Something about the way Adam said it—the assumption that she’d agree, the proprietary tone—rubbed Brooke the wrong way. “I appreciate your concern, but I can make my own decisions about who I spend time with.”
“Even when that person is a murderer?”
“Innocent until proven guilty,” Joe said. “That’s how it’s supposed to work, right, Deputy?”
“Of course,” Adam said smoothly. “But the evidence is convincing. It’s only a matter of time before we can prove what he did.”
They ran in silence for a few minutes, the only sounds their steady breathing and the rhythm of feet hitting pavement. Brooke’s thoughts were moving faster than her legs.
“Tyler’s story would make a great series,” Joe said suddenly. “The angle, the narrative arc—wrongly accused man returns to town, or actually guilty and finally caught. Either way, it’s compelling.”
Brooke shot him a look. Joe’s journalist’s brain never really turned off, but she’d hoped for a little more sensitivity given the circumstances.
“Once I’ve nailed him, I’ll get you an exclusive,” Adam said. “Full access to the investigation files, interviews with everyone involved. Could be a career-maker for you.”
The words hit Brooke wrong. Not the offer itself, but the way Adam said it. Like convicting Tyler was already a done deal. Like the truth didn’t matter as much as closing the case.
“What if he’s innocent?” Brooke asked.
Adam’s laugh was humorless. “He’s not.”
“But what if he is?”
“He’s not,” Adam repeated, more firmly this time. “Brooke, I understand you want to believe the best in people. That’s only natural. It’s one of the things I admire about you. But Tyler Gillis has a history. He left here under mysterious circumstances. Sheila, his old girlfriend, is dead. I’ve been in touch with the places he’s lived in over the past twelve years. They’re looking into unsolved murders and disappearances. I wouldn’t be surprised if we found out Tyler was involved in those too.”
Adam moved closer to Brooke, his voice dropping so only she could hear. “He’s dangerous, I’m convinced of this. Please, promise me you’ll stay away from him.”
Brooke wanted to argue, but something in Adam’s expression stopped her. He genuinely believed what he was saying.
Was that dedication to justice, or something else?
“I’ll be careful,” she said finally, which wasn’t exactly a promise but seemed to satisfy him.
The rest of the run was quieter. Adam stayed close to Brooke, occasionally making conversation but mostly just...there.
Gina caught Brooke’s eye more than once, her expression concerned. Nick looked thoughtful. Joe was unreadable, his journalist mask firmly in place.
Back at the parking lot, people dispersed to their vehicles. Adam lingered, clearly hoping to talk more, but Gina intervened smoothly.
“Brooke, Nick, and I were going to grab a soda. Want to come?”
“Sure.”
“Joe? You in?” Nick asked.
“Yeah, sounds good.”
Adam looked disappointed but didn’t push. “I’ll see you around, Brooke. Call me if you need anything.”
They watched him drive away before turning toward Nick’s truck. Steph was there, standing near her car.
“Want to join us?” Joe asked. “We’re going for sodas at Annie’s.”
“Not tonight, but thanks. I’m going home and icing my foot.”
They piled into Nick’s SUV.
“So, that was intense,” Joe said, sitting next to Brooke in the backseat.
