Page 64 of The Last Promise You Made

Sadie turned toward me and said, “It’s so strange. She was chattering away with Mila like she didn’t have a care in the world, but now she’s retreated into her silent self.”

“I was surprised to hear her talking to Mila. I can almost count on two hands the number of words she’s spoken to Ryder or me.”

Rianne perked up. “She doesn’t usually talk?”

I shook my head and explained that she’d gone through a trauma with her mother, a friend of mine, as I shot Sadie a look, trying to remind her no one was supposed to know Addy was Ryder’s daughter.

“Did she talk before that happened?” Rianne asked.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I wasn’t around a lot.”

I could tell Rianne wasn’t sure how to take my response. Her wheels were turning, trying to put together the puzzle, but instead of asking about the situation, she focused on Addy. “So, she talks to Mila but not really anyone else? What is it like when she does talk?”

“One or two words. Incomplete sentences that feel forced.”

“And how does she do around crowds or new people?”

As Eva came back into the kitchen, I started to say I hadn’t really seen her around a crowd, but then I thought of her tantrum the day before in the car at the mall. “She melts down a bit around new people and new things. And like with you, just now, she freezes.”

Rianne was nodding as if it all made sense. “I had a child in my class once who was a selective mute. It can be triggered by trauma, but it’s mostly found in kids with extreme social anxiety. They talk at home or with people they are most comfortable with just fine, but their bodies seize in social situations, especially ones they aren’t prepared for or are unknown to them. It can look like defiance to those who don’t know better, because they see the child being friendly and talking and then absolutely shutting down and refusing to speak. What people don’t realize is that it takes an enormous amount of effort for the child to get even those one or two words out—like talking when you’re sick times a hundred.”

I frowned, thinking about everything I’d experienced with Addy since finding her. “How do we know if it’s the trauma or this selective mutism?”

“Time, I suspect. Either way, I’d suggest finding her a good behavioral therapist. They can put together a plan for her family, friends, and teachers.”

Well, that wasn’t going to happen. Not yet. Not until we could make sure she was safe.

My mind went to those few seconds outside when I’d felt like I was being watched.

No. There was no way we could get Addy into therapy until we found her mother’s killer and either tied them to the Lovatos or not.

But I could research the topic of selective mutism and do my best to help her.

“I’m out,” Sadie said, hustling out the door. “If I don’t get to the bar soon, Uncle Phil will make me clean up the peanut shells with chopsticks.”

“Don’t let him bully you!” Eva shouted as the door slammed behind her daughter.

It was quiet in Sadie’s wake. I’d never been uncomfortable around the Hatleys. It was part of the reason I’d left, unsure if I could continue to see them as suspects when I liked them so much. But at the moment, with the two older women eyeing me with interest, I felt decidedly uncomfortable. It had nothing to do with my job, though, and everything to do with the feelings I had for the blue-eyed rancher.

Chapter Twenty

Ryder

SHOOT ME STRAIGHT

Performed by Brothers Osborne

Jaime asked question after question about the new cabins before admitting he was thinking of adding something similar to the backside of his property. Except, his new cabins would be highly exclusive and available only to those who wanted extreme privacy. His idea was to have limited staff who’d wait on the guests, bringing food and groceries and supplies, but no one else on the ranch would even know they were there. It was a good hook for celebrities who were trying to disappear for a few days. I thought about the cabin up on the ridge that I’d debated converting into a small house. It would be a great retreat, far away from seeing eyes.

As we made our way back toward the parking lot, I debated inviting Jaime in for lunch. Mama would likely skin me alive for not offering, but I also didn’t want him to see Addy and ask questions I couldn’t answer. So, instead of heading toward the farmhouse, I led him into my office at the backside of the barn.

“Where’s Brandon?” Jaime asked, glancing around the office with the two desks shoved together.

“Horse auction in Tulsa,” I said before waving toward where a Keurig sat next to a decanter of whiskey above a mini fridge. “Water? Coffee? Whiskey?”

He grinned. “It’s a little early for whiskey, but I will have one to celebrate you agreeing to take over the treasurer’s position.”

I removed my hat, brushed my hand over my hair, and sat down behind my desk. “Truth is, Jaime, I’ve got some family stuff happening that’s going to take up my time for a while.”

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