As they disappeared through the front doors, Holt became acutely aware that every person in the police station was staring at him. Officers, civilian staff, and even a couple of people who were there to file reports. All eyes were focused on him and the scene Victoria had just created.
Great. Just great, Holt thought with an internal sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. By evening, this would be the talk of the entire town, complete with exaggerated details about how FBI Director Holt Dillinger was romantically involved with Police Chief Tom Morrison’s ex-wife.
This was exactly the kind of complication Holt’s summer in Sandpiper Shores didn’t need.
20
JUNE
The veterinary clinic had a peaceful atmosphere that June was beginning to find soothing. She’d spent the morning helping Lacey organize supplies and learning the basics of animal care, finding the work both challenging and rewarding. The rescued rabbits from yesterday’s fire were doing well in their makeshift nursery, and June felt a sense of accomplishment watching them thrive.
She was checking on the baby rabbits when Zoe and Becky burst through the clinic’s back door, practically vibrating with excitement from their errand to deliver the thank-you baskets Lacey had prepared for Holt and Chief Morrison.
“Gran, you won’t believe what we saw at the police station,” Zoe announced breathlessly, her eyes wide with the thrill of unexpected drama.
“What happened, sweetheart?” Lacey asked, looking up from the medication chart she was updating.
“We saw Director Dillinger and Mrs. Morrison kissing,” Becky said, the words tumbling out in a rush. “Right there in the policestation hallway, and she was organizing a dinner date with him. They were planning when she should have her fancy French chef cook for him at her house.”
June felt the blood drain from her face, though she kept her expression carefully neutral. Her hands stilled on the rabbit cage as the girls continued their animated account.
“They didn’t even seem to care they were in the hallway for everyone to see,” Zoe added with teenage fascination. They stood there really kissing. And then Mrs. Morrison was talking about her French chef and everything.”
“I wonder how Chief Morrison is going to take that news,” Becky mused. “Do you think he knows his ex-wife is dating Director Dillinger?”
June was profoundly grateful when Lacey stepped in with gentle but firm authority.
“Girls, maybe we shouldn’t be talking about this,” Lacey said quietly. “Gossip can hurt people, even when we don’t mean for it to.”
“But Gran, we saw it with our own eyes,” Zoe protested logically. “So it’s not gossip, it’s news. And we weren’t the only ones who saw them. I bet everyone else in the police station will be buzzing with the news too.”
June had to hide a smile despite her emotional turmoil. The girl would make an excellent attorney someday with that kind of reasoning.
“No, sweetheart, that’s still gossip and none of our business,” Lacey pointed out firmly.
“But Gran…” Zoe began, only to have Lacey stop her.
“Zoe, my dear darling girl,” she said with love in her voice and the patience of a saint. “What did I teach you about other people’s business?”
“That it was exactly that,” Zoe repeated her grandmother’s words. “Their business.”
“That’s right,” Lacey said with a warm smile. “Now, if you two are going to help out here, you need to go change into your work clothes. Those dog pens won’t clean themselves.” She raised her brows. “And I don’t want to hear either of you talking about this again.” Her eyes moved from Becky to Zoe. “Is that clear?”
“Yes, Gran,” Zoe answered alongside Becky’s, “Yes, Lacey.”
“Now go, attend to your duties,” Lacey gently shooed them off. “We’ll go to Margo’s for ice cream when we’re finished today.”
“Okay,” both girls said in unison, rushing off toward the supply room where Lacey kept spare coveralls for volunteers.
Once they were out of earshot, Lacey turned to June with concerned eyes. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”
June forced a bright smile and straightened her shoulders. “Of course I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because of what you just heard and because the two of you have just met again after thirty-eight years.” Lacey studied her friend’s face for a moment before speaking carefully. “I probably should have mentioned this before, but Victoria and Holt did date briefly when they were teenagers. That was about a year before your family first started coming to Sandpiper Shores.”
“I know,” June lied smoothly, though her heart was pounding. She silently berated herself for caring about something that had happened so long ago, especially when it had no bearing on hercurrent situation. And she was angry that it hurt that Holt had never mentioned that to her in all the years they were together.
“They were long over by the time of your first summer here,” Lacey continued, apparently not noticing June’s distress. “Victoria moved on to dating Alvin Frost pretty quickly after that. She always seemed to gravitate toward whoever had the most money or status.”
