Free Runs Deep by R.D. Brady Page B

said.
    “Yeah.” Declan sighed.
    Steve looked over at him. “Want to tell me what’s on your mind?”
    Declan leaned back. “The governor ordered us to evacuate. Keith decided to ignore the order.”
    “You’re kidding.” Steve shook his head. Of course Keith overrode the evacuation order. That was just like Keith. “Is it really going to be that bad?”
    “I was at Mel’s before I came here. Took a look at the bridge. It was already groaning. I’m a little worried.”
    “From the look on your face, I’d say you’re more than a little worried.”
    “True. There was a deputy at the diner. I asked him to see if they could position someone at the bridge. It’s going to be closed until after the storm. I don’t think anyone should try crossing that thing.”
    Steve nodded, not knowing what to say. There was nothing he could do about the bridge, that was for sure.
    But there was something he might be able to do about the phone calls. He glanced back at the kitchen and saw his grandmother bustling about. He leaned toward Declan, his voice low. “There’s something worrying me too.”
    Keeping his voice equally low, Declan leaned forward. “What?”
    “Grandma’s been getting some nasty calls. I know it’s probably just a bunch of cowards, and nothing will happen, but—”
    Declan nodded. “I know someone in Millners Kill’s police department who’s, well, not an asshole. I’ll talk to him. See if he’ll do some drive-bys.”
    Steve felt some relief. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
    Declan nodded, but his face was still tight.
    “What is it?” Steve asked.
    “Listen, when people realize the bridge is closed, they’re going to get a little panicked. It might be good for you to lay low, just until things calm down.”
    Steve looked at him for a long moment. “Wasn’t really planning on throwing a party. I’m guessing you mean just stay away from people as much as I can?”
    Declan blew out a breath. “Look, as long as things stay calm, it won’t be a problem. But—”
    “But you don’t think the police will exactly be running to my rescue if the town turns against me.”
    Declan nodded. “Something like that. So just to be safe, maybe stay inside as much as possible, okay?”
    Steve nodded, picturing a mob of angry people trying to get to him—and his grandmother getting caught in between them. He gripped the sides of the chair. “Okay.”
    Declan’s cell phone chimed, and he glanced down at the screen. “Got to take this.” He walked over to the front windows.
    Steve couldn’t overhear the conversation, but Steve could tell he was getting more agitated by the second. Uh-oh.
    Declan stalked back into the room. “God damn idiot.”
    “I’m guessing Keith.”
    Declan gave an abrupt nod. “He pulled the deputy off the bridge. That guy is going to get somebody killed. I’m heading over there now. Keith needs to understand how important this is.”
    “Go. Give him hell.”
    Declan gave Steve a smile. “I’ll go say goodbye to your grandmother first.”
    Steve’s thoughts were dark as he watched Declan head to the kitchen. If the bridge went, they’d all be stuck here for God knew how long. And he’d be stuck trapped with the assholes who were making those calls.
    He shook his head. No sense borrowing trouble , he thought, using one of his grandmother’s favorite phrases.
    He heard the back door close and got up to watch Declan back out of the driveway. Declan practically peeled away, he was driving so fast. Steve watched him go, his dread growing. It’ll be all right.
    But then he noticed another car drive slowly by the house. He’d seen it earlier today as well . Probably just someone from the neighborhood , he thought. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that the person driving the car seemed awfully interested in his grandmother’s house.

CHAPTER 16
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    D eclan could see the bridge lights up ahead. “God damn it.”
    The rain was still coming