Page 36 of Secrets in Calusa Cove

“I’ve been told that before,” he said, jumping from the stool, wagging his long finger under her nose. “I also need to ask you a question about Paul Massey’s son.”

“What about him?”

“For starters, why would he accuse you of slashing his tire today?”

She jerked her head back. “While Imighthave done that when I was ten, right after my mom died because he called my father a crazy lunatic, I certainly wouldn’t do that today. Not even if he got in my face, but I can’t explain why he’d say I did that. I haven’t even seen him up close and personal to say hello. Only from a distance. And the last time we spoke to one another was about the time my dad disappeared.”

“That’s a lot for me to unpack,” Dawson said. “Hard for me to believe you’d have the balls to slash a tire at ten.”

“He said some pretty nasty things to my dad. It was cruel, and it happened right after my mom passed. Benson had no idea I was there, and I was too young and stupid, so I got caught,” she said. “Trip read me the riot act, but what was he going to do? Throw the book at a kid who was barely in the double digits?”

“I suppose nothing,” he said, helping her off the stool and guiding her across the room like a real gentleman.

She wasn’t used to that kind of treatment. She opened the case and handed him the damaged drone. “See that?” She pointed.

“Yeah.” He nodded. “Looks like a bullet hole to me.” He narrowed his stare. “I want to bring this to the office in the morning and examine it more closely.”

“I guess I’ll let you do that,” she said. “Here.” She pulled up the video and shoved her cell in his face. She shouldn’t trust him. He lived in Calusa Cove, and everyone who did was against her. Believed the worst—as proven by Benson’s accusation. But everything about Dawson seemed different. He listened. He didn’t shove her thoughts and opinions to the side. No. He treated her with respect.

Much like Trip had.

“Look at the last frame of the video. You can see wood scattered on the ground.” She tapped at the screen.

He brought it closer. “I don’t know. It’s awfully fuzzy. Could be anything.”

“Seriously, that’s all you got?” Her pulse froze in her throat. “Look again.”

“I am looking, and while it could be what you say, this video doesn’t prove anything.”

She should have known. “You’re just like everyone else.” She gathered her things, shoved them back in the case, and headed for the door. She didn’t need his help. She didn’t need anyone. She’d figure this out all on her own. She’d go back out there tomorrow…if she ever got her boat fixed.

And she’d go visit Trevor in prison.

She’d make him own what he’d done, and he’d rot there for the rest of his pathetic life.

CHAPTER7

“Put that down.”Dawson grabbed the drone case from Audra’s hand and tossed it to the sofa. He held her by the biceps.

Someone didn’t want her out there. Whether it was because they didn’t want her poking around that island or they didn’t like her returning, he didn’t know. But he was determined to find out. However, he couldn’t do that if she was going to fight him every step of the way.

“Don’t manhandle me.” She shrugged her arms free. Her big teal-green eyes conveyed hurt, not anger, and he’d put that look there.

Why were redheads so damn feisty all the time?

“I’m not your problem. This isn’t anything you need to concern yourself with.” She bent over, reaching for the bag.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” he mumbled, stepping between her and the door. “I’m trying to help you. Just because I don’t see what you do doesn’t mean I don’t believe you. Why can’t you see that?”

“You belittled me, and you…you…” She blinked, staring at him with her mouth gaping open.

He raked his fingers through his damp hair. “I would never do that, and tomorrow, I’ll go to that island and look around.”

She narrowed her eyes as if she hadn’t heard what he’d said. “I can handle that myself.” She planted her hands on her hips and glared. Her green eyes shot daggers. If looks could kill, he’d been dead.

“Absolutely not.”

“You can’t tell me what to do.”

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