The knot that’s lived in my chest for over two months loosens. I was really hoping that Grady would follow through, but part of me just couldn’t believe it would work. The marshal follows that announcement with a bite of his donut while I do my best to not look as relieved as I am. “That’s good to hear.”
“The insurance company has been notified. You should hear from them shortly about your claim.”
“Thank you. It’ll be nice to get all that behind me. Am I allowed to enter now?”
“It’s not safe to go inside, and there’s nothing in there that isn’t destroyed.”
That’s not news to me. Just looking in the broken windows the day after showed me that. “I had some things on the porch that survived, planters and stuff.”
He nods at me. “The scene has been released. You’re welcome to pull the yellow tape down.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you letting me know.” I pick up my latte and start to stand, but he shakes his head.
“That isn’t all.” He leans over the table, looking me in theeye. “You got away with it, but I want you to know you didn’t fool me. Not for one single solitary second. I know you burned it down.” He doesn’t sound angry. In fact, he’s almost gleeful, as if he’s sharing a secret we both know.
“You don’t know shit.” I wonder what Grady told him. Does he know I’m blackmailing him? Did Grady even need to give a reason, or did he just give an order? It doesn’t matter. The result is the same. I have nothing to fear from this egotistical asshole.
A grin appears on his face. “I know arson when I see it, even if I can’t prove it. You set it on fire and called Lee to play the hero, who showed up just in time. Now, you’ll have no problem paying off that loan.” He gets to his feet and looks around the diner. “You sure made the place look nice with it. I’ll give you that. Your mama would be proud. Stay out of trouble, Ms. Mills.”
He strides out, and I stay seated, letting his news sink in. I’m really free of the Matheson’s. If Grady did this much, he’ll surely get Austin to drop the charges. I get to keep the diner. Not only that, I’ll have the money to pay off my loan. I can combine what’s left over with what I make selling the lot the house is on and it should be enough to buy me a new place. Finally, some good news.
I send a quick text to Lee asking him if he’ll be home this evening or if something is planned. He gets right back to me saying he’s on his way home for the night.
I hope Justus is ready to follow me to the grocery store and liquor store because we’re celebrating tonight. After Imake a call to the insurance company to see when I can expect my payment.
Lee is just getting out of his truck when Justus and I park on either side of him. “What did the fire marshal want?” Lee asks immediately.
I give Justus an exasperated look. “Are you protecting me or spying on me?”
“I didn’t know I had to choose.” He beams and starts walking toward the path to Landon’s cabin. “See you at seven.”
My phone rings with a call from my lawyer, and I stop to answer it, leaning against Lee’s truck.
“Ms. Mills. I have good news for you. Austin Matheson requested the charges be dropped and refused to cooperate any further. The prosecutor moved to dismiss this morning, and the judge just signed off. You’re in the clear.”
Fuck yes. This really is over. “That’s fantastic. Thanks so much for calling. I also found out the fire at my residence has been ruled accidental so I’m no longer an arson suspect.” Lee’s eyebrows rise as he listens to my side of the conversation.
“Well, you’re having a lucky day.”
The luck was meeting Celia. I’ll have to reach out to Molly and see how she’s doing in Florida. “It appears so. I won’t need to keep you on retainer anymore. Thank you for yourhelp. You have the address where I’m staying to send the bill.”
As soon as I hang up, Lee says, “You’ll get your insurance settlement?”
A relieved laugh flows out of me. A cold wind cuts through my clothes, and I start pulling the bags of groceries out of my truck. Lee steps in to take them from me, so I grab the liquor from my front seat. “Yes, insurance is going to pay, and Austin dropped the charges against me. Let’s get inside. I have a lot to tell you.”
A package sits on the porch and Lee scoops it up.
“Did you order something?” I ask, unlocking the door.
“Yeah I did.” He sets the box on the counter as if it’s unimportant and looks at me expectantly as I start putting the groceries away. “Austin dropped the charges against you?”
“He did. Why, were you planning to threaten him again?”
Lee’s lips twitch up. He knows he’s busted and isn’t a bit sorry for it. “No, he’s lucky he got a warning.”
“I told you I was handling it and to leave him alone.” I walk to the living room and he follows me.
“No, you told me not to kick his ass and I didn’t. How did you find out I threatened him?”
