Doesn’t matter.Unless the real killer is found, a jury is going to find me guilty. I know it.
Hopping in Kade’s Ford, I’m not sure what to say. On one hand, he saved my life, but he also ruined my best chance at capturing Mr. Mumbles.
Keys in the ignition, Kade keeps his face neutral as he follows signs to the interstate.
Recalling how I misjudged him, my face heats. “I’m sorry for running off… and thank you, for saving me.”
“You’ve kind of grown on me.” His hand covers my knee, sending sparks to all my intimate places.
I tug lightly on his beard. “Like mold?”
A grin spreads across his face. “More like a fungus… or perhaps a barnacle—stuck for good.”
When his chuckle rumbles low in his chest, I snort. Soon, we both lose it, laughing until I’m wiping away tears. No heart-to-heart, no awkward unpacking. Just like that, we’re good again.
Take that Herman.
Relaxed, I recline the seat, and sleep.
We’re almost back at Kade’s place when the burner phone wakes me.
Good God, what now?“Hey John, what’s up?”
“No, it’s Aphrodite. Remember? Your sister? Whereareyou?”
So much for a moment of calm.“Safe. Ito got me released.”
“Give me your address. We’re coming.” Her bossiness hasn’t worked on me in years, but that has never stopped her.
“Who’s we?” Fists clenched, I try to hold back my temper.
Her silence says it all.
“Everyone?”Are you fucking kidding me?
“You think we’d leave after you got arrested for murder?” Her voice lowers — but not nearly enough. “Did you do it? Did you kill Brett?”
Across the console, Kade’s eyes cut sideways. He heard. Awesome. Now he knows how one—probably all—of them think I’m capable of murder.
Where is Doctor Herman when I need him?“No, Didee. I didn’t. Please go away. Take the hordes. Nothing’s going to happen for weeks. If you don’t believe me, ask the fancy mouthpiece Dad hired.”
“We’re not leaving Vermont without you.”
“Suit yourself.” Lips pursed, staring at the cows, I hang up.
Before the phone hits my lap, it rings again. “Hello, Persephone. Yes, I’m fine. Out on bail. No, I’m not going back home. Ever. Buh-bye.”
While my fingers hover, the damn thing buzzes again.
“Let me guess.” The patient man behind the wheel raises his brows.
“No need. It’s my father.”
“Of course it is.” He glances over. “Don’t have to answer it.”
“Yeah, I do.”Otherwise, he’ll just keep calling.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
