“He created a new family.”
“Yes, he did. But wouldn’t it have been better if he could have had both? The trials we go through together can strengthen our bonds, but my father and grandfather broke theirs instead. I wish Graham didn’t look at me like the enemy.”
The doorknob rattled, and they turned toward it. Darius dropped his arm but stayed close to Eve. Her cousin stepped out, carrying a framed photograph. He handed it to her.
“It was taken when your da was seventeen and mine was fifteen,” Graham said.
The two red-headed young men had an arm slung over each other’s shoulders as they posed for the picture. Each held up a large fish, both boys laughing, their faces bright with pride. Nearby was a newer-looking boathouse.
“Tell me about him.” Eve ran her finger over each of the faces.
When he remained silent, Darius looked at him. Graham’s cheeks were wet, and his mouth was working like he was trying to say something.
“Oh, Graham.” Eve threw her arms around his neck. “I wish I’d known him.”
Her cousin nodded and put a tentative hand on her back.
“I think he’d have liked to meet you too,” he finally said, his voice rough.
Sniffing, Eve stepped back. “Do you mind if I take a picture of this?”
“Go ahead.”
Darius pulled out his phone. They had to adjust the angle to avoid a glare from the overhead light.
“Thank you.” Eve stepped back. “I’ll see you at dinner then.”
“Aye.”
Darius reached for her hand, and they turned toward the stairs. Joe stood nearby but he was watching Graham as he returned to his room.
“I think I’d like to sit in that lovely solarium.” Eve tightened her grip on Darius’s hand, and they went down the stairs.
Once there, she collapsed on one of the couches, and Darius sat beside her.
“That gives me hope.” She pointed to his phone. “Forward that to me, will you? I want to send it to my dad.”
“I think he’ll like seeing it,” Darius said, feeling tired. “You should still tell him everything you’ve observed here, if you haven’t already. Your cousin still wants to sell the estate, and your grandfather should know what his options are.”
“I talked with my father last night for a few minutes, so he knows a little about what’s going on with Graham.” Eve gave a frustrated groan. “I hate having to tell him about the shooting. He’s going to freak out.”
“Just be honest with him that it could have been an accident— It’strue,” Darius said in response to Joe’s grunt. “Unlikely, but not outside the realm of possibility, but we’re leaving just in case something else is going on here. What did the police say?”
“That it was likely irresponsible trespassers who would be next to impossible to catch, and we don’t have any bullets to show them,” Joe said. “Just the holes. I read to you about the hunting in this area. I’ll bet all the neighbors have guns besides the ones in this house.”
“You’re almost talking me into staying,” Eve said, looking tired.
“No,” Darius and Joe said together.
“Oh, I’m so glad to find you all together,” Mrs. Campbell said, breathing heavily as she topped the stairs. “Mr. Stewart said the dinner will be at six. After your spill you might want to take a nap, Miss Stewart. You look a little peaked.”
“I think I will.” Eve gave Darius a quick kiss and went into her room.
17
Eve sat on her bed and tried to gather her thoughts. The day had been such a crazy hodgepodge of emotions. First there’d been the near-death experience, and then Darius had said he loved her.
He loved her.Eve’s heart gave a happy pitter patter, and at the memory of that sublime kiss, her pulse quickened. How could she be so incredibly happy and scared to death at the same time? Had someone really tried to kill them? If so, why only two bullets? Had she been the target? But why would she be? She didn’t stand in line to inherit anything, so she wasn’t a threat.
