Connor scowled. “The guy’s a dick.”
A deputy left the little group, and Ward called out, “Bring me back some apple pie.”
The fucker wasn’t even trying to hide that he didn’t give a shit.
The fury swelled—tight. Hot. And fuck, he couldn’t contain it.
He stormed across the lot.
“Ethan.”
He ignored Connor’s call and stopped in front of Ward, barely restraining himself from grabbing the useless sheriff. “When are you gonna interview your son?”
Ward lifted a brow. “Gerome?”
“Yes, Gerome. The guy who’s been bad-mouthing us all over town.”
Ward cleared his throat and stepped closer. “Son, you better watch what you say right now. That’s my family you’re talking about.”
“And your number-one suspect.”
Ward’s cheeks reddened and he opened his mouth, but before a word could get out, a deputy touched his shoulder and looked at Ethan. “We’ll do our job and question all relevant people.”
Ethan read the name badge—Deputy Eli Cox. “Do you consider Gerome a relevant person?”
When Cox took a second too long to answer, Ferris stepped in, giving Ward a narrowed look. “Yes. His team will question his son. And hewillfigure out who did this.”
A smug expression crossed Ward’s face.
Ethan turned. It was his only defense to stop from hitting the guy.
Maggie was up and walking away from the ambulance. When he reached her, she touched his arm. “Are you okay?”
Not even close, but this wasn’t about him. “Where’s your oxygen mask?”
“The paramedic cleared me. I’m fine.” She shot her gaze toward Ward, then lowered her voice. “I’m sorry I didn’t see more of the guy who ran.”
Maggie had given her description, and yeah, it wasn’t a lot to go on—black shirt and pants. Around six feet.
“You don’t need to apologize. We’re going to find the guy responsible.”Webeing him and his team,notWard.
Maggie shot a glance to her car. “If it’s okay, I’m going to head home.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“No, I feel all right. My chest is just a little tight. Plus, I know you want to talk to the guys and start sorting things out to get the place fixed. If I stay, you’ll only worry about me.”
“If you go, I’ll worry about you.”
Her brows flickered. Then, without any warning, she stepped into his chest and wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his body.
He wrapped his own arms around her and tugged her that bit closer. Shit, she felt good. Familiar and soft, like she’d never stopped belonging there. He hadn’t hugged her in years, yet standing here, every one of them disappeared.
“I’m sorry about the fire. But I’m glad you’re okay.” She pulled back. “I’ll see you later, Ethan. If you or your team are hungry, I left pancakes by the door.”
“Text me when you get home so I know you’re safe.”
“K.” She leaned up and pecked his cheek.
