“Isn’t it libel?” I asked.
“Maybe, if Grace can prove that her life or livelihood has been damaged. Naturally, there’s only libel if Chris is found not guilty.”
“Then you do think it’ll go to trial?”
Cornelia never frowned. What wrinkles she had were light, which was proof either of a dearth of emotional display or good genes. To my knowledge, she had never worn makeup, never even used moisturizer. And she didn’t frown now, but still managed to look concerned.
“You mean, will he plead out? That depends on what kind of case the government has and the penalty for it.”
“What’s the range?”
“Up to five years for someone without a record, likely less for a juvenile.”
“Grace will die if he spends a singledaylocked up,” I said with dread.
“Have you talked with her?”
“Yes.” The call had come at seven, while I was making myself up.
“I’m sorry,” she had said. “I wasn’t polite last night.”
“Screw politeness, Gracie. I don’t care. This is a horrible time for you. Just tell me how you are.”
“How do you think? I’m lousy. My life is in danger.”
“Your life is not in danger. Kids get in trouble all the time, and parents bail them out. You’ll get through this.”
“Okay, but I can’t talk. Chris’ll be down in a second, and we’re going into town to meet with Jay.”
“Are they still outside your house?” No need to explain who “they” were.
“Yup. My car’s in the carport, so we may be able to sneak to it without being caught, but they’ll see me back out. I’ll be sure to—”
“Give them the finger? Do not do that, Grace. They’ll photograph it. Isthatwhat you want going viral?” When she didn’t answer, I said, “Your behavior reflects on Chris. Aggression won’t hack it.”
“They’re scum.”
“I know that, you know that, but don’t let them drag you down to their level. Please, Grace?” When she didn’t respond to that, either, I could only pray that my message registered. “Are you coming to work later?”
“Garrett called.” The general manager of the resort. “He told me to stay home.”
One phone call and I could fix that. I knew the new, alleged owner of theInn, did I not? It would give me a good reason to call him, and, “By the way, Edward, what in the hell are you doing in my town?”
“Maggie?” came a voice from behind. It was one of the women who had been near the mailboxes.
I gave her a weak smile and, seeing no choice, acknowledged the others with a quick wave. I liked these women. The last thing I wanted was to offend them. Nor, though, did I want to discuss what I knew they had in mind. At one point or another, every one of them had seen me with Grace and Chris. As well-meaning as their inquiries might be, I had nothing to add.
Sensing my dilemma, Cornelia waved an imperious hand to shoo off not only the one at my side but the others as well. It might have been overkill, but when it came to ordering people around, she had a free ride. Once the women had left, she retrieved my mail from the back room and handed it over. “Be prepared when you get to the Spa,” she warned. “Word has it they’ve been doing live shots from the station and Town Hall. The Spa is next. They’ll try to interview you.”
“They tried last night. I didn’t say anything.”
“Good girl.”
“How long do you think they’ll stick around?”
She didn’t have to know my history to know I loved the serenity of Devon. We were of like mind in this.
Her smile was small and resigned. “Until something else takes front page.”
