Page 44 of A River of Crows

“We’ll know,” Sloan repeated.

“I looked at Ridge’s picture again online, but I just don’t remember. I’m sorry.”

“I’ve been doing the same with pictures of Eddie Daughtry,” Sloan said. “Me obsessing over his picture . . . that's what caused all this.” She motioned around the demolished room.

“How so?”

“I’m not sure,” Sloan said. “Something’s going on. When a man tried to abduct me, Mom didn’t want to call the police. She told the shop owner bad men were after me. That she was going to take me away; only, she never did.”

“You think she knows what happened to your brother and was worried it could happen to you too?” Dylan asked.

“I don’t know. My mom’s a fighter. She wouldn't have let it rest if she found out what had happened or even had an inkling.”

“Maybe she had to. I know that sounds crazy, but Eddie has this way of keeping you scared. She might have been worried for your life.”

Sloan shook her head. “She wouldn’t sacrifice Ridge for me. She probably didn’t want to see Eddie's picture for the reason the rest of us don’t—because he's a sick pedophile.”

“It's possible,” Dylan said. “But this,” he gestured around the room, "seems a little personal.”

“I wish I could just ask Eddie. I mean, they've already got enough to put him away for life, right? So, he might tell the truth about Ridge, especially if he got something out of the deal.”

Dylan’s face went white. “Please don’t contact him. He’s an animal.” Sloan noticed Dylan fidgeting again, dry-washing his hands. “Leave this to law enforcement.”

“Right. Bad idea.” Sloan glanced at the clock. “I hate to cut this short, but I'm expecting a call anytime to pick up my mom, and I'd like to get the house cleaned up before.”

Dylan stood. “Yeah, sorry.”

“No, I'm so glad you came.” Sloan rose to meet him. “I've been wanting to talk to you again but didn't want to go through Felicity. That probably sounds horrible, but I don’t want a relationship with her.”

Dylan pushed his hands into his pocket. “Yeah. I wanted to talk to you without her too, so I found your address.”

“Really? Wow. I’m horrible at reading people because I sorta thought you liked her.”

Dylan's cheeks reddened. “Liked, liked her? No way. I mean, I’m sure she’s a great person, but she’s just too, I don’t know, too happy.”

Sloan laughed. “Well, this is a first. My dismal disposition has made me a preferable companion.”

“Hey, we unhappy people need to stick together,” Dylan said, his smile contradicting any claim of unhappiness at that moment. He bent down to retrieve a throw pillow from the floor. “Mind if I help you clean up a little?”

“Oh no, you don't have to do that,” Sloan said.

“This is going to sound like a lie, but I enjoy cleaning. My therapist says I use cleaning and organization as coping mechanisms—a way to gain control of certain aspects of my life.” He shrugged. “Makes sense. I mean, if you can't organize your thoughts, organize your sock drawer.”

Sloan smiled as she handed him the broom. “All right then. Let's get to work.”

Chapter 14

Mallowater, TX, 2008

When Sloan’s phone vibrated with a text notification that afternoon, she hoped it was Dylan. He’d left only an hour earlier, but she missed his company.

Maybe it was those River Phoenix vibes he gave off to blame, but Sloan couldn’t get Dylan Lawrence out of her head. The last thing she needed was a crush on a man in the center of a media storm. A crush on a man who was only beginning to come to terms with the horrific trauma and abuse he’d endured. What a screwed-up pair they’d make.

But when Sloan checked her phone, she saw Liam’s name. It still stung. Another reminder that the last thing she needed right now was a crush on anyone.

Good news! House sold for asking price. Closing in July, and you’ll get your half. You’ll have to be here to sign. Final Decree’s filed. Community property sold. Lawyer will send you a check for your half. Hope you are having a nice summer!

Sloan threw her phone on the pillow beside her. She was glad the house sold, but Liam knew a nice summer was impossible, given why she had come to Mallowater. Though Sloan bet he was having a nice summer shacked up at Megan’s.

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