Page 16 of Forbidden Secrets
“I knew the McGraths when I was a kid.”
“Sawyer’s a lieutenant with the sheriff’s department.He’ll have patrol deputies keep an eye out for the truck.”He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression all kinds of serious.“Why didn’t you get me as soon as you saw the guy?”
“I chased him off, and I don’t think taking pictures of someone on a public street is a crime.”
“Next time come get me.Immediately.”
She gave an abrupt laugh.“You’re kidding, right?I’m not bothering my neighbor because someone sitting in their car is looking my way.Maybe I was a little creeped out, but that’s just me.”
The idea of running to Gage for help ran smack into her need to be responsible for herself and Addy.After the assault, her mom had become over-the-top protective and nearly smothered Melanie with care and concern.She’d been fighting for her independence ever since.
“Don’t dismiss what your gut tells you, especially now that we know the guy was also watching from the ridge.”
She didn’t want to dismiss her gut, she of all people should know better, but she also didn’t want to rely on others for protection.
Pancake returned, panting heavily, and flopped down beside them on the driveway.Ball in mouth, she rolled onto her back, closed her eyes, and groaned with her paws hanging in the air.
“Your dog is blissed out.”
“She does this in town and won’t budge when it’s time to leave.Then it’s a pain in the ass.”
He tapped the screen on his phone, then handed it to her.“Put in your contact info and give me your phone.I’ll do the same.”He must have caught her look because he said, “Looking out for one another is what neighbors do.”
He was right.That her feelings about him were a little more than neighborly was her problem.She unlocked her phone and handed it over, then input her information into his.
After giving back her phone, he said, “Anything makes you nervous, and I mean anything, tell me.If it’s safe, take pictures.”
She sighed.“Okay.”Having a way to get in touch with her neighbors made sense.She might prefer not relying on others, but she needed to be smart, especially where Addy was concerned.She knelt to give Pancake a belly rub.Squinting against the morning sun, she tipped her head back to look up at Gage.“If it’s something serious, I’ll call.But I can take care of myself.I’m not bothering my neighbor every time something goes bump in the night.”
“Wrong way to think about it.You have a problem, call me.”
He strode back up the driveway while Pancake remained motionless.
“You’re not taking your dog?”she called after him.
“She’ll come when she’s ready.”
Well, alrighty then.Melanie stood.“C’mon, Pancake.You can come with me.”
Not even a twitch.With a sigh, Melanie left Pancake splayed out on the driveway, looking like she was at the beach getting a suntan.
***
Even with the evening looming before her, Melanie had a productive day.She’d wrestled a difficult scene into shape for her manuscript and that felt like a win.More times than she wanted to admit, she’d picked up her phone, ready to text Chase and cancel.But that felt cowardly.She needed to grow a spine.
Her biggest hang-up was his comment about wanting to see her socially.She’d only agreed to go out with him to gather information, and now she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was using him.
She’d be honest and make it clear she wasn’t interested in anything romantic.
She’d say it kindly, of course, but she’d still make sure he got the message.
As sincere as Chase seemed at the bank, the memory of him slamming that boy into the lockers remained stuck in her head.
She wondered if he remembered she’d turned him down when he’d asked her to prom junior year.She’d declined, nicely, she thought, but remembered the flash of fury on his face.That afternoon he’d been in a fight and broken another boy’s nose.After that she’d steered clear of him even though their social circles overlapped, as they had at the bootlegger.
Those memories made her even less enthusiastic about the evening ahead.But it was too late to cancel without being rude, and she’d committed herself to learning what she could about the night she’d been assaulted.Talking to the people who’d been at the bootlegger was the obvious place to start.
Addy’d finished her mac and cheese and was leaning on the miniscule bathroom counter watching Melanie in the mirror as she used a brush to apply eye shadow.
