Page 69 of The Secrets We Treasure

Greer’s eyes popped. “What?”

“He’s not you,” she said softly.

At that Greer relaxed.

Ian cleared his throat in amusement as he and Sadie shared a smile. A second later, Ian turned his attention back to Treasure. “Ethan has been with you since the beginning of your career?”

“Yes.”

“When did you first start receiving the texts and emails?”

Treasure thought back. “Roughly a year ago.”

“How were things with Ethan when the texts and emails started?” Sadie asked.

“Good. Better than now.”

Ian peddled his hand. “Can you expound on that?”

Heat blasted Treasure’s face for the umpteenth time today. “Ethan and I were dating.” She rushed to explain. “He’s always had a romantic interest in me. There was a time when I thought I might be able to return his feelings.” She looked at Greer. “But no.”

Ian cocked his head. “So, you and Ethan were dating when the stalking started.”

“Yes.”

“Is there any other significant event that took place in your life around the same time the emails and texts began?”

Treasure thought back. “Not that I can think of.” Her mind sorted through the sequence of events. Something stood out that she’d never considered before. She blinked as she turned to Greer. “The texts and emails started about a month after you and I reconnected at Aimee’s funeral.” She got the feeling that she’d uncovered some important clue, although she couldn’t quite figure out how it fit into the full picture.

Greer’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think Ethan sent you the texts and emails as some sort of twisted retaliation against you because of your association with me?”

“It’s possible.” It was embarrassing to admit this out loud, especially with Ian, Sadie, and her mom listening, but it needed to be said. “When I saw you again, all the feelings came rushing back.” Her voice grew throaty with emotion. “It was then that I realized that I didn’t want to be with Ethan or any other man. Just you.”

Greer rewarded her with a smile so full of love that it set her entire body aglow.

“Should we give you two a moment alone?” Ian joked.

Treasure blinked, coming out of the spell.

“Those two have always been sappier than a jug of molasses,” Barbara chuckled, shaking her head.

Sadie laughed at that, but Ian creased his brow. “Tell us more about Ethan.”

Treasure told them everything she knew, finishing with her conversation with Howard where he told her about the pop singer, Sabrina Sanchez, and her allegations.

Ian looked at Greer. “Ethan is now here on the island?”

“Yes,” Greer answered. “Staying at The Oliver Hotel.”

Treasure glanced at her mom. She looked pale. The day’s events were catching up with her. “Mom, are you okay?”

Barbara offered a wan smile. “I’m feeling a little spent. Maybe I’d better go and lie down.”

“I’ll help you.” Treasure scooted to the edge of her seat.

“No need.” Barbara rose to her feet. “Thanks for coming,” she said to Sadie and Ian. “I hope y’all can get to the bottom of this mess.” Her expression hardened. “If I were a betting woman, my money would be on Ethan Roberts. He’s been trying to get his claws into Treasure for years. I about flipped my gourd when I thought Treasure was actually engaged to him.”

They waited until Barbara had shuffled from the room before restarting their conversation. Ian drummed his fingers on his jeaned leg. “Can you give me Howard’s contact information?”

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