She didn’t let that ache bleed into her voice.“Or you can stand up and face it.And we find some answers for you.”
His brows drew together.“Wait… you’re still going to help me?”
“Unless I find evidence that says I shouldn’t, you came to me for help.So I’m going to help.Unless you don’t want me to anymore.”
“No, I do.I…” He took a few halting steps toward her.“I’m not trouble.I swear.”
She knew it was dangerous to believe without proof.But his earnestness poked at her.The desperate need to not be seen as trouble.But if it was true and all she cared about was the truth, a little empathy couldn’t get her into too much trouble.
“I’m going to be in court all week, and probably the next couple.So, for now, I’m going to have you work here weekends.Come by Saturday morning and I’ll run you through your duties.”
“O-okay.Yes.I’ll be here.”
“Good.In the meantime, I’ve got some homework for you.”She got the notebook she’d put together last night when she couldn’t sleep.
And yes, she should have called Nate.Shewouldhave, if she thought he’d stay put at the ranch.She didn’t need a knight in shining armor.She needed to handle things on her own.
But she’d wanted an ear.Instead, she’d done work.
It was the Sam Price way.
“You’re going to go through the notebook and answer all the questions I put in there.You can write them in the pages, you can type them up and email them to me.Hell, you could even record yourself answering them and send me the audio file.Whatever you choose, be thorough.Be honest.Bring it back with you on Saturday.”She held out the notebook.
For a moment, he only looked at it.Then he blinked and nodded, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed and finally took the notebook.“I’m not trouble,” he said earnestly, those dark eyes so much like Nate’s.
She sighed, wondering how much it was going to fuck up her life that she couldn’t help but believe him.“I believe you, Bo.Now let’s prove it.”
Chapter Eleven
The Harrington Cabin
Jill was supposedto be working, but instead she was planning Aly’s bachelorette party slash bridal shower.There wasn’t exactly thatmuchto plan considering the guest list was… three people total.
But once the trial was all over, Aly was going to need something fun.Somethinghappy.And she wasn’t the kind of woman who would have enjoyed a big, raucous party anyway.This small gathering would be exactly what suited Aly.
Jill certainly hoped the wedding could be that happy forallof them, but she wanted as many things in place as possible as a reminder for her friend that no matter what happened, life had great things to offer.
Maybe it was a reminder for herself too.The trial had her tied in knots even though she wasn’t a part of it.Grandma had submitted a written statement—both at the time of finding the evidence against Mr.Bennet, and when the lawyer had asked for a more detailed account a few weeks ago.
Jill couldn’t help but worry that wouldn’t be all.She worried they’d somehow demand Grandma go on the stand.She worried that Grandma’s continued secrets connected to the Bennets.Worse, Marie Bennet, the victim.Jill worried and worried and there was nothing to do with that worry except plan Aly’s party and procrastinate the book she was supposed to be writing.
Because God knew Grandma wouldn’t answer any of her questions or concerns.And Jill just wasn’t any good at pushing, demanding.Not when she loved her grandmother as much as she did.
The knock at the door caused her to jump.It was pretty much unheard of to get unannounced visitors up here.Like all her worries had conjured up something terrible.
Which was ridiculous.
Maybe it was Aly, but she usually called first.And she should still be in court.No one else should be at their door, that was for sure.
At least Grandma was taking a nap.Jill crossed the short distance to the door and her heart dropped to her stomach when she recognized her visitor.
“Detective.”She’d dealt with Detective Hayes a handful of times over the past few months.He was always calm and professional, but him showing up at her door unannounced just… couldn’t be good.
He smiled.He had kind eyes and a handsome face.A tiny hint of salt at the temples of his dark hair.He was dressed casually, but there was nothing casual about the gun on his hip.Jill tried not to stare at it.Three years in Montana should make her used to guns, but she still wasn’t, even if Grandma had taught her how to use one.Even if he was apoliceofficer, so it wasn’t just casual.
Jill didn’t like it, no matter how many people told her it was necessary.
“Ms.Harrington, I’m sorry to drop by unannounced.I tried to call, but it wouldn’t go through.”
