How could she have ever been that stupid? That blind?
“You’re not still in love with him?”
He did not just ask that question! “Take me to the inn.” She wasn’t even responding to such a ludicrous question.
“Is that a no?”
Fury blasted her nerve endings. “That’s the mother of all no’s, Conner.”
“Good.”
Good? Obviously he was suffering from some sort of post-traumatic stress syndrome over his sister’s abduction. He damned sure wasn’t making any sense.
“Is it okay if I stop by my office first?” He arrowed her a sidelong glance. “Unless you’re pissed at me for asking such personal questions and want me out of your sight like right this minute.”
Whatever. “Why not?” What else was she going to do? The cops wouldn’t listen to her. Idiots.
She needed to think. To figure out a new strategy. One that would prove her theory. Anticipation filtered past her frustration. She’d made that announcement to the press; that should seriously piss off the killer. All she needed was to watch for the reaction.
Conner and Sons was a block off the harbor, in a back alley. The entrance was tucked between the rear exits of two restaurants. Inside, his office was bigger than Sarah had expected.
A young woman, one who looked around the same age as Kale, sat behind the reception desk. “Hey, Kale, I didn’t expect to see youtoday.” She flashed a big, shiny-lipped smile. Her eyes were huge with admiration.
He had himself an admirer. Something along the lines of jealousy pricked Sarah. She refused to acknowledge it.
Anyway, the receptionist or office manager—whatever she was—looked like perfect wife material.
That Sarah’s mouth automatically formed a frown at the thought irritated her all the more.
“Christine, this is Sarah Newton.”
“Oh, yeah.” Christine stuck out her hand. “I saw you on the news a few minutes ago. You look so young on TV.”
Sarah gave her hand a quick shake. Opted to take the comment as a compliment. “Thanks.”
“I just have to check on a couple of things and I’m off,” Kale said.
Christine gave him a big puppy-dog look. “I’m so thankful Polly’s okay. I had everyone I know praying so hard.”
“Thanks. We appreciate that.”
Sarah followed him to his office. “I’m surprised she hasn’t hooked and reeled you in already.”
He pushed the door shut. “What?”
Sarah jerked her head toward the door. “Christine. She’s clearly mad about you.”
Kale laughed as he riffled through his messages. “Sure.”
Did he not see it? Whatever. Not her business.
As she scanned the numerous photos of him and his father and their crew hanging on the walls, an idea occurred to her. “You could take me for a ride in one of your boats.” The inspiration gained momentum even as she spoke.
He glanced up, surprise on his face. “If you want. It’s pretty damned chilly out there, though.”
From the water they should be able to see every cave close to the Pope property, as well as the boathouse and the main house. “I want.” She reached for the door. “Hurry up.”
“You mean now?”
