Page 21 of The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

Almost reflexively, Honey coils like she’s about to make a run for it, but then relaxes, wearing a smile that hides secrets. She stares through the window as if defying the odds that we’re going to be booked for trespassing.

“Are we in trouble?” I ask, joking.

“Everyone in Hogwash Holler is. It just depends on how much peace you can amass to cope with that fact.”

My pulse lurches. I wonder about Mrs. Halfpenny’s comment. I wouldn’t need a cane to break legs if some guy ran off on Honey. She’s defensive, but there’s a reason for that. Whoever hurt her deserves worse than whatever they’ve gotten.

I rock back on my heels. But why am I considering defending her? Maybe she’s right and I am in trouble.

Chapter 5

Breaking & Entering

An imposing figure fills the opening of the chateau’s front door. During another chapter of my life, this would be a problem. I forcibly tell myself not to make a run for it on pure instinct.

Whereas I’m usually relaxed, in my hard won unflappable way, Maddock seems completely unphased by the flashing lights and the presence of the law officer blasting us with a flashlight.

I wince, shielding my eyes.

Jesse says, “Oh, Honey. It’s you. Didn’t see your car outside.” His tone suggests he did see it on Main Street earlier.

“Sorry about that. Won’t happen again. Drivers from out of town don’t always heed our parking rules, so?—”

“There was noPorsche Onlyparking sign.” Maddock turns to Jesse and gives him a chin nod.

Jesse surveys him carefully and says, “That’s something you’d have to take up with the mayor, Honey.”

Hand on hip, I say, “Unfortunately, I haven’t seen Mayor Jagger lately.”

Jesse shifts uncomfortably. “What are you doing out here?”

“Just giving a tour.” I gesture at our surroundings and at the man who came protectively to my side like we’re accomplices in a crime. A pleasant plume of cedarwood and smoke wafts my way—the same scent I smelled in the truck. It makes me twitchy inside.

The spotlight turns to him. “Sir, I’m Maddock Witt.”

“Jesse Lawson. Deputy Sheriff.” The nod of recognition he gives Maddock makes me wonder if I’m missing something. He’s the heir, but he said he’s not related to Tickle. Perhaps he’s a debt collector. My guilty conscience rises like a zombie out of a grave.

“Nancy at dispatch said a suspicious vehicle with out-of-state plates passed down this way. Just following up.”

“It’s a rental. Figured I’d get four-wheel drive because I wasn’t sure what to expect. That was all they had available,” Maddock supplies.

“Smart man.” Jesse looks around. “I came down here often enough while investigating the Bling Ring, but I haven’t been inside for years.”

Me neither.

“My cousin Sawyer and I used to rile each other up, claim the place was haunted. We’d ignore theNo Trespassingsign and sneak in.” He points. “Looks like our spray paint still stains the plasterboard walls in the dining room.”

The flashlight grazes the wordsBreak the Law.

“Jesse hasn’t always worn a uniform,” I say.

“And you didn’t always wear your seatbelt.” He tips his head knowingly at me.

“Times change,” I answer.

“Except on the town clock.”

“Which was also your doing,” I say.

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