Page 71 of Shadow Sabotage
The worry in his eyes grew. “You can’t what?”
“I can’t be around them right now,” I choked out. I was a mess, falling apart in a way I would never let them see. I couldn’t take the questions they would ask.
Couldn’t handle them seeing me this weak.
Vance gave a sharp nod, then turned his SUV around and drove it straight to his cabin.
“Come on,” he said. “Let’s get you inside.”
I followed him into his cabin, grateful for his understanding.
“Sit,” he said, motioning to the rustic kitchen table and chairs. Then he opened a cabinet and grabbed a glass, filling it with water before putting it in front of me. “Drink.”
“It’s going to take something stronger than that,” I said, forcing a laugh. But I drank the water anyway.
He refilled the cup and handed it back to me. “You need food.”
“I’m fine.” I shook myself, irritated at my own weakness.
A whisper of amusement—and relief—flickered in his eyes. “Okay, thenIneed food. Will you be alright while I go get us something to eat? If I promise to bring something stronger back to drink with it?”
I nodded, then drained the second glass of water.
He sized me up, then returned my nod before leaving me alone with the thoughts I didn’t want to face.
I was curledup in the corner of his leather sofa when he came back an hour later, his arms full of packages. He dropped them onto the kitchen table, then pulled a dark bottle from one of the brown paper bags.
“Something stronger, as promised.”
I uncurled myself and crossed the room, eyeing the bottle of single-malt scotch. “You have excellent taste.”
“I asked Beth what your favorite wine was. She said whiskey.” He smirked.
“She’s right.” I cracked a grin. “Though I can’t say I’ve ever splurged on a bottle like this before.”
His eyes sparkled. “This is nothing. Top-shelf at the local liquor store, but if you really want to taste something incredible, I’ll have to introduce you to my father’s collection sometime.”
“I’ll hold you to it.”
He pushed a large reusable grocery bag my way. “Also thanks to Beth.”
I opened it and found jeans, sweaters, and my cowboy boots. I shot him a quizzical look.
He shrugged. “I didn’t know how soon you would feel ready to go home, and I figured you’d rather get out of that uniform sooner rather than later. I asked her to pack up whatever you might need for a day or two. Told her we needed to do some undercover work for the investigation. That should eliminate any questions until you’re ready to go home.” He winked.
“Thanks,” I said, blinking back my surprise at his thoughtfulness—and his total willingness to let me hide out here, even though I hadn’t told him why I needed to.
“I’m sure you know where the bathroom is if you want to change before we eat,” he said, jerking his head in that direction as he began pulling takeout containers from the final bag on the table.
I hesitated for less than two seconds before grabbing the bag and heading to the bathroom to strip out of my wretched uniform.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Vance
While Claire changed,I set out food and poured us each a generous shot of scotch. I had no doubt that she needed it.
What the hell had happened in Sheriff McGrath’s office?
