The warning signs were impossible to ignore. A man with a mysterious, tragic past. Questions around death. A history of running.
This was exactly the kind of person she should avoid.
But looking at Tyler’s face, at the carefully controlled pain in his eyes, she felt something else too. Sympathy. Grief for what he’d lost. Understanding of the kind of hurt that never fully healed.
She hated how conflicted she felt. Attraction warring with fear. Compassion fighting with self-preservation.
“Miss Davies?” Adam’s voice pulled her attention back. He’d moved even closer, his expression concerned. “Are you doing okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“You sure? Because if you need anything...” His smile was warm, reassuring. “Did Deputy Reeves tell you about the support systems in town? We’ve got some excellent resources for those who are innocent in situations. I know you’ve had a rough time of it lately.”
There was something in his tone that rubbed Brooke the wrong way. Like he was using this situation to shine a light on himself and prove he was the good guy, the one she should trust.
“I appreciate that,” she said carefully. “But I’m okay.”
“Well, you know how to find me if that changes.” Adam glanced back at Tyler. “And don’t worry. I’ll make sure you stay safe.”
The implication was clear and didn’t leave any doubt about who Adam planned to keep her safe from. She had half a mind to tell him what she thought about his offer and exactly what he could do with it.
She glanced at Edi, who rolled her eyes before moving over to speak with the game warden, both of them studying a map spread out on the hood of the man’s truck, planning their approach to the scene.
Robert and Sue stood by their vehicle, looking uncomfortable with the whole situation and ready to leave. Brooke was too. All she really wanted was to get off the mountain, get home, and take a hot bath.
She shifted her attention toward Tyler. He remained where he was, silent and still, accepting Adam’s accusations without protesting.
That bothered Brooke more than she wanted to admit. Why hadn’t he defended himself? Why hadn’t he explained what happened and given his side of the story?
Unless there was no good explanation. Unless the concerns were legitimate, and he knew it.
She thought about the way he’d handled himself on the trail. Calm, confident, protective. The way he looked at her, like maybe he was interested in getting to know her better. She’d felt the connection building between them.
All of it felt suspect now, tainted by what Adam had revealed.
“We need to get moving,” Edi called out, gesturing toward the game warden. “Henry’s going to escort me back to the scene and take pictures so we’re ready when the coroner arrives. The rest of you are free to go, but stay available for follow-up questions.”
“I’ll go with the warden,” Adam said.
“I’ve got it covered,” Edi said firmly.
“Deputy.” Adam walked toward Edi. Whatever he said was too low for Brooke to hear, but from the look on Edi’s face, he’d decided she would be staying in the parking lot and Adam would be going with the warden.
Sue and Robert shuffled over to Brooke’s SUV. “Would you like to ride back to town with me? Robert can drive your car.”
Brooke smiled at the offer, gratitude threatening to overwhelm her. She swallowed hard before saying, “I think I’m okay.”
Adam approached the group again. “As Deputy Reeves said, you may be questioned again.” His attention shifted to Tyler. “Stay available.”
Sue muttered that she would. Robert nodded. Brooke stayed quiet, as did Tyler.
“Miss Davies, may I speak with you?” Adam motioned her toward the front of her car. She glanced back at Tyler as she followed the deputy. His eyes followed her. She quickly looked away.
“Um, yes?” Brooke asked when they stopped.
He smiled. She was struck by how genuine it looked. She didn’t plan on it, but she automatically smiled back.
“I wanted to make sure you really are okay. Do you think you can drive?”
