Page 65 of The Secrets We Treasure

Treasure and Greer went to the couch and sat down beside one another. Warmth from his body flowed into hers, giving some much-needed comfort. Treasure was immensely grateful to have Greer in her corner. He won’t be yours for long if you don’t tell him the truth! Hot needles rained down on her. She swallowed, willing herself to get a grip.

Greer took hold of Treasure’s hand and laced his fingers through hers. “Go ahead,” he prompted.

Sucking in a quick breath, Treasure told her mom about Howard’s phone call, relating everything he’d said. When she was finished, Barbara’s hand went over her chest.

“I knew you were in danger,” she said hoarsely, tears welling in her eyes.

Sensing Greer’s confusion, Treasure turned to him and explained. “Mom has been having premonitions about something bad happening to me.” Even as she spoke the words, clammy despair filled her.

Greer’s eyes widened with wariness. “O—kay.”

His engineer brain had a difficult time accepting anything that wasn’t factual. Treasure could almost read his thoughts. He probably thought her mom was a few cupcakes short of a dozen. “I know it sounds unusual.” She had to tread lightly here so she wouldn’t offend her mom. “But considering the situation, it might be prudent to give credence to Mom’s worries.” Greer’s reaction made Treasure feel better about the situation. She couldn’t allow herself to be pulled down some rabbit hole. Maybe her mom was being paranoid. After all, she was in a precarious situation with her health. Her fears about herself could be transferring to concern for Treasure.

“You’re darn straight,” Barbara spouted. “I know y’all think I’m a crazy old woman, but I can’t deny the feelings I’ve been having.” She fixed them both with a steely glare.

“I don’t think you’re old or crazy,” Treasure soothed. “And neither does Greer.” She cut her eyes at him.

“No, I don’t think you’re crazy,” he said dutifully. He blinked, realizing he’d left off the first part. “Or old.”

“We should contact the police,” Barbara suggested.

“I’ve put in a call to Sheriff Russell. I should be hearing from him soon.”

“Good.” Barbara looked at Treasure. “You need to stay as far away from Ethan Roberts as you can get.”

“If only,” Treasure muttered. “Remember what the private investigator said? I need to act as if everything is normal. That way, Ethan won’t be the wiser. At this point, we don’t know if Ethan is the stalker or if he’s stealing from me. It’s all conjecture.”

“I still don’t trust him.” Barbara pressed her lips together in hard lines.

“Neither do I,” Greer punched out.

Barbara’s eyes rounded. “Does this mean you’re going through with the documentary?”

Treasure considered the question as she looked at Greer. “What do you think?” She grimaced. “I hate to put Cricket and Kyle in a bad situation. They’ve come all the way here …” Her voice dribbled off.

“You didn’t,” Greer fired back. “Ethan is the one who created this mess.”

“Like he created the proposal mess,” Barbara grumbled. “I’m telling you, that man is trouble.” She locked eyes with Treasure. “I don’t like the way he looks at you … like he owns you.”

Shivers ran down Treasure’s spine.

“No one owns you,” Greer fumed, muscles flicking in his jaw. “The sooner that weasel realizes that, the better.” His phone buzzed. He pulled it from his pocket, eyes widening. “It’s Ian. Hello … hey man. How ya doing? Hey, listen, I’ve got a situation I’m hoping you can help me with…”

Treasure listened, her body pulled taut, as Greer outlined the details. She wished she could hear the sheriff’s responses on the other end.

“Yeah, we can do that.” Greer looked at Treasure as he spoke.

What can we do?she wondered.

Greer’s expression grew thoughtful. “On second thought, it’s probably better for us not to meet you at the hotel since Ethan will most likely be staying there. If you don’t mind coming here, that would be great. Thanks, man. See ya soon.”

“What’s up?” Treasure asked.

“Ian’s gonna come here. He’s bringing his girlfriend, Sadie, with him.”

“More visitors?” Barbara complained. “This place is starting to look like Grand Central Station.”

Treasure made a face. “That’s nice of the sheriff to come to us, but why’s he bringing his girlfriend?”

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