He two-footed it down the steps, leading with his uninjured foot on each one.
Despite his cautious descent, however, the ache in his ankle was inching up to an eight on the pain scale.
So before he went home, he’d drop in at urgent care.
And hope he got better results there than he had chasing his elusive quarry through the murky woods last night.
IT HAD WORKED LIKE A CHARM.
Steven smiled and sipped his java.
Reopening his early-morning wound hadn’t been pleasant, but the story he’d concocted had given him a credible explanation for the cut. One both Natalie and the sheriff had bought without question.
On to step two.
“I’m so sorry about your injury, Steven.” Natalie reentered the kitchen, clumping along with her cane. “But it was sweet of you to continue to search for the box of my mother’s items. I know it’s in the basement somewhere.”
“We’ll keep rummaging around until we find it.” He set his mug down and feigned concern. “Natalie, after what happened last night, I’m more worried than ever about you being in this isolated place alone.”
Her brow wrinkled. “I’m beginning to get a little worried myself.”
That was the best news he’d had in weeks.
“You really ought to think about relocating to St. Louis. Help of every kind would be close at hand, and I’d be nearby too.”
The grooves on her forehead deepened. “I do like the idea of having you within easy driving distance. And in case I haven’t expressed my gratitude sufficiently, I do appreciate how you’ve devoted your weekends to me over the past few months. That’s not fair to you, though. A young man like you shouldn’t have to sacrifice all his free time for a distant relative.”
“I don’t think of it as a sacrifice.” The lie glided off his tongue. “But I do have to admit my lady friend is becoming a bit annoyed with me.” Perhaps playing the guilt card would expedite her decision.
Her eyebrows rose. “I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”
“It’s been casual up to this point, but I think there could be serious potential if I gave her more attention.”
Natalie’s face sagged, her dismay clear. “And I’ve been keeping you from that.” She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “I don’t want to be selfish. I do love this place, but perhaps holding on to the past isn’t realistic. I can’t stayhere forever, I suppose—even if I found a retired couple or newlyweds to rent my cottage, like Cara suggested.”
What?
He clenched his teeth.
The professor was all kinds of helpful, wasn’t she?
Keeping his demeanor as pleasant as possible, he wrapped his hands around his mug. “When did that come up?”
“A week or two ago. I meant to discuss it with you, but my mind has been occupied with other matters.”
“Understandable, in light of everything that’s been happening around here.”
“I’d have to expand the cottage to make that plan work, of course. I was going to get your input on the feasibility of that, but now you’ve given me another reason to move.” She leaned over and laid her hand on his arm. “I don’t want to stand in the way of your happiness, Steven.”
Then she needed to move and give him control of her assets.
At least they were getting closer to that, thanks to the guilt play he’d made.
Why hadn’t he tried that ruse sooner?
“I’m more concerned aboutyourwell-being, Natalie.” He patted her hand. “Your safety is my priority.”
“The cameras may help the sheriff find our trespasser.”
