Page 34 of Tide and Seek
I shivered.“But he knew I wasn’t here alone.James told him you were with me on this trip.”
“He probably forgot.”There was tension in Royce’s jaw.“Either way, I wouldn’t trust that kid as far as I can throw him.”
“No, yet it’s hard to imagine he’d have outright robbed me.”
“Is it?”Royce looked unconvinced.“He was pretty squirrely.”
“True,” I said.“Do you think he’s the burglar?”
Royce hesitated.“Anything’s possible.Maybe Gonzalez would allow us to view the security video.The intruder wore a mask, but I’d like to see the guy’s build and body type.That could help rule out Luke.”
“Or rule him in,” I muttered.“You think Gonzalez would share the video footage?I mean, it was my home that was broken into.Shouldn’t I be allowed to see it?”
“It doesn’t quite work like that.The security company provided the footage directly to law enforcement when asked.Once it’s in police hands and tied to a report, it becomes part of the case file.Unfortunately, that means access is now restricted.”
I scowled.“Even though it was inside my house and I’m the one who pays the security company?”
“Yep.Like I said, it’s now tied to the case.You could request to see it, but the police don’t have to release it to you, especially not immediately.But it doesn’t hurt to ask.They might allow us to view it under supervision.Or they might decline entirely until the investigation has progressed.”
I sighed.“If we want to try and see the security footage, you should be the one to ask Deputy Gonzalez.He was pretty friendly with you.I don’t think he liked me much.”
“Oh, I’m sure he liked you just fine,” Royce said.
I smiled at his attempt at reassurance.“It’s okay.I don’t need him to like me.”
“Well, I like you, Max.”
I shrugged.“That’s all that matters.”
Royce moved closer, draping his arm around my shoulders.He led me toward the windows that looked out over the beach.The late afternoon sun hung low over the Pacific as we watched the crime scene techs in their navy windbreakers methodically working through their final procedures.The yellow crime scene tape still fluttered in the breeze, a grim reminder that something awful had happened out there.
The coroner’s van had taken the woman’s body away ages ago, and the lead detective, Hartley, had left a note on my front door informing us he’d be by tomorrow to interview Royce and me.I was sorry we’d missed him.I’d have preferred to get that interview over with.
“Did you really want to stay in tonight?”I asked, leaning my head on Royce’s shoulder.“Or were you just saying that for Luke’s sake?”
“I want to stay in,” he said quietly.“I want some alone time with you, Max.”
“I want that too,” I admitted.
“How about I grill tonight?”he asked suddenly, looking down at me with a teasing grin.“Are people allowed to grill their own food around these parts?”
I laughed.“Yes.I’ve never grilled anything, mind you, but C.J.used to invite me over for barbecues when I stayed here.”
“I knew I liked C.J.She’s down to earth.”
I sighed.“Everyone likes C.J.She’s the best.”
“So far, she’s my favorite of your neighbors,” Royce said, adding quickly, “Although James seemed perfectly nice.”
I smiled.“He is nice, but I understand why he’s not your favorite.”
“I prefer him to Luke.”Royce laughed sheepishly, tightening his arm.“But if I’m completely honest, it’s hard to think of you with anyone but me.I don’t want to picture that.Not ever.”
His tone was more possessive than usual, but I didn’t mind.Royce could be almost too easygoing about things.He trusted me implicitly, which showed maturity and it was appreciated.Even so, I didn’t mind the idea he might be a little jealous.Who didn’t like hearing how much someone wanted you?Needed you?
I turned toward him, wrapping my arms around his narrow waist.His brown eyes were warm, but that possessive quality still shimmered in them.“I hate the idea of you with anyone else too,” I said softly.“I’ve never loved anyone the way I do you, Royce.Not even close.”
Looking pleased, he lowered his head and kissed me gently.His warm mouth was familiar and yet exciting.I never tired of kissing Royce.I never tired of being with Royce.Because of him, I was a better person.I wanted so badly for him to be proud of me.
