Page 103 of Key West Homecoming

“That’s fine. Have him call Rachel.”

Arthur stepped back, but he wasn’t finished.

“You’re a nobody.”

Jake looked at him.

“Maybe, but one of us has a right to be here, and it isn’t you.”

Arthur turned, got into the sedan and slammed the door. The engine caught on the second try, and he quickly backed away from the cottage leaving tire marks that dug into the shell-lined path.

Jake stayed at the gate until the car disappeared. Only then did he realize how tight his shoulders were.

He rolled them once, took out his phone and called Rachel’s office first.

Because that was the order Emma and Rachel had left him.

Then he called Emma.

“Jake.”

“Arthur was just here.”

Emma went still.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. He tried to come through the gate. I wouldn’t let him. He’s gone.”

“Did he touch you?”

“No.”

“Did you touch him?”

“No.”

“Good.”

“I called Rachel’s office before I called you. I’m writing down everything he said while it’s fresh.”

“That’s exactly right. Thank you.”

“There’s something else. He said something I don’t think he meant to say.”

“What?”

“He told me I didn’t know what was riding on this.”

“Riding on it?”

“That’s what he said.”

Emma looked toward the street.

“I’m calling Rachel.”

“Do that.”