Page 66 of A Deceitful Pact

“I think she likes your voice.” Riley rests back against the couch, lifting up her shirt so I can place my palms against her bare skin.

“I could always sing her some Springsteen.” I laugh, stroking her softly and hoping to get another reaction.

“Let's not scare her before she’s born.” Riley laughs too. I lean down to kiss her swollen tummy, and when her fingers slide through my hair, it feels like everything’s going to be okay.

I don’t need Riley to love me, I can love her enough for both of us.

RILEY

FOUR WEEKS LATER

“Mr. Laffery wants you to call him back at your earliest convenience.” Harriet catches me as I march through to my office.

“Got it,” I call back, pausing at my office door when I feel my head spin. I nearly jump out of my skin when I eventually open it and see Eleanor Chambers sitting in front of my desk.

“Eleanor, I had no idea you were in here.” I fake a smile as I move toward the window and let some air in. It seems more stuffy in here than normal.

“I let myself straight on through, I didn’t think you’d mind.” She smiles.

“So, what can I do for you?” I press my palm against my forehead when I feel it thumping. I’m not up for her mindless chit-chat today. I spoke to Lily on the phone last night, and I hate that I have no news for her. She should be enjoying her freedom, not trapped in a new prison. She assures me that she’ll be taken care of at the safe house, and she sounded a lot more upbeat than she did a week ago. But I still feel like I should be doing more.

“It’s a sensitive subject, but one that needs to be talked about.” Eleanor lowers her voice. “You haven’t actually confirmed who the father is.” Her eyes linger on my ever-growing stomach. I already feel the size of a whale, and I still have thirteen weeks left.

“Correct.” I give nothing away. I’ve managed two whole months of the whispers and judgmental looks, I can manage a little longer.

“Well, I respect your right to privacy, but I do need some assurance that I have no involvement.” She confuses me.

“I wasn’t aware of your ability to produce sp?—”

“You know that's not what I mean!” she snaps. “Everyone in town is convinced it’s Sawyer’s. He was the one who broke the news, and Jean has some theory about muffins. But I know from experience that the obvious choice isn’t always where you should put your money.”

“Are you suggesting that there's illegal gambling taking place in town?” I question her sarcastically.

“It’s just an extra option added to the sweepstake, and sweepstakes are not illegal, they’re a town tradition,” she shuts me down.

“I’m going to ask you a question, Sheriff Hale, and I only want the truth for an answer.” Her voice turns stern. “Is Hayden the father of your child?” Her lips purse together when I instantly burst out laughing.

“It’s not a laughing matter. I know how closely you work together. If he is to blame for your condition, I will ensure he takes responsibility for it.”

“Eleanor, relax.” I put the old woman out of her misery. “Hayden is not the father.” She sighs with relief as there’s a knock on the door and Harriet steps inside. “I have Mr. Laffery on the phone again,” she informs me, and although it’s not a call I’m looking forward to, it’s a good excuse to get Eleanor out of my office.

I stand up, a little too quickly, and make my way to the door, sending Harriet on her way and gesturing for Eleanor to follow her. My hand grips the frame when I feel my feet wobble and the room starts to spin, next comes the heavy thud when I hit the floor.

* * *

“Riley, Riley. Are you okay?” I slowly open my eyes and see Harriet peering over me.

“Oh, thank god. It’s okay, everyone, she’s come around!” Eleanor’s voice dramatically carries down the hall.

“What happened?” I try dragging myself up to a sitting position, but Harriet stops me.

“Don’t do that too fast.” She eases me back down.

“I don’t do anything fast these days,” I remind her, stroking my hand over my huge, round stomach and taking some deep breaths.

“Through here, doctor.” Eleanor guides Dr. West through the door, and when he sees me on the floor, he immediately crouches down beside me, pressing his fingers to my wrist so he can take my pulse.

“I’m fine, honestly. I stood up too fast and got a little lightheaded,” I assure him.

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