“We did.Anne’s staying at The Lakeside Inn for a few days.”
“Do you think she can help clear your name?”
“She brought copies of all the documents from McGibbons’ office, including some emails I hadn’t seen.I’ve sent them to my lawyer.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
Theo poured another glass of water and handed it to Ethan.“I’m hoping it clears my name.I hired the best lawyer I could afford, but I don’t know if he’s as good as McGibbons’ team of lawyers.”
“The truth is the truth no matter how many smooth-talking lawyers you hire.”
“Maybe, but I’ve seen too many people beaten down by a broken judicial system.”
“Have you told Tony you have the documents?”
“I called him when we were driving back to Sapphire Bay.He said to be careful.”
Ethan helped himself to one of Theo’s sandwiches.“Makes sense, especially after what McGibbons said.If you need someone to watch your back, let me know.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about.McGibbons warned me away from Anne and anyone who knows her.Tony’s making sure her roommate is okay.”
Ethan stopped chewing.“If Anne’s staying at the inn, everyone who’s staying there could be in danger.”
“Not if no one knows she’s there.Barbara and her sisters will tell everyone Anne’s last name is Reynolds.There’ll be no reason to think she isn’t another one of their guests.”
“If McGibbons is half as intelligent as I think he is, he won’t be fooled.”
“He has more important things to focus on.”
“I hope you’re right.”Ethan checked his watch.“I have to go.I’ll stop by the inn on my way home and see how Anne is settling in.”
“I’ll see you there.”Theo ignored the amused look in his friend’s eyes.“You didn’t think I’d leave them on their own, did you?”
“I think there’s more to your visit than even you know.If you need me to bring anything, call me before five-thirty.”
“Will do.See you later.”And as Ethan left the house, Theo hurried into his studio.He only had a few minutes to set everything up for the one o’clock changeover.Otherwise, all his listeners would hear was silence.
CHAPTER 9
Later that night, Barbara handed Anne another blanket.With the inn fully booked, they’d had to find another room for her to sleep in.Fortunately, they still had the bedroom they’d converted into a large storage area.
Using the extra bed in Katie’s room, and a bedside table and dresser from the garage, they’d furnished it quickly and simply.
“If you need anything else, let me know.”Barbara looked around the room.Penny and Katie had moved the larger boxes out of the room.It still looked a little like a storage area, but it was okay for what they needed.
Anne hugged the blanket close.“Thank you for everything you’re doing for me.”
“It’s no problem.You’ll be safe here.”
“I don’t think I’ll be safe anywhere for a long time.”
Barbara touched her arm.“Even if your former boss knows where Theo lives, there’s next to no chance he’ll find you.We have new guests arriving all the time.No one in town will suspect anything out of the ordinary has happened.”
“I hope not.”
Barbara didn’t know what else she could say to make Anne feel more comfortable.“Breakfast is at seven.If you get hungry or thirsty during the night, help yourself to anything in the kitchen.”
Anne followed her across to the bedroom door.“I will.Thanks.”
