They were outside by Elizabeth’s car before either one spoke. “I feel like I’ve lost a thousand pounds,” Ryder said, leaning against her car. “Thank you.”
She stared toward the brick office. “He accused you and made no apology? No, thank you for having integrity. Being honest.”
“He will. Eventually.”
Elizabeth squeezed his arm. “I’m in your corner, you know.”
“Feels good to be defended.” Ryder took hold of her arm. “Even though my folks weren’t around much when I was a kid, they always defended me.” He grinned and slid his hand down to hers. “If I deserved it.”
“Ryder, do you forgive them for not being around?”
“I have my days, but yeah, I do. What’s the alternative? Living mad? Making myself a victim? No thanks.”
His admission tugged more on her heart than his I love you. “When will you work on the fire tower again?” She pulled the VW keys from her handbag.
“Saturday. Want to help? You should see it, Beth. It looks so regal yet lonely, sitting among the burnt area.”
“Is that common? For something to be left behind after a fire?”
“Not common at all. But that fire tower represents all the good about Hearts Bend. Folks helping folks. Being a close-knit community. Hiding in the shadows of Nashville. Maybe even hiding in the shadow of God.”
17
Friday night, the Kids Theater was lit with lights and excited buzz as locals cheered their heroes—the firefighters and WMA officers who stopped the fire.
As the ceremony ended, Elizabeth exited a row of Dorseys with Granny and Pops. On stage, the heroes were taking pictures, holding up their commendations. Ryder stood in the center of it all, smiling, shaking hands.
That’s when an odd sensation flipped through her. Like she was proud of him. As if he was hers. When the mayor singled him out during his speech for leading his team to safety during the crown fire, she felt as if she might burst with pride. For him. Not herself.
“He’s a good man,” Will said, coming up behind her as she entered the theater’s lobby.
“All of them are good men.”
“But not all of them are special to you.”
Saying nothing, she pushed through the doors and into the summer’s evening sun as it draped gold flags between the buildings and through the streets. Gardenia Park was circled with food trucks, and a brass band played patriotic songs to continue the celebration. Will followed her onto the sidewalk, gathering with the rest of the Dorseys.
“Hey, Will, did you have a chance to read my email?” she said.
“Yeah, took a peek right before I left work.”
“You need a new accounting system.” For the past two days, Elizabeth had been looking into the WMA fraud, finding more anomalies along the way. Besides the bug in order fulfillment, she’d found other glitches and back doors in the antique system. It was possible for Dorsey employees to hide fraud or skim a few dollars into a private account. Which, so far, she’d found no evidence of.
“We’ve duct-taped our old one together for so long,” Will said. “All our processes work. Everyone knows their job.”
“You may be losing money, Will. Someone inside Dorsey cut that lumber. We don’t know who. And someone picked it up.”
“Dan said the same thing. He’s noticed accounts marked ‘paid,’ but when he reconciled, the dollars didn’t add up. He’s personally checking all log-ons and accounts.” He sighed. “I won’t say how much we’d love for you to stay on board. Help bring us all the way into the twenty-first century.”
“That’s good,” she said. “Since you already said it.” And now would be a good time to tell him about her recent decision.
“I need a few days off next week to go up to Wharton. I need to…” What? Try to get in? “Check on my courses and find a place to live.”
“If you need to go, go.” Will roped her in for a side hug. He was probably her favorite cousin, but his kindness was making it harder and harder to leave. “I’m going to miss you, by the way,” he said. “Are you taking it easy? Granny said you’re still pulling a heavy load at Ella’s.”
“Not a heavy load. A few nights a week and part of Saturdays.”
He gave her the big-cousin eye, then greeted some friends. Elizabeth hung back, waiting for Ryder to exit. Catching his eye, she smiled and waved. He headed her way but was cut off by a group of congratulators.
