My gaze sharpened.“You think those things are connected?”
He gave a half shrug.“Not necessarily.But I think the timing is interesting.”
The thought that Spencer had been poking around and that someone might have intentionally tried to kill him by running him over was concerning.I had no proof, but I agreed with him that the timing was suspicious, especially given how much he’d been openly asking questions.
I needed to find out who was still at the Rusty Anchor after Spencer left that night.If Gil had conveniently walked out right after him, that was something I couldn’t ignore.It didn’t make him guilty, but it gave me a place to start.I also wanted to take a look at Gil’s vehicle, see if there was any visible damage that might line up with a hit-and-run.If nothing else, I could ask him about his whereabouts and see how his story held up.
I rubbed my jaw, processing what Spencer had just told me.I wasn’t sure how it fit with what I knew about Craig being out on the water the night Eddie died.Then again, Craig had said he couldn’t find Eddie.That Eddie hadn’t been where he usually fished.Could that be because Eddie had been fishing somewhere he wasn’t supposed to?
“Did he tell you anything else you think I should know?”I asked.
He smiled slyly.“See, this information is useful, right?It could maybe help you solve your case.”
I shrugged.“Maybe.”
He laughed and then pressed his hand to his ribs.“Ouch.”
“But that doesn’t mean I want you to keep asking questions,” I warned.
He gave me a surly look.“Luckily, that’s not up to you.”
I let out a harsh breath.“Spencer, come on.Let me do my job.Just focus on getting better.”
He studied me, his blue eyes conflicted.“If there’s a story there, I can’t just ignore it, Declan, anymore than you can ignore if there’s a crime.You may not think what I do is important, but I do.”
“I never once said what you do isn’t important.”I moved closer to him and I took his hand in mine.“I don’t even think that, Spencer.”
“But you want me to pretend I don’t see something I see.That’s bullshit.”Despite his angry tone, he didn’t pull his hand away.
“I just don’t want anything to happen to you,” I admitted.“If Eddie was murdered, whoever did it is dangerous.I don’t know if your accident was connected or not, but if it was, that means they have you in their sights.”
He swallowed.“I’ll be careful.”
“Sometimes that’s not enough.Not when you’re dealing with someone who’s ruthless.Scared.Impulsive.”
He sighed.“I can’t just stop, Declan, not if I hear something.I won’t go looking for trouble, okay?But if something falls in my lap, I’m not going to ignore it.”
My stomach churned as I said, “Then I guess I better hurry up and solve my case before you get in anymore trouble.”
* * *
The next morning, I woke Spencer before I left for work.I sat on the edge of the bed and gently touched his shoulder.He opened his eyes, looking confused at first, then he smiled when he recognized me.
“Good morning.”His voice was husky.
“Morning.I’m going to work now.There’s leftover pasta in the fridge if you get hungry.Call me if you need anything, okay?”
“Okay.”He pulled the covers up to his chin.“But I think I’ll mostly just sleep today.”
I frowned.“Try to eat something.”
“I will,” he said drowsily.“After I sleep.”
I leaned down and kissed him, and he surprised me when he grabbed hold of the front of my shirt, deepening the kiss.I laughed against his mouth, and when the kiss ended, I straightened.“You’re the horniest invalid I’ve ever known.”
“How many have you known?”he mumbled, closing his eyes.
I laughed and stood.“I’ll call you later.”
