar. Makes me wonder how Charlie even heard about them. What’s your time frame on this? Do you need it right away?”
“Why, you got a hot date or something?”
“Technically, no, but Hunter’s flying back tomorrow night, and I’d like to hit the spa before he does, just in case. I’m overdue for a wax.”
“He’s coming back from Vegas,” Bree teased. “Are you sure he’s going to have the energy?”
“I hope so. He promised to show me what he’s learned. I even ordered a set of nipple clamps and a riding crop online. I used your account, by the way, to get the free one-day shipping.”
“Ugh, TMI. And no great urgency. I’m just looking for something interesting to pull the pieces together. It’s pretty bland, even with the tragic backstory and small-town angst angle.”
“Hey, maybe Green Eyes will give you something to write about. Or if you’re really lucky, something you can’t write about.” Toni laughed. “Have fun on your field trip. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“That doesn’t leave much, does it?”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Bree
“What is this?” Bree asked, lifting the fried square of unidentified breakfast meat with her fork the next morning.
“Scrapple. It’s a local favorite.”
Bree refrained from asking exactly what it was made of; sometimes, it was better not to know. She took a tentative bite. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. It wasn’t horrible, but it couldn’t compare to the smoked slab bacon she’d had earlier in the week.
Martha sat down across from her with a cup of coffee and a plate of her own. “You’re looking chipper this morning, especially for being up so late.”
“I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”
“No. I usually get up at least once a night, and I noticed the lights were still on.”
“I get on a roll and tend to lose track of time, especially when the subject matter is particularly interesting.”
Martha’s brows pinched together; no doubt, she was wondering what Bree had found so interesting. “Mona said she saw you at the salon. Did you learn anything useful for your article?”
“Yes, I did, thanks.”
The furrow deepened as Martha’s frown increased. Mona was probably going to be getting a phone call the moment Martha was alone. Bree took that as her cue.
“Speaking of, I’ve got a full day ahead of me, and I should get to it. Thanks for breakfast.”
“Oh, of course.”
Bree couldn’t help but smile as she left the house a few minutes later and heard Martha on the phone.
* * *
Bree made it to Sanctuary quicker than expected. Perhaps it was because of the sense of anticipation she’d felt from the moment Nick suggested a field trip. Perhaps it was because driving the curvy mountain roads above the posted speed limit was so much fun. Sun shining, wind in hair, good music. When was the last time she’d been so excited about anything?
Nick wasn’t in the parking lot when she arrived, but she was early. Should she go inside and let him know she was there? Or would it be better to wait in the lot?
While Bree was pondering that, a woman exited the building. It wasn’t someone Bree had seen before. On the short side with shoulder-length chestnut hair, kept away from her face with a headband, dressed casually in jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. The woman looked surprised to see Bree there and hesitated as if she was considering going back inside.
“Hi,” Bree greeted with a small wave as she got out of the car.
If there was one thing she’d learned, it was that when people didn’t want to talk to her, she definitely wanted to talk to them.
“Hi,” the woman replied, stepping forward. “Nice car.”
“Thanks. It’s a rental.” Bree glanced down and saw the simple gold band on the woman’s finger. “You wouldn’t happen to be Sam by any chance, would you?”
On a face devoid of makeup, gray-green eyes widened in surprise and looked back at Bree. “Yes, I’m Sam.”
“Nick said you’re the one who recommended the diner for dinner.”
The woman nodded.
“Thanks for that. The cobbler was fantastic.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
“I’m supposed to meet Nick here. Do you know if he’s around?”
“I’m sure he’s around somewhere.”
“I’m Bree. Do you have a minute? I’d love to ask you a few questions.”
Sam shifted her weight, as if nervous, but then nodded. “Sure. Okay.”
They sat on the wide stone steps.
“Nick said you’re married to one of the partners?”
“Yes.”
Bree waited for her to say more. She didn’t.
“So, what’s your story? How did you two meet?”
A tiny smile pulled at the corners of Sam’s lips, as if she found the memory pleasant. “I worked in a coffee shop in town. Steve used to come in for coffee and muffins for himself and the guys, back before they had a kitchen here.”
“A coffee shop? Where? I’d kill for a good cup of coffee and decent Wi-Fi.”
Sam’s smile faded. “It’s not there anymore. It burned down a few years ago.”
What is it with this town and fires? “That’s a shame. So, tell me, when you first saw your husband, was it like in the movies? Love at first sight and all that?”
Sam’s lips quirked again. “No, not like the movies. It took us a while. We became friends first, and things kind of grew from there.”
“Gotta love a good slow-burn romance,” Bree said with a grin. “Was it an issue? Your friendship?”
Sam’s brows creased. “How do you mean?”
“Well, I get the impression that not everyone in Sumneyville is thrilled about Sanctuary. For some, it even seems to be an us versus them mentality. As a
