Page 107 of Echoes of You

The crowdat The Brew hadn’t thinned all day. We had officially hit tourist season, and things wouldn’t stop until fall. But it was a welcome reprieve. It meant I didn’t have a chance to stop and think—not unless someone forced me to like they were now.

Janice Peabody gave me a pitying look, but there was a hint of excitement in her eyes—like an addict jonesing for a fix. Only her drug of choice was gossip. “I can’t believe this. What is going on with our beloved town lately?”

The truth was that darkness was everywhere. In the places you expected and in the ones you didn’t.

“I’m fine, nothing to worry about.”

Janice gaped at me. “Nothing to worry about? There is an attacker in our midst! Now, it’s likely that horrible father of yours—why they let him out of prison, I’ll never know—but—”

“Ms. Peabody,” Aspen said, coming alongside the woman and handing her a bakery bag. “I’ve got your lunch all wrapped up here. I even threw in an extra cookie.”

“Oh. Well, that was quick,” Janice said, sounding disappointed.

I would’ve laughed if she hadn’t reminded me that the entire town was likely talking about me.

Aspen gave her a bright smile and a wave. “See you next week.”

Janice opened her mouth as if she might argue but then closed it. “You both stay safe. There’s a monster in our midst.”

Aspen’s shoulders sagged when Janice disappeared out the front door. “That woman…”

I winced. “Sorry to bring drama in the door yet again.”

She pinned me with a stare. “You have nothing to apologize for. I can’t begin to tell you how many times she’s tried to pry information about Cady’s dad out of me.”

My jaw went slack. “Are you serious?”

“I wish I were kidding. She’s a piece of work.”

A guy who looked to be in his early twenties opened the door, carrying a massive bouquet in a vase. “I’ve got a delivery for a Madison Byrne.”

Aspen let out a low whistle. “Someone’s a lucky girl.”

A shiver of unease passed over me. But they weren’t white lilies. Instead, it was an artful array of pale pink roses. “That’s me.”

He handed me the flowers. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you.” I tugged the card from the flowers.

Madison,

Come home with me where you’re safe.

I’ll take care of you.

Love,

Adam

Nausea swept through me. But even that reaction had me second-guessing myself. He hadn’t said anything threatening. Nothing that could get him into trouble.

I tugged my phone from my pocket and hit Nash’s number. He answered on the second ring. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m fine. I just promised I’d call if anything happened, and I got some flowers from Adam.”

Nash was quiet for a beat. “I’m on my way.”

“You don’t need to leave work.”

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