Page 139 of Faking the Shot

“He died. Never got in touch again.”

Strike one.

Benson sighed. “Then, not two years later, her grandfather killed his wife.”

Strike two.“So tragic.”

“Yeah. She died after she intervened to prevent him from abusing Ainsley.”

His breath snagged. “Seriously?”

Benson dipped his chin. “She never speaks of it, so her mother and I don’t think anything happened, but still, the man was evil, and none of us were sad when he got what he deserved in prison.”

No wonder she had issues trusting men. That was strikes three, four, five right there. “I can’t believe how much this family has suffered.”

“Ainsley is a tough cookie, but it’s been rough. It wasn’t long after her uncle—another abuser—left Winifred, just when she’d got the news about her cancer.” Benson placed his cup down. “Then came the incident with Baden.”

“What incident?” Zac asked quickly.

Benson looked at him. “I don’t feel like it’s my place to share. I’ve tried to be a steady role model for her, but she’s had some pretty defining moments in a life where men have let her down in a big way.”

Just in the little that Benson had shared, he could see that.Lord, heal Ainsley.

Benson sighed. “Of course God can change hearts, but Zac, you need to know there are reasons for why she acts the way she does.”

His heart broke for her. Sure were. Poor Ainsley. People might look up to her, but they had no idea of what lay behind the smiling facade. “I’ve been praying for her.”

“I know, I can tell,” Benson said. “The way you look at her, you’re invested, even if she’s too scared to trust you.”

“I want her to trust me.”

“Then be patient. Help her to see you’re trustworthy.”

Love was patient, love was kind. It always trusted.Lord, lead me.

Zac didn’t knowwhat he was expecting when he went to Mack and Emmett’s. But it wasn’t to see a perfectly normal apartment, not styled in any theatrically clichéd way. There were a few fancy armchairs and theater posters lining the wall that gave a nod to Mack’s line of work, but apart from that, nothing else. Other than a photograph of Ainsley on the mantelpiece, her mouth wide and eyes sparkling in one of those genuine smiles he recognized.

“Good picture, isn’t it?” Mack said.

Zac nodded, straightened. “I’m sorry to barge in like this, but Benson gave me your number.”

“So you mentioned on the phone.”

Right. Unlike Benson, Mack didn’t seem a fan of his. Best to get to the point. “So, I know that Ainsley is on the island with your aunt, but I also know she’s been really stressed about the house, which is why I wanted to ask you about the zoning.”

“Why?”

“Because I know she wants it sorted before your aunt dies.”

“Oh, Zac, how can you say that to him?” Emmett murmured.

“Because it’s the truth. And I’m sick and tired of playing pretend anymore.”

Mack eyed him. “What is it you want to know?”

“Do you know what the specifics are regarding the zoning? I have some people I could perhaps contact, and if it helps get it sorted sooner, then surely that’s got to be better than waiting until it’s too late.”

“Why would you do this? Oh, you’re doing this to get back into her good books, right?”

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