Page 79 of Wicked Scandal

“I did,” Wilder confirms. Then he looks at his father with a serious expression. “And I won’t be letting her go anytime soon. Doesn’t matter what you think or say.”

I squeeze his hand because that was not part of the plan, but his thumb just strokes the back of mine. Oddly, it makes me smile.

Grant sighs heavily as he presses his palm to his desk and looks down toward a stack of papers. “We’ll discuss all of that later. Right now, we need to contact Officer Benton who has been assigned to this case.” He shakes his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I have one son screwing his stepsister and the other is dating his teacher. What’s next? Is Callan gonna start stalking the preacher’s daughter?”

I can’t tell if he’s joking or serious, but I’d vote for the latter. I know this is a lot for Grant so I’m not taking any of this personally. He’s probably been worried sick about his son.

Grant requests a word with Wilder alone, so I leave the room and stand in the hallway to wait for him.

I’m chewing nervously on my nail again when Elodie appears. “Hey,” she says as she wraps her arms around me. I’m taken aback at her kindness, but grateful for it nonetheless. “How are you?”

I gulp. “Doing okay, given the circumstances. Look,” I begin. “I want to thank you and Rome for all your help. It really means a lot.”

“Of course. Wilder is my brother and I can see how much he means to you.” She sighs as she takes a step back. “I have to admit, at first I was skeptical. I was scared he’d get hurt, but I know now that you feel the same way about him.” She beams at me and I can see her acceptance of us written in every feature.

“I do,” I tell her truthfully. “He’s incredible and sweet. I could go on for days, but…” I look over her shoulder and see an officer coming toward us. “It looks like it’ll have to wait until later.”

I knock on the door to Grant’s office and once I’m given permission to come in, I push it open. Officer Benton follows behind me. Once we’re settled, I give him the same statement we just gave Grant, but with proof. Now that Wilder has his phone back, he pulls up the video he took and hits play for the officer. I go on to tell him that I’d bet my life Troy took his own life, and in the end, he seems satisfied.

“We were leaning toward self-inflicted,” Officer Benton says. “And the autopsy revealed that it was highly likely, but we needed to speak to you two first since you both went missing around the time of the mayor’s death.” He looks at me and I swallow hard, feeling the pressure of his stare. “I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Jenkins, but more importantly, I’m sorry for what you’ve had to endure. We’re going to need statements from people you encountered during your trip to Wyoming, as well as those medical records that document the abuse.”

I make a promise to go to the police station first thing in the morning, and Officer Benton says he’ll put out a press release on the new evidence that’s come to light. Thankfully, he said the abuse and video will not be shared with the public, but he told us not to be surprised if word gets out. Even if it does, I’m ready. At least once everyone knows, they won’t go on thinking Troy was this amazing man. The truth coming out will only set me free. Finally.

CHAPTER 27

CATHERINE

It’s been three days since we’ve returned to Willow Creek. Things are starting to settle down a bit, but everyone has been asking about Troy’s memorial service. It’s up to me whether I want to have one, and I’ve made the decision not to. If he has other family members or friends that want to step up and take on that role, more power to them. As for me, I want nothing to do with it. Some may think I’m cold and callous, but that’s because they don’t know the hell I went through.

Rumors have begun to circulate about his abuse and the way he treated me. Some even say I’m making it all up. But I’m keeping a tight lip and letting everyone think what they want.

It’s also no surprise that I was let go from my position at Willow Creek High. I’m not sad in the least because there are better opportunities for me elsewhere.

I pick up my phone and read the latest article from the Willow Creek Gazette as Wilder and I walk up to the motel I’ve been staying in.

Breaking News: Willow Creek’s Mayor Jenkins Death Ruled Suicide.

The case in the death of Mayor Troy Jenkins has been closed as new evidence was brought to light. Mr. Jenkins’s wife, Catherine, returned to Willow Creek and gave a statement regarding the threats her husband made in the days leading to his death.

Autopsy results have revealed Troy Jenkins lost his life to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Since that time, Grant Cromwell is still serving as acting mayor until he’s sworn in after the election this November.

“Did you see this?” I pass the phone to Wilder as we step through the door.

His eyes skim over the article quickly and he hands my phone back to me. “Good. I’m glad this shit is finally over.”

“Yes,” I exhale a sigh of relief. “It is finally over.”

We approach my room on the first and only floor of the small motel. It’s a cute place with only a dozen rooms, but it’s well-kept and there’s a beautiful garden with benches out back. Wilder and I spent last night out there watching the sunset and a sense of peace washed over me. He’s been staying with me every night since I checked in and I’m hoping once I sell the house and buy a new one, he might want to stay with me permanently. I know this thing between us is moving fast, but when you know…you know.

As we draw closer to the room, my nose scrunches as I try to make out what’s hanging on the door.

Wilder notices and moves faster, snatching the note and something else that’s taped there. A feeling of dread settles into my stomach, one that feels all too familiar.

“What is it?” I ask him. When his eyes go wide, I get the feeling this isn’t really over.

He hands it to me, and I read the words that are put together by letters cut from a newspaper.

---