Page 28 of Mine to Hold
And another one who was cheating right under his nose.
His track record read like a rap sheet.
“I appreciate you keeping an eye out for me.” He squeezed his brother’s shoulder. “I’m taking all of this under advisement and keeping Rumor at arm’s length.”
“For some reason, I seriously doubt that.” Emmett arched a brow. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I always am.” Until he got his heart broken.
All Rumor wanted to do was go home and take the hottest shower possible. She’d done what she could to remember every detail possible of the night in question. She wanted to help Emmerson in his investigation. She desperately wanted him to solve this murder and would do her part as a good citizen. To make up for what she couldn’t have done all those years ago.
That last thought made her want to cry and laugh at the same time.
For fifteen years she’d done what she could to put the past in the rearview mirror. To be a good person.
But she’d witnessed her boyfriend kill a man in cold blood and she’d done nothing.
It didn’t matter that the man in question was a drug dealer. He was still flesh and blood.
And now, because of her inaction once again, someone else was dead.
She stared into the mirror as she gripped the sink to keep her hands from shaking. This was her worst nightmare.
Taking out her phone, she googled the murder and scanned the few articles.
Heather Green found murdered.
Heather had moved away from Lighthouse Cove ten years ago, but recently returned six months ago. She had a record that included drugs, sex trafficking, and dealing. She’d been living in the motel for the last month.
But the article didn’t say anything else.
No other names had been mentioned.
The article did cover the fact that the police had few leads except a new drug runner from Miami but didn’t mention their name either.
She dropped her cell into her bag.
“Get ahold of yourself. You did nothing wrong. You gave a statement. You have nothing to worry about. This has nothing to do with you.” She squared her shoulders and stepped from the bathroom, making her way into the lobby.
“Hey, Rumor,” a male voice called.
She glanced over her shoulder.
Nathan. Another cop. Another brother.
“Oh. Hi,” she said, smoothing down the front of her jeans. “How are you?”
“Hanging in there. Sorry we had to drag you down here. How’d things go with the sketch artist?”
“I wasn’t much help,” she admitted.
“We appreciate you trying.” He smiled. “Where’s Emmerson?”
“Talking with Emmett back there.” She pointed. “I was told to wait in the lobby, but I think I’m going to go outside for some fresh air.”
“I don’t blame you. I’ll let Emmerson know that’s where you are.”
“Thanks.” She made her way through the main doors. The hot, humid Florida air smacked her face. Closing her eyes, she let her skin soak up the sun’s rays. Flashes of when the police had found her living alone flooded her brain. The questions. The fear of being taken from her home. Child protective services. Her first night in foster care. It all came crashing down.
