Sweetwater: The Kihn (The Sweet Series) by Rivi Jacks Read Free Book Online Page A

Rae, Reenie, and I sit, eating our lunches in the now-quiet dining room. After ordering my supplies, I helped Emma Rae, refilling drinks and waiting on customers. One fact about working the dining room: I got to hear all the latest gossip and local news.
    The main talk of the day pertained to the meeting that night. I got the impression the locals think the sheriff should handle the cattle crisis. The sacrifices are of some concern also. Who would do such a despicable act?
    Others gossip about Tony Martin and his wife Lola divorcingafter ten years of marriage. Lola is one of my Aunt Jordy’s best friends.
    In addition, Leroy Benton, likkered up, drove his truck off the slab crossing Panther Creek out by Durn Holler. The holler’s not named for anyone in particular... just that durn holler.
    The three of us look up as Benny Perkins and Gary Fenton enter the dining room. “Time to go,” I state as soon as I see them.
    “Me too,” Emma Rae adds with a knowing smile. Reenie just giggles.
    With a nod to Benny and Gary, I pick up my new Murphy’s T-shirts, wave bye to everyone, and head to Diane’s. She’s been busy going through her closet, finding dresses she thinks I might consider for my date Saturday night.
    “You’re going shopping with us tomorrow, right?” I ask.
    “Yes, I can’t wait. I need a few things, too. It should be fun with Jordy and Lucy. We haven’t done this in ages.”
    Diane’s mom comes in from the barn. She gives me a rib-squeezing hug. I love Diane’s parents, and I’ve spent lots of time in their home through the years. “Just here getting your dad some duct tape,” her mom says.
    Diane rolls her eyes. “Dad thinks duct tape holds the universe together.” I smile. Diane’s dad is a character.
    Her mom continues to rummage through one of the kitchen drawers. “For your father, it does.” She triumphantly holds up a roll of tape.
    “Sofie,” she pauses by the door on her way out, “I’ll expect you for supper real soon.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” I agree, giving her a smile. She leaves, headed to the barn with hope for the universe.
    “Want another piece of cake?” Diane asks as she pours coffee.
    “No, thanks.”
    “Um... Sofe...”
    “Hey, I want to tell you about something kind of weird that happened last night.”
    “What?”
    “I had a bad dream—”
    “The same as what you used to have?” Diane never knew exactly what my nightmares were about, no one did, but she was aware they were always—similar.
    “No, not one of those, but what’s strange is Nick came over to check if we were okay.”
    “What?”
    “He was worried there might be trouble over at our place. His banging on the door was what woke me.”
    “He sensed something was wrong with you?”
    “Well, he didn’t say that, but... isn’t it odd?” I ask.
    “Hmmm.”
    Hmmm? “Diane,what’s up?”
    “Sofe... I...”
    My cell phone ringing cuts her off. I dig it out of my coat pocket. “Hold that thought.” I smile an apology. “Hey, Sawyer.”
    “Where are you?” he asks.
    “I’m at Diane’s.”
    “First of all, he’s okay.”
    “Who?” I demand. At once, I have a sick feeling. Alerted by the sound of my voice, Diane becomes still, listening.
    “Jake.”
    I glance at Diane. “What’s happened to Jake?” The air leaves my lungs, and I don’t seem able to catch a breath.
    “A minor crash on the four-wheeler. He’s okay.”
    I stand, shrugging into my coat. “Where is he?” Diane rushes to get her jacket as I head out the door.
    “He’s here, at our place... out at the barn.”
    “What!” Diane and I get in the Jeep, and I back toward the road.
    “He’s okay, scratched and banged up a bit. Nothing’s broke, and he isn’t bleeding. Since he didn’t want to go to the doctor, we brought him over here.”
    “We’re on our way.” As I pull out of the driveway, I glance at Diane. She doesn’t look toogood.
    “Is he okay?” she whispers.
    “Yeah, the fools hauled him to the