Page 75 of Pinch of Love

“Nate is going to be over with a photo one of the other deputies took of a guy who matched the pictures you sent them.”

Her expression dropped. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I shook my head and drew a breath. “I wish I were. But there’s no reason he should know you’re here at this house.”

She nodded in agreement. “It’s a good thing I already showered. I don’t need to look like a complete mess in front of the police.”

I shook my head. “You never could.” I walked over to the coffeepot and poured myself some and took a sip.

“Hey, Cash,” she said softly.

My eyes went to hers, and I saw the familiar softness flickering through. “Yeah?”

“I’m sorry if I seemed a little off yesterday after seeing my sister. I didn’t mean to come off like—”

“Like a woman who lost her mom to addiction?” I shook my head and set the coffee down, bringing her into my arms. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

A knock at the door interrupted what else I wanted to tell her, but it was probably for the better.

“You stay here,” I said, and she gave me a funny look.

And then she used her scooter right behind me as I made my way to the front door. I opened it up to see Nate and another deputy, Tim, behind him.

“Thanks for doing this,” I told them both.

Nate gave a quick nod as we invited them in. “Would you like any coffee?”

Nate shook his head. “This ought to be quick. We’ve got to make our way over to the station. The rotary club is honoring Tim for his birthday today.”

Maya smiled. “Well, happy birthday.”

Tim grinned and tipped his hat. “Thanks.”

Nate pulled out his phone and flipped to a set of photos. “Tim sent these to me.”

I stood behind Maya and looked over her shoulder.

A little gasp swooshed from her lips when she saw the first photo, but she quickly flipped through the other four.

“It’s him,” she said softly. Disappointment filled each syllable.

I glanced at the photos and shook my head. “It certainly looks like the photos I’ve seen of him.”

“Well, we’ll be on our way, but I think that answers your question. He is here.” Nate nodded. “If you need us for anything, we’re only a call away.”

“And there’s nothing we can do?” I already knew the answer before I asked, but I thought I’d try again.

“Not unless he starts harassing or...” Nate drew a breath. “Just keep your phone with you.”

Maya nodded, but her shoulders slumped in defeat.

When the officers left, she turned to me. “I think he’s gone off the deep end.”

“Let’s hope not, but I’d let your attorneys know he showed up uninvited.”

She wheeled her way back down the hall toward the kitchen. “Could this week get any worse?”

I chuckled to myself and followed behind her. “As a matter of fact, yes.”

---