Page 20 of Shadow Sabotage
“I’m your mother,” she scolded. “You could have told me. I wouldn’t have told anyone.”
“Mmm-hmm.” I raised my eyebrows.Right.She wouldn’t have told a soul—except for everyone she knew. Mom was great at a lot of things. Keeping secrets wasn’t one of them.
She saw my expression and gave me a sheepish look. “Anyway, we booked a new guest today—a Vance Weston. When he asked for an open-ended booking, I figured he was involved somehow. I Googled him. He’s a special agent from Wyoming DCI. Isn’t that amazing? Maybe you can meet him.”
“We’ve already met,” I said, trying to avoid her gaze.
“Oh, so he’s already here!”
“He is. I’ll be his partner on the case.”
She gasped. “Claire! That’s wonderful. Did he pick you?”
I shook my head. “Sheriff McGrath did.”
“Oh. Well, that’s still great. Kind of like a promotion.” She seemed hopeful.
I sighed, unable to fake a smile. “All I know is my job is about to get a lot more complicated.”
“I bet.” She gave me a look of genuine sympathy.
But I barely saw it. Because all I saw washimstrolling up the driveway toward the yard. He’d shown up, despite the many prayers I’d offered in my truck, hoping he wouldn’t.
I shot him a look, tilting my head toward Mom with a subtle shake. Warning him. Willing him to walk away.
He didn’t. He walked toward us with a swagger, his hands tucked into the pockets of his leather jacket. Dark sunglasses hid his eyes, and he’d ditched the badge and service weapon.
Though I had no doubt he had a weapon hidden somewhere.
“Hey, Hawkins.” His rich voice rang out over the crowd.
I closed my eyes and grimaced.
Mom turned to see who had called my name. Her jaw dropped when she saw him. “Who is that delicious man?” she murmured.
By the way his mouth turned up in a smirk, I knew he’d heard.
I took a deep breath as he approached, then forced a smile. “Mom, this is Agent Weston. Agent Weston, this is my mom, Naomi Hawkins.”
He removed his sunglasses, sticking them into his front pocket, and took her hand smoothly. “Call me Vance.”
“Vance Weston, of course.” A wide grin spread on her face. “I recognize the name from our records. You booked cabin four.”
“That’s right.” He nodded. “Your other daughter—Beth, is it?—got me checked in and settled a few minutes ago. Deputy Hawkins invited me to dinner tonight. I hope that’s okay.”
“Well, of course it is,” she said, her smile growing wider as she flicked her eyes from him to me, then back again.
I could see the wheels turning and knew exactly what she was thinking.
She gestured at the lawn. “Any time we have a meal out here, it’s open to all the guests. We do breakfast and lunch every day and dinner once a week. But since you’re working with Claire, please feel free to join us in the house for family dinner anytime.”
I smacked my forehead with my palm, stifling a groan.
“I just might do that. Thank you.” Vance grinned at me like we were sharing a joke—only I didn’t find it particularly funny.
“Here you go,” I said, grabbing a bowl and dipping out a generous portion of chili for him. I shoved it and a wrapped cornbread muffin into his hands with a pointed look. “I’m sure you’re starved. You can find a seat anywhere. Enjoy your night.”
“Oh, go with him, Claire,” Mom said, quickly making a second bowl for me. “Don’t make him eat alone. I’m sure you twohave a lot to talk about, with the case and all. Plus, you can help give him the lay of the land.”
