But tonight, driving home through the quiet streets of Irma, Brooke couldn’t shake the feeling that Adam’s interest in her was about more than just protection. Andthat his determination to convict Tyler was personal in a way it shouldn’t have been.
That maybe the real danger wasn’t Tyler at all.
Maybe it was trusting the wrong person to keep her safe.
Chapter 14
Tyler
Five days. It had been five days since they’d arrested him in Brooke’s coffee shop. Five days since his world had imploded in front of part of the town and the rest of Irma learned about it on social media.
The arraignment never happened. Before Tyler even stood before the judge, the prosecutor had pulled his lawyer aside and admitted they’d been hasty. The evidence was circumstantial at best, and without something more concrete, they couldn’t justify keeping Tyler in custody.
Tyler had walked out of the detention center, gone straight home to shower away the smell of jail, and called Robert about work.
“Your job’s here when you’re ready,” Robert had said without hesitation. “Innocent until proven guilty, remember?”
True to his word, things had been fine at the shop. Robert treated him the same as always. Sue had been wonderful, bringing in pastries and making sure Tyler was welcome.
But the rest of the world wasn’t so understanding.
Especially Adam Boverman, who was everywhere. Tyler would leave work and see his patrol vehicle parked across the street. He’d stop at the grocery store and find him two aisles over. Would drive home and catch the tail end of a red sports car—Adam’s personal vehicle—turning the corner.
Stalking. That’s what it was. Legal stalking, done under the guise of keeping an eye on a suspect. Adam wanted him to slip up, to do something that could justify another arrest.
Tyler tightened a hose clamp and straightened, wiping his hands on his shop rag. Through the shop window, he could see a handful of customers in the waiting area. Some were regulars who’d been faithful since Morgan owned the shop. Others were new faces, people who didn’t know him or his history but couldn’t help wanting to catch a glimpse of the accused killer.
Not everyone was fascinated by Tyler and his situation. The reactions had been mixed. Some customers had canceled appointments, citing vague reasons that didn’t hide their discomfort. Others had gone out of their way to be supportive, making a point of saying they believed in his innocence.
Robert emerged from the office, a work order in hand. “Got a brake job coming in at two. You good to handle it?”
“Yeah, no problem.”
Robert studied him for a moment. “You doing okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“You say that a lot.”
“Because it’s true.”
“Tyler.” Robert’s voice was gentle. “I know this is hard, being accused of something you didn’t do and having people look at you differently. But you’re not alone in this.”
The words hit harder than Tyler expected. He’d spent so long thinking of himself as cursed, as poison to everyone around him, that support felt foreign. Uncomfortable, even. And difficult to accept.
“Business might take a hit,” Tyler said. “People might associate the shop with me.”
“Let them.” Robert’s tone was firm. “This is my shop, and I employ who I want. If customers have a problem with that, they can take their business elsewhere.”
“You could lose money.”
“Money comes and goes. Good people are harder to find.” Robert clapped him on the shoulder. “Besides, Sue would have my head if I let you go. She knows you’re innocent, and when that woman makes up her mind about something, there’s no changing it.”
Tyler’s throat tightened. “Tell her thank you. For everything.”
“Tell her yourself. She’s bringing lunch around noon.”
Robert headed back to the car he was working on, leaving Tyler alone with his thoughts and the Ford’s engine.
