Page 85 of The Secrets We Treasure

“So it was him, after all.”

“Yes, and no.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Laci was behind everything. She hired Leo to pose as a stalker.” Even as she spoke the words, the horror of it settled over her.

His eyes rounded. “Why?”

“The same reason she set up that little scene at her house. She wanted you, and I was in the way.” The words left a bitter taste in her mouth.

He gave her an incredulous look. “Are you serious?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“That’s insane.”

“I’m afraid there’s more.”

“What?” Wariness creased the edges of his eyes.

She took in a deep breath, hating to tell him the next part. “Aimee’s death wasn’t an accident. Laci hired Leo to push her into the ravine.”

His expression pinged with several emotions at once—shock, horror, anger. “Why?” he uttered.

“Because she wanted Aimee out of the way so she could have you.”

He broke away from her and placed his arms behind his head. “Aimee’s death was my fault.” He doubled over.

She placed a hand on his back. “No, it wasn’t,” she said firmly. “You had nothing to do with it.” Outrage flamed hot in her chest. “Laci is a murderer. Leo spiked Waylon’s insulin … under Laci’s direction. Waylon found out about Laci’s affair with the kickboxer and planned to cut her out of his will.” Tears prickled her eyes. “You were right.”

He straightened and turned to face her. “I knew Laci had a dark side, but I never fathomed that she would be capable of all this.”

The door burst open as Cherry and Barbara rushed out.

Cherry burst into tears as she trotted over to embrace Treasure. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks to you.”

“I heard a noise, so I got up and realized what was happening. I was afraid the police wouldn’t get here in time, so I called Greer.”

Barbara stepped up and enfolded Treasure in a tight hug. “I thought I’d lost you. Thank the Good Lord above that you’re okay.” She pulled back, looking Treasure in the eye. “Can you ever forgive me for what I’ve done?”

Treasure’s heart softened. Despite everything, she loved her mom. She’d learned tonight in a powerful way that life was too short to hold grudges. “I forgive you.”

Tears spilled from Barbara’s eyes. She began weeping, her shoulders shaking. This time, Treasure hugged her. A Scripture from Matthew drifted through her mind. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

As she released her mom, a comforting peace enveloped Treasure in warm sunshine. God had answered her plea for help. Greer had shown up in the nick of time. He caught her eye. She could tell from his strained expression that the news of Aimee’s murder had rattled him. It would take them both time to heal from the trauma of all they’d experienced but knowing they would face their challenges together—hand in hand—filled Treasure with courage.

As tired and spent as she was, she felt a burst of hope for the future as she and Greer shared a smile.

Red flashing lights signaled that Ian and his posse had arrived. There would be no rest for the weary tonight with all the questions that Ian would undoubtedly need answered. Several loose ends still needed to be tied up—namely Laci and Ethan. Although Ethan was controlling and overbearing, Treasure was relieved to know that he wasn’t a murderer.

Greer stepped up beside her and slid an arm around her shoulders. “Are you okay?”

She nestled into the curve of his shoulder, appreciating his warmth. Now that the adrenaline had worn off, she was shivering. “I am. How about you?”

The corners of his jaw twitched. “Tolerably well … considering.”

She offered him a wan smile. “I’m just glad the nightmare of the stalker is finally over.”

---