“I shared the tip about the branch. We have our team looking into the details of the accident. I hope that forensics can analyze the crime scene notes and work with a crash reconstruction expert to determine that the damage to the motorcycle could’ve been because of a branch.”
“How will that prove it was Bernas and Wells?” Corinne asks, parroting my thoughts.
“Unfortunately, it won’t. I just hope that it will aid in one of them offering up details for a plea deal. The prosecution is prepared to offer deals in exchange for closure for the families, from what I’ve been told.”
“Did my tip help?” Lanie asks.
“It will,” he says. “We have a team already on scene at Lux. I’m sure we’ll have evidence within the hour. Marcus is cocky. Thinks he’s above the law.”
“When you have the mayor covering your tracks, I guess you can be arrogant,” Nina remarks, and we all nod in agreement.
“We talked to Milly. She admits that he approached her, but she maintains she turned him down. She gave us permission to access whatever we needed to prove her innocence.”
I’m relieved to hear that. It would’ve been horrible if Milly and the diner went down because she was hard up for cash.
“I think we should do something to help drum up business for her.” I’ll do whatever it takes to not lose a Knox Harbor staple like Milly’s.
“From what she said, someone approached her about investing in the diner. She’s negotiating a partnership as we speak.” Nick glances down at his phone.
“That’s fantastic. Any idea who?” As soon as I ask the question, my eyes land on Lanie.
Her head is lowered and she’s playing with her fingers. A giveaway that she might have an idea. I want to ask, but Nick speaks, drawing my attention away from Lanie.
“Nah. She wouldn’t say. Said they prefer to remain anonymous, but that we’d uncover it if we started digging.” He glances around the room. “These are all details I should not be sharing with any of you. It goes against my better judgment and could cost me myjob. But if not for you four, these cases would’ve remained closed or cold. But I need all of this to stay in this room. My job depends on it.”
“I won’t say a word,” I promise, and the other girls offer their own vows of silence.
He nods. “I’ve gotta get going. They’ve got something at Lux. I have to head that way.”
He eyes the empty shot glasses that none of us remembered to put away. “You ladies have fun.”
My face warms, but he doesn’t see. He’s already headed toward the front of the house.
“I’ll walk him out,” I say to the group.
Lanie waggles her eyebrows, earning a scowl from Corinne, but I don’t catch whatever’s said. I’m too focused on catching up to Nick.
When we reach the front door, he steps through and I shut it behind us, shutting out the chatter from inside.
“I’m sorry about...” My words trail off and Nick’s lips form a thin line.
“Sorry about what?”
“The alcohol. I... well...” I sigh. “I know that you’re sober.”
He nods. “That doesn’t mean you can’t drink. I didn’t know when to stop, Alyssa. I was using it as a crutch to forget my pain.” He offers a sad smile. “Those days are behind me. I’m better now.”
“I know you are.”
I hope he knows I mean that with my whole heart.
“What are you troublemakers up to today?” he says, grinning wide and breaking the tension.
“We’ve been working in the office. It’s my turn to cope with my grief in healthy ways.”
He grabs my hand and pulls me toward him. “Day by day, Lyss. I’m here for you. Whenever you need to talk.”
I lean up on my tippy toes and place a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Nick. For everything.”
