I was too in shock to move or say anything.
“Well, he doesn’t have mine!” Dad shouted. “You and your uppityfamily stole my girl from me and I’ll be damned if I give you my blessing for it.”
That loosened my tongue. “You can’t pin my moving on Asher or Addie. I didn’t even know them when I left. I just wanted out of here and away from you.”
Dad staggered backwards like I’d slapped him, but I was too pissed to care.
“Don’t you dare pretend like you’re some kind of victim in all of this. You say youlove me, but we both know whiskey is the only thing you’ve loved since Mom died, and I could never compete with that bottle. It’s eaten away whatever heart you had left. And clearly your brain, too. I can’t believe you called me about the jewelry. What the hell were you thinking?”
He stiffened. “I wanted a recommendation.”
“You know, Dad, Addie and I are really good at what we do. Did you thinkwe wouldn’t find out who did it? Or that I’d turn my head and let it happen?” I had to look away because my eyes were burning, but the feel of Asher’s hand on my back strengthened my resolve. “When I saw those videos... You put me in this position, and I will never forgive you for it.”
His expression changed, telling me he knew exactly what I was talking about. The worst part about it was helooked surprised that Addison and I had figured it out. He hadn’t expected us to solve the crime, and that hurt.
He looked almost sober as he raised his chin and said, “You don’t know everything, Dylan, and it’s not safe for you to keep digging. You and your friends should get out of this town before you stumble over what’s really going on.”
Not only did he think we were incapable, he refusedto believe that we’d learned of his guilt through honest detective work. I glared him down. “We’re not leaving until this case is solved.”
He frowned, shaking his head. “I never should have brought you into this mess. I’m sorry.”
I had nothing more to say to him, so I grabbed Asher’s hand and tugged him away.
“So...your dad is the one stealing the jewelry?” Asher asked.
Nothing got pasthim. “Yes. Can we leave?”
“The fair or the town?”
Tempting. I shook myself. “The fair. I have to stick around and see this through.”
“You really don’t,” Asher replied as we walked toward the car. “Nobody’s paid you guys to investigate, and you’re not cops, so you have no moral responsibility...” He opened my car door and I climbed in and waited for him before arguing.
“Yes, I do, Ash. Myfather is stealing jewelry from little old ladies. If Addie and I do nothing, he’ll get away with it. Nobody in this town will ever solve this case.”
“What about the cops?” he asked. “Can’t you just take whatever evidence you have to them?”
“You’re so cute with your justice and integrity. Will you please drive back toward the motel? We’re going to take a detour, though.”
Asher pulled out ofthe fairground parking lot. “Dylan, I’m serious. That thing your dad said back there sounded a lot like a threat or a warning. Maybe you’re too close to this case. Perhaps it’s time to back off.”
“I would if I could,” I groaned. “Dad’s related to the DA and at least half the police force. I’ve known those guys my whole life, and I can guarantee you they will not make him pay for this. At themost, he’ll get a slap on the wrist. Hang a right here.”
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“The nursing home. You’re going to have the distinct displeasure of meeting my grandmother. Let me apologize now for anything she says. I was hoping to shield you from her forever, but the truth is...I need you beside me right now.”
He reached over and grabbed my hand. “Of course.”
I stared at our intertwinedfingers, thinking about the conversation Asher had tried to have with my plastered father. Marriage. Asher wanted to marry me. At least, he did before my dad tried to beat him up. And now he was going to meet my grandmother. I wondered if he’d still be hearing wedding bells by the time we finally made it out of this town.
We arrived at the nursing home a little past six. Brandy was working.Her eyes widened and her mouth opened when she saw Asher, but I didn’t have time for her barrage of questions. “Brandy, Asher, Asher, Brandy. Asher’s my boyfriend. Yes, Dakota knows and gave us his blessing. So does Dad, and he didn’t. In a hurry, gotta see Grandma.”
She stood there, flabbergasted, as we rushed by. It was exactly the reaction I was looking for.
Grandma’s door was open, so Imarched right in. The nurse from Ms. Long’s room—Helen—stood by the bed with a little cup of pills and a glass of water. Grandma took her pills and washed them down, and then the nurse left. As soon as the door closed behind the nurse, Grandma spat her pills into a napkin and headed toward the bathroom with them.
“Grandma! What are you doing?”
