Page 104 of Unforgotten

Every other time he’d visited, he’d sat with her in the kitchen or in their family room. “Is there a reason she’s in there?”

“There’s a pair of chairs, a fireplace, and a TV in the back of the room. Sometimes she likes to go in there and nap.”

“Maybe I should come back another time?” The last thing he wanted to do was wake her up from a much-needed nap.

“Oh no. Candace knows you’re coming.” Her bottom lip trembled. “I think she wants to talk to you about something.”

“Yes, ma’am.” After handing Dora his coat, he walked down the hall. He wondered if Candace was getting ready to break things off with him.

When he got to Wayne’s office, he saw that the door wasn’t all the way closed. Candace was curled up on one of the chairs just the way her mother had described. The television was on, a fire was in the fireplace, and a candle was burning. She looked a little drowsy but definitely awake. “Knock, knock,” he said.

Immediately, she shifted. “Hi. Come on in.”

“When your mother told me where you were, I was surprised. I didn’t even realize this room was here.”

“It’s one of my favorite spots in the house. It’s private, you know?”

He nodded as he took a seat in the other chair. “So, what are we watching?”

“Hmm?” She looked at the TV like she’d forgotten it was even on. “Oh. Nothing.” Picking up the remote, she clicked it off. “So, how was your day?”

“Fine.”

“Get any bad guys?”

He chuckled. “I’m afraid my only claim to fame today was stopping five speeders.”

“At least you’re keeping the streets of Marion safe.”

“At least.” Leaning forward, he winked. “I told Chief Foster that I’m looking forward to escorting Miss Crittenden County around again. She makes me feel useful.”

Her hazel eyes widened before they shuttered. “Oh. I ...I’ve been thinking about giving up my crown. Lacy was the runner-up. She’d do a good job.”

Boy, he hated to hear that. He’d loved watching her with all the little girls. Interacting with them made her happy. Getting out and about again would be a good thing for her too.

But he sure didn’t want to push too hard. Keeping his voice light, he murmured, “Any reason why you don’t want to continue?”

“Nothing specific.” She darted a glance his way before looking down at her clenched hands. “It just doesn’t feel the same.”

“I’m sure the folks at the chamber will understand if you want to wait a little longer to resume your appearances.”

“Yeah, they said that.”

“You talked to them?”

“Well, someone from the chamber called. My mom talked to them.”

“I see.” Still choosing his words with care, he added, “If the chamber is good with you waiting, maybe you should consider that. Everywhere we went, people were happy to see you. You were good at being Miss Crittenden County.”

“It didn’t mean anything.”

“It meant something to the community members you visited. It meant something to all the little girls you met.”

Hurt shone in her eyes before she looked away. “Ryan, I ... sometimes when I sleep, all I do is dream about being in that shack.”

“I know. That’s why you need to talk to Isabel. She’s a good therapist, Candace.”

“I’ve talked to her some. She said to give myself time.” Meeting his gaze again, Candace flushed. “I might need lots of time.”

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