Page 136 of Simon Says

Confusion had her shaking her head. “It wasn’t the same.”

“Wasn’t it?”

Her brows came together. “I was pushed.”

Wishing he didn’t have to put the possibility into her head, Simon touched her cheek. “Maybe your mother was, too.”

She jerked upright, her expression contorted with anger and suspicion. “You think someone pushed my mother?”

“I don’t know.” Simon sat up beside her. “Was Marvin ever around your mother? You think he’s the one who pushed you. Could he have pushed her, too?”

In a near panic, Dakota searched his face. “God, no. If he did, then it was my fault.”

“No. Shhh. I didn’t say that.”

She left the bed in a rush and paced across the room—as far from him and the awful possibility as she could get. “You don’t have to say it. I brought Marvin into our lives. I know that and I accept the responsibility for it.”

Simon didn’t go to her. She looked ready to charge from the room naked if he did. “I want us to think about this rationally.”

“The night Marvin…hurt me”—she ran a hand over her forehead, pushing her hair away from her pale face—“he left and didn’t come back. But that was daysaftermy mother had already fallen. She was in a coma almost a week before the detective found me. It doesn’t make any sense that he would have done that to her before that night.”

“Had you argued at all before that?”

“No. If she’d been hurt that night, I’d believe it in a heartbeat. He was capable of that. Heiscapable of that. But before that night…we had our spats and God knows our relationship sucked, but I don’t think he had anything against my mother.”

Simon moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “You told me that you had wanted to see your mom, and Marvin refused.”

Dakota went white. She swallowed hard. “Oh, God.” Her gaze sought his. “Simon, what if he did that to her?”

“Then we’ll let the police know and he’ll be punished.”

And just like that, right before Simon’s eyes, she changed. One moment she had looked ready to sink to the floor with guilt and remorse and pain, and in the next she stood taller, her hands fisted, her eyes bright with determination.

Simon went to her and clasped her upper arms. “Dakota, I don’t want you to do anything on your own.”

“No. I wouldn’t.” She looked up at him and drew in a calming breath. “Marvin always has alibis. If he did something like that, it’d be hard to prove.”

“He’ll slip up, honey. I’m sure of it.”

She nodded. “I’m really tired. Do you think we could go to bed now?”

Simon didn’t trust her odd mood, but what could he do about it? “All right.”

Dakota frowned. “You are spending the night, aren’t you?”

She’d have a hell of a time throwing him out. “If you don’t mind.” He smiled and held out his hand. “You want to be on top still?”

Rather than answer, she tumbled him into the bed and wrestled her way atop him. He thought she’d have a hard time falling asleep, but within minutes, she was out. And even in slumber, her hold on him remained tight throughout the night.

Simon stroked her hair, kissed her forehead, and made plans. Tomorrow he’d get things started. One way or the other, he’d put an end to Dakota’s fears.

CHAPTER 18

THEYarrived at Simon’s rented house early the next morning only to find the mailbox spray-painted with obscenities.

In the bright morning sunlight, with autumn leaves crunching beneath her feet and a brisk wind making her shiver, Dakota stared at that awful reminder. “Damn it.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

Simon looked at the damage. “You didn’t do it, so you have nothing to be sorry for.” Absently, his hand cupped the back of Dakota’s neck and caressed. “I’m going to enjoy meeting him, honey. I really am.”

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