“Because he’s… well, connected,” I said vaguely. “And because I might’ve mentioned it to him.”
Aiden froze mid-movement. “You talked to him?”
“Yes.” I took a breath, knowing how this would sound. “I went to the bed-and-breakfast earlier. I wanted answers.”
Aiden rubbed a hand down his face, his jaw tight. “Anna.”
“I’m telling you, I’m onto something,” I said quickly. “He’s not what he seems, but I don’t think he’s our bad guy.”
Aiden reached out and tugged gently on a strand of my hair, his tone low. “Don’t go seeing Cormac alone again.”
“I think he’s harmless.”
He gave me a look that was all steel. “He’s not harmless.”
“Well,” I said, softening my tone, “maybe not harmless, but I don’t think he wants to hurt me. And he used to work with Rory, so I figure that’s worth something.”
Aiden leaned back against the pillows, still holding the map. His expression didn’t change, but I saw the muscle in his jaw jump. “He used to, or still does,” Aiden said quietly. “I don’t trust it when people claim they don’t anymore. Believe me, I’ve been undercover enough times to know that once you’re in, you’re never completely out.”
“Yeah, you would know,” I agreed. “Maybe you and Cormac should sit down and talk. My gut says he didn’t steal the boxes, but he wants them a little too badly.”
Aiden’s expression didn’t change, but his jaw worked as he thought.
“And,” I added, “he’s also trying to date Donna.”
That earned a short, humorless laugh. Aiden leaned over and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry.”
“Okay,” I murmured.
“Does Nana know the boxes were stolen again?” he asked, settling back against the pillow.
“I don’t think she even knows we found them,” I admitted. “I didn’t tell her, and I’m pretty sure Dad didn’t either. We didn’t want to get her hopes up.”
Aiden lifted a shoulder. “If you say so. Secrets never last in Silverville.”
Before I could answer, my phone buzzed across the tray table. I glanced at the screen and then answered. “Hi, Nana. What’s up?”
“Anna, honey,” her voice trembled through the line. “I’m so sorry to bother you.”
My stomach sank. “You could never bother me. What’s going on?” I sat up straight, my hand instinctively finding Aiden’s good arm for balance.
“I’m being arrested,” she said.
For a second, my brain refused to process the words. “You’re… being arrested? Again?” I asked weakly. “What did Gloria do this time?”
“It’s not Gloria,” she whispered. “It’s me.”
There was a rustle on the other end, and a familiar male voice replaced hers. “Anna,” Deputy McCracken said, sounding like a man who’d rather be anywhere else.
“McCracken,” I snapped. “What’s going on?”
He exhaled hard. “We’re arresting your grandmother for possession, delivery with intent, and manufacturing of a controlled substance.”
I shot to my feet. “What?” My voice cracked.
“Yeah,” McCracken muttered, regret dripping from every word. “You might want to get over here. The tea she’s been selling tested positive for psilocybin.”
I blinked. “Psilo—psilocybin?”
