“You know you’re like family to me,” she said. “Like a brother.”
“I feel the same way. Meeting you was one of the best things that ever happened to me.”
Morgan pinched her thumb and index fingers together. “I’ll admit I’m a teensy smidgen worried about Hailey and her past.”
Greg stopped eating, his sandwich midair to his mouth. “What about her past?”
“She has a record.”
The tips of Greg’s ears turned bright red. “A criminal record?”
“For possession of drugs and intent to distribute.” Morgan’s heart plummeted at the expression on his face, a mixture of shock and disbelief.
“There must be some sort of mix-up. Hailey doesn’t do drugs.”
“Maybe not now, but she has in the past.”
“Like a long time ago?”
“Last year,” Morgan said. “The record we found was from last year.”
Greg set his half-eaten sandwich down and shoved his chair back. “I don’t believe it. It’s a lie.”
Diners around them turned at his raised voice.
“Let’s talk about this after lunch.”
“There’s nothing to discuss. It’s not true,” he insisted.
Morgan quickly gathered up her things. She placed a light hand on Greg’s arm and propelled him toward the door. “I’m going to pay for our meal. I’ll be right back.”
She darted to the counter. Thankfully, the cashier must’ve noticed the commotion and helped Morgan settle the bill within seconds.
By the time she reached the door, a sullen Greg, his jaw clenched and his hands in his pockets, refused to look at her.
“Let’s go for a drive.”
He let her lead him to her SUV parked nearby. They climbed in and buckled up. Morgan shot him a furtive glance and wisely decided to take a breather and let the information sink in. Of course he was in shock. The woman he loved had a criminal record, and a recent one at that.
Not only a record, but Hailey was, more than likely, being questioned about a death. It was a lot to absorb.
Morgan drove out of town, taking the road along the shoreline. They rode in silence for a long moment.
“I’m sorry for blowing up,” Greg finally said. “It’s not your fault.”
“No, it’s not. I know you care about Hailey. It’s possible she had a drug problem, got clean and moved to Easton Island to start over,” Morgan said. “I certainly don’t know her history and what happened in her past, but it is something you need to be aware of.”
“Should I ask her about it?”
“I would. How do you think she’ll react?”
Greg contemplated her question. “I’m not sure. Ever since Grady showed up, she’s been moody and quiet.”
“Being questioned about a murder would put anyone on edge,” Morgan said. “I can’t tell you what to do, and I don’t want to be responsible if…this causes problems in your relationship.”
“I love Hailey.” Greg heaved a heavy sigh. “She’s perfect for me. I should’ve known it was too good to be true.”
Morgan pulled off the road and shifted into park. She reached for Greg’s hand. “Then do what your heart tells you to do.”
