Page 50 of The Secrets We Treasure

“No.” Her heart pounded out a fast beat against her ribs. “I’ve never felt the need.” Everything in her repelled the idea of Ethan being the stalker. It sounded so far-fetched and absurd.

Cherry shrugged. “It couldn’t hurt to turn over every stone.”

“The emails and texts stopped immediately after Leo Clark was questioned about being in my neighborhood the night of the break-in. That’s why the police suspected that he was the stalker. But as more time passes, it’s looking like it’s not him.”

“Like I said, it can’t hurt to have Ethan checked out. If he comes up clean, then no harm, no foul.” Cherry’s eyes flashed with a steely conviction. “Peace of mind is worth every penny that detective will charge.”

“That’s true.”

The oil in the pan sizzled. Cherry added in flour that she’d already mixed with baking powder and salt. She stirred vigorously. “I forgot to get the sweet milk out of the fridge. Will you grab it quick like a flash?”

A grin of amusement tugged at Treasure’s lips. “Sure.” Cherry called regular milk “sweet milk” to distinguish it from buttermilk.

Once the flour was brown, Cherry poured in milk. The mixture bubbled and steamed as it thickened. Cherry used a whisk to stir the fast-thickening gravy at a brisk pace to keep it from burning. Treasure’s life was like that gravy—gloppy and boiling out of control. The stalker, Ethan, Francie, and Josette were the boils. All Treasure knew to do was to keep stirring, but could she stir fast enough before the bottom caught fire, consuming her in flames?

By the time breakfast was ready, Barbara had come into the kitchen, looking as fresh as a bundle of daffodils. “Good morning,” she sang.

Cherry’s brow had a sheen of perspiration from her exertion. “Now you come dragging in after all the work is done,” she sassed, throwing Treasure a wink.

Barbara’s cheeks grew red. “You’re the one who’s been after me for days to rest.”

“I know. I’m glad you’re resting.” Cherry clicked her tongue. “What would your life be like if you didn’t have me to keep you straight?”

“Ha. I wonder,” Barbara replied with a cheeky grin.

Watching the interaction between her mom and Cherry made Treasure feel guilty for ditching out on Laci’s party. As soon as they ate, she’d call to apologize. How would Laci take the news of Treasure and Greer? Her heart picked up its pace. Should she use Laci as a sounding board and tell her the real reason she’d broken up with Greer all those years ago and fled the island? It might ease Laci’s concerns about Treasure once again hurting Greer. Also, it would be nice to get some advice. Treasure couldn’t leave the loose ends dangling. She had to be proactive and face this. Above all, she had to find a way to come clean to Greer. She went hot and cold at the same time. She sucked in a quick breath, forcing herself to calm down.

“This looks amazing.” Treasure looked at the spread Cherry had put together.

“Y’all have a seat,” Cherry prompted.

Once they were sitting around the table, they joined hands as Barbara offered a blessing on the food. She expressed thanks for her improving health and that Treasure had come. She paused before adding. “Please, keep Treasure safe from any danger or from anyone who would wish her harm.”

A sick feeling of dread overtook Treasure. This was followed by frustration. No wonder Treasure was apprehensive. Her mom was planting seeds of fear in her mind.

When the prayer was over, they passed around the food, filling their plates. The biscuits were light and fluffy. Treasure spread on a thick slice of butter and drizzled honey over it. Normally, she didn’t have to worry about her weight, so long as she didn’t overeat and chose healthy options. However, a few more days here, and she might pack on a few pounds. It would be worth it though. This meal was one the angels would sing about.

Treasure and her mom spent a leisurely day together. They watched a movie and went for a walk. In the afternoon, while Barbara slept, Treasure got caught up on some work. Her mind kept replaying Cherry’s words until finally, she called Howard Michaels and asked him to investigate Ethan. She then called Ethan. When he didn’t answer, she left him a text. No response. Treasure was starting to feel like she was caught in a black hole where none of her texts or calls were getting through.

Later that evening, when Cherry returned from work, Treasure decided to go over and smooth things out with Laci. She’d not heard from her friend all day, even when she sent her a text and left a voice message. Ugh! Treasure’s assessment of the situation had been spot-on. Laci was ticked about Treasure and Greer ditching her party. She went to the local market on the island to grab a container of Laci’s favorite ice cream, rocky road.

She was almost to Laci’s house when her phone rang. Holding the steering wheel of the golf cart with one hand, she reached for her phone with the other. A smile curved her lips when she saw who it was. “Hello?”

“Hello, beautiful,” Greer began.

She warmed at his comment. “How was sailing?”

“Great, but I wish you had come with us.” Greer had invited Treasure to go, but there was no way she wanted to be cooped up on a boat with Francie. “What’re you up to tonight? I could stop by, and we could hang out under our favorite tree.”

She laughed. “Did you know that our initials are still there? I thought they would have faded over time, but nope, they’re alive and well.”

“See. More proof that we’re supposed to be together. Even the tree acknowledges it.”

His words sank comfort into her heart. She needed to hold onto the hope that all would be well, even after Greer learned the truth.

“I can swing by Harbor Village and pick up a pizza,” he offered.

“I would love that, but I can’t.”

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