Page 117 of Wasted
“Exactly.” Cillian nodded, eagerness in his eyes. “He’s so cornered now, I’m sure he’s going to act.”
Robert lifted a hand, his finger slightly raised. “But his action could be to try to kill Victoria in an even more aggressive and undisguised way—one that wouldn’t miss or that would be hard to defend against. Now you two aren’t only troublemakers who are prompting the police to investigate everyone. You’re the people who hold the evidence that could convict him.”
“I don’t think he’ll do that.” Cillian answered Robert’s objection with an equally calm and civil tone, mutual respect evident between them. “I told him we already gave the evidence to the police. But you’re right, we can’t be sure.” He switched his gaze to Victoria. “That’s why you’re coming with me to tail Glenn.”
“I beg your pardon?”
A smile twitched Cillian’s mouth at her response. “I need to borrow your car again anyway. My bike is too easily seen.”
“And you’re going to leave your motorcycle parked in my driveway?”
The smile broke through, likely a reaction to her slightly horrified tone. She didn’t want to consider what the neighbors would think if they saw she suddenly had a motorcycle in her driveway. They were probably already becoming curious about all the comings and goings at her house recently. But the motorcycle staying at all hours might make them think, heaven forbid, that she was having a fling with a bike-riding boyfriend.
“No worries, Vicks. I had a rideshare drop me off.”
Which also meant she’d be forced to loan him her car. She narrowed her eyes.
“Well,” Robert pointedly looked at his watch, “I’ve gotta get back to the office. You two kids have fun.” He winked at Victoria.
As he stepped past Cillian to reach the door, he fist-bumped Cillian’s shoulder. “Good luck, man.”
Wonderful. Now even Robert had been charmed by Cillian and was on his side. She took in a resigned breath as Cillian shut the door behind Robert. “Fine. You may borrow my car, as long as you don’t do anything reckless while driving it.”
“No promises.” Cillian grinned. “But you’re going to be there anyway, so you can keep an eye on my driving at all times.”
“I’m not going to participate in something I think is a dangerous and foolish scheme.” She folded her arms across her sweater. “And my father’s birthday dinner is this evening. I cannot risk being late.”
His smile faded at the mention of her dad. “What time?”
“The dinner is at eight, but I must arrive by no later than six to prepare the meal.”
“Mushroom pappardelle and veal?”
She stared at him. That was right, they had just begun dating before her father’s birthday dinner that year. The last one her mother had been able to host. “Yes.”
“Figured you would’ve kept it the same for him.” For once, no antagonism or bitterness showed in Cillian’s eyes. Instead, they held a softness. Something that looked like compassion and possibly approval. Certainly not for her father. But, perhaps, for her. “Don’t worry, Vicks. I’ll get you to the ball on time. I promise.”
He stepped closer and lightly touched her arm. “But in the meantime, I’d feel a lot better if you’d ride along with me so I can guarantee you won’t get hurt.” The warmth of his fingers on her arm and his gentle tone started to melt her resistance.
“We really should let the police handle this.” Her objection lacked the usual conviction in her tone. “We’re in enough trouble as it is. Or at least, I am.”
“We’re going to get out of trouble, Vicks.” He squeezed her elbow slightly. “I can feel it. We’re going to get this guy, and then you’ll be safe and off the cops’ suspect list.”
She nodded. Why had she even bothered trying to resist? He’d probably known she would give in, evidenced by the fact he’d let the rideshare leave him there.
But Cillian smiled. And as she saw the happiness in his eyes, the remnant of her pride disappeared.
Perhaps he was right. Perhaps this very day she would be cleared, Thomas’s killer would be arrested, and the nightmare would end.
Chapter
Thirty-Two
“I can’t wait much longer.” Victoria checked her watch for the twentieth time since they’d parked on the street to watch Glenn at his house.
“You still have like four hours.” Cillian gestured to the dashboard clock.
She pinned him with her don’t-be-annoying stare. “With the blizzard coming, I need to be sure to allow enough time to get there before the snow starts.”
