When I’m done, I put the book back where I found it and pull on shoes and a jacket and trudge outside. I need air.
I walk around the garden, hardly noticing the beauty and wildness of it. The light reflects off dew drops, creating the illusion that the flowers’ petals are actually glowing. I can hear Noah and Owen talking, but their voices are distant and muffled.
Turning around to the southern side of the house, my feet crunching lightly on the stone path, my eye catches on a familiar plant. I bend down to study it. Foxglove. It was one of the poisonous plants highlighted in Owen’s book. It can cause irregular heart function and even death—the cause of death of the first victim.
I can’t help but notice how beautiful the flowers are, but the thing that causes tears to sting my eyes is what’s next to the plant. There are obvious cuttings and evidence that a significant amount was taken away.
Snapping a few more photos, I still don’t want to believe what I’m seeing, even if I knew the truth long before this. Even if I ignored it.
I lazily make my way around the rest of the house, my trembling never slowing. Owen and Noah’s voices long ago faded as they went inside for more coffee.
Seeing more evidence, I take photos of all of it. I don’t remember the other poisonous plants or how they kill their victims. At this point, it doesn’t matter.
Part of me wanted to believe he was innocent. That I’d never find anything, because there wasn’t anything to find.
I knew better.
I’m completely numb when I reach the front of the house again, but before I can enter, Owen’s laughter greets me at the door. The numbness fades, and my heart shatters into a million pieces. I clutch my chest, the unshed tears finally spilling down my cheeks.
Chapter 27
Iwant to call Ella. I want to tell her all that’s happened and have her tell me that everything will work out. That this won’t end the way I know it will—with my heart shattered and my ass in jail. And Owen in prison, broken by my lies and betrayal. Or worse, dead.
But I can’t call her. I can’t drag her further into this. Plus, she probably wouldn’t even pick up the phone.
I consider ringing Declan and revealing everything, but the same thoughts float through my head. I’m already threatening his position as director with my trial. He doesn’t need to be an accomplice to the mess I’ve gotten myself into.
I find myself sitting on the front porch, unable to go inside. Unable to do anything. Not sure what to do.
The voices of Noah and Owen talking and laughing drift through the open kitchen window. I don’t know how to go in there right now. I don’t want to pretend, and they will both know something’s wrong.
Not a moment after those thoughts, Noah stumbles through the front door and finds me. His smile is broad, and suddenly my chest aches even more.
“Wondered where you wandered off to,” he says, taking a seat in the wooden rocking chair next to me. It creaks under his weight.
I take another slow sip of coffee, not sure I’m ready to speak.
“Owen told me everything.”
I raise a brow.
Noah chuckles. “Well, probably not everything, but most of it.”
I return my gaze to the wild garden in front of us, and the words still won’t come.
“I may not be the smartest guy, but it’s obvious you care for each other.” Noah’s words are soft.
“Caring for someone, even loving them, won’t save them.”
Now it’s Noah’s turn to raise a brow. “I don’t know what your assignment is. I only know what Owen told me, but I do know you. I know it takes a very special person to break down your walls. You don’t just do it for anyone, and I know that’s what he’s done.”
Taking another slow sip, I squeeze my eyes shut. “And would you fight for that person even if it might ruin both of you?”
There’s no hesitation with Noah’s answer. “Yes.”
I open my eyes and look at him. “Why?”
“Because I’d rather die knowing I tried than live with the regret.”
