Page 65 of Sycamore Circle

“Right.”

“And if Chloe knows...”

“Then Tony is going to find out,” she finished.

“Yeah. If that happens, I think it would be better if he heard it from you.”

“Which brings it all back to him and me having a fun conversation.”

“You don’t have to do it on your own, Joy. I can be there if you want backup.” He’d like to be there in case Tony decided to start twisting things around and putting the blame on Joy’s shoulders.

She smiled at him. “As much as I like the idea of having your help, I don’t think that would be the best choice.”

“You could ask the cop we meet with to help you out.”

“Really? Do you think that would be okay?”

“Of course. Especially if we meet with the cop friend of Lincoln’s. Sergeant Kevin Heilman is a really good man.”

She nodded. “I’m going to tell Chloe what’s going on this afternoon, but I think I need a little bit to think about how to tell Tony.”

“Sounds good.” He finished his coffee and set it on the counter. “How about I meet you at the police station in ninety minutes?”

“That’s perfect.”

“I’ll take off now.”

She walked him to the front door. “Hey, Bo?”

“Hmm?”

“Thanks. And... could I give you another hug?”

In answer, he pulled her against him. This time a little more intimately than the night before. When she relaxed against him, he ran a hand down her hair. Pressed a kiss to her head.

And really wished he didn’t have to let her go.

CHAPTER 22

It was only by chance that Finn was in his room when he received a text. It was noon and he’d been out in the barn for the last four hours. He’d gotten so filthy cleaning stalls, he’d run up to his room to take a shower and change.

When it buzzed again, he reached into its hiding place and ran his thumb across the screen. He really needed to stop forgetting to put it on silent.

Every time Finn’s new phone buzzed, it practically gave him a heart attack. Thanking the Lord yet again that he didn’t have to share it with his brothers, he pulled out his phone. He didn’t have to wonder who was texting him. There were only two people who had his number. Seth—who’d not only bought the phone but had sat with him for fifteen minutes to show him how to use it—and Chloe.

His reason for getting the phone in the first place.

Just seeing her name on his phone’s screen made him feel good inside. Like not everything in his life was difficult. She was the exception. The reason that his future wasn’t looking quite as scary as it once had.

Can you talk?

Sorry. I can’t risk it.

Can you text at least?

Yeah. But aren’t you at school?

I’m at lunch but I had to call you. Finn, It’s been the craziest day.

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