Entries filled the screen—meetings, court dates, blocks of time marked in a neat, color-coded order. Most of the entries were tied to a trial that was already underway. Hearings had been scheduled weeks out. Days started early and ran late.
Garrick was busy, his schedule tied up, and his time accounted for.
If he was still in DC, still sitting in courtrooms and conference rooms, then he couldn’t be anywhere near Refuge Cove. He couldn’t have followed her.
She wanted to feel relief, but it was too soon.
She opened another tab and did a quick internet search for his name.
Headlines confirmed what his schedule already told her. He was in the middle of a high-profile, ongoing murder trial. Getting away would be nearly impossible.
She released a shaky breath as she leaned back in the chair.
But her relief was short-lived as a colder thought hit her.
What if Garrick somehow found out Millie had logged in to his calendar under his name? What if one of the tech guys at his work could somehow trace the IP address back to Refuge Cove? Had she logged out? She couldn’t remember.
Her heart raced with panic.
What if instead of reassuring herself that she hadn’t messed up when she left, if she’d actually just led Garrick right to her doorstep?
Before she could contemplate her actions anymore, footsteps sounded in the hall.
Someone was coming.
Millie’s breath caught as she turned toward the door.
She couldn’t be caught in here. She wasn’t ready to explain herself.
But what could she do?
chapter
thirteen
Millie didn’t havetime to think—only to move on instinct.
She slipped into the closet and carefully pulled the door shut. Darkness swallowed her whole.
She pressed her back against the wall, her lungs working too fast. Dust tickled her nose. Boxes brushed her shoulder.
This must be where they kept supplies. She didn’t turn to examine anything, however. She needed to stay perfectly still.
The door to the room opened.
Millie’s heart thudded so hard she was certain it would give her away.
She counted her breaths, trying to stay calm.
Every explanation she might give if she was caught tangled in her mind.
I just needed to double-check something.
I didn’t mean to snoop. I wasn’t snooping. Not on you. Only on Garrick.
I needed to be sure everyone here would be safe, that I didn’t screw up.
None of her excuses sounded good enough to explain her hiding right now, however. This move had been desperate andweak. Being in here made her look untrustworthy. If she were caught, it would only add to her humiliation.
