Page 15 of Unforgotten

Now, though, Candace decided that it didn’t really matter what everyone else wanted her to do. She was the one wearing a dress, heels, a tiara, and a sash across her chest. She was the one smiling at a bunch of strangers in ninety-degree heat during the Thursday afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new auto parts store.

Her feet hurt, sweat was trickling down her back, and some kid had just smeared mustard on the skirt of her dress. Today was almost a carbon copy of the event she’d done two days ago, except that was a mattress store, and a little girl with chocolate on her face had stained her pink lace dress.

The only other difference was this time she was accompanied by Ryan Mulaney, Marion’s newest police officer. She’d tried to pretend that she hadn’t noticed him when he appeared at the store’s entrance, but he was hard to miss. Tall and muscular, with black hair, brown eyes, and a strong jaw, he looked like he’d probably played basketball or football—or both—in school. He strode to her side. “You doing okay there, Candace?”

She couldn’t get enough of his northern accent. Rumor had it he was from Connecticut and had moved down to Kentucky because he wanted a change of pace. A slower life. All she knew was that he was gorgeous. “Of course,” she said at last. It wasn’t exactly the truth, but he didn’t need to know that.

Still looking at her with concern, he said slowly, “I’m not sure if you’re aware of what my job is today.”

“Obviously you’re here to help with the grand opening.”

Still studying her intently, Ryan shook his head. “Well, I’ll help here if I’m needed, though I think we can be honest that there’s not many people here to look at new hubcaps or car wash kits. Most everyone is here to see you.”

She blushed. She didn’t want to display false modesty, but his blunt statement seemed a bit over the top. “Maybe.”

“I’m going to be spending the day with you. You’re going to the hospital next, yeah?”

She nodded. “And after that, I’ll be visiting a nursing home out in Tolu.”

He scowled. “I have no idea why they booked you to allthree places in one day, each one forty-five minutes from the other.”

She fought a smile. “Well, the ‘they’ who booked my schedule would be me. And the reason I did it is because I have some things to get done before August.”

“Ah.”

She appreciated that he didn’t give her a hard time. “Thanks for saying hello, but don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

“I didn’t come over here to check on you.” After a brief pause, he added, “Candace, I wanted to let you know that I’d like to drive you today.”

“Why?” Even she knew that the police department didn’t have officers to spare for such piddly things.

“You being Miss Crittenden County isn’t reason enough?”

“No.”

Almost smiling, he said, “To be honest, there are two other reasons I’m coming with you.”

“What are they?”

“You’re the perfect reason for me to meet more people around here. You know, make connections? If I’m with you, our citizens’ first impression of me isn’t going to be associated with trouble.”

“I guess that makes sense. What’s the other?”

“Your recent visit to the police station. The chief thinks my being with you might deter this guy as well.”

Relief filled her. They were taking her worries seriously at last.

“Not everyone is too keen on getting friendly with a northerner cop,” he added.

Chuck Stark, the owner of the new store, waved as he approached. “Candace, we’ve got a number of people here to see you. Are you ready to sign some photos and pose for pictures?”

“Yes, sir.”

Chuck looked at Ryan. “I didn’t recognize you out of uniform. Then I noticed the badge clipped to your belt. You’re our new officer, right?”

“Yes, sir.” He held out a hand. “Ryan Mulaney.”

“Heard you’re from up north.”

---