Page 48 of Secrets in Calusa Cove

“Promise me you’ll try?”

“Will you make me French toast in the morning?”

“You bet.” If he didn’t have to arrest her and leave her in a holding cell overnight.

CHAPTER9

Audra balledher fists and rolled them across her thighs. She didn’t need to hear what people were whispering to know that everyone in this town thought she was trash. Low-hanging fruit. A snake.

A murderer.

Hell, some people actually believed she was a swamp monster by night. She could almost tolerate that. Expected it.

But being accused of cheating during the Python Challenge grated on her last nerve. There was no reason for her to do that. The only thing she had to prove to anyone in this town was that she hadn’t killed her father, and that was a battle she’d never win.

She eyed Baily as she strolled across the broken pavement with two beers in her hand. They hadn’t spoken much, and it was a bit tense when they did.

“Thought you might like a cold one.” Baily handed her a beverage.

“Thanks.” Audra brought it to her lips while she stared at Tim O’Toole and Dawson. They stood twenty paces away. Dawson had his arms folded across his chest. His stance was wide, and he didn’t move a muscle, not even a nod or shake of his head.

Tim, on the other hand, practically danced. His arms flapped about like a bird unable to take flight. He’d always been an excitable character. A man in need of way too much attention.

“How are you holding up?” Baily asked.

That was a loaded question.

Dawson had told her to wait by the picnic tables while he reviewed Tim’s statement. He’d told her not to speak to anyone. Lucky for her, no one wanted to chat, but she figured Baily would be the exception to the rule.

“Tim and Benson are bringing up those old stories about me being a Stigini. A fucking Owl Witch.” Audra shook her head. “I’m sorry that my being here brought drama to your business.”

“Tim’s an idiot,” Baily said, pointing to a souped-up Bronco. “He bought that truck over there last year, thinking it might impress me.”

Audra gagged and coughed. “He’s been hitting on you?”

Baily climbed up on the picnic table. “He hits on anyone who doesn’t have a dick. Ever since he started working for Silas, he believes he’s got game. Like he’s some important man about town.”

“I’m sure Fletcher put him in his place the second he returned.”

“Oh, Fletcher had a lot to say about Tim trying to get into my pants. I considered going out with Tim just to piss off Fletcher.” Baily sighed. “However, I have more self-respect than to go out with a joke like Tim. That guy probably has more porn loaded on his computer than every male in this town. I have to wonder if he’s ever gotten laid without paying for it.” She leaned closer. “He’s been picked up twice for soliciting a hooker.”

“Jesus, that’s sad.” Audra swigged her beer. “He tried to be so smooth and cool with me back in high school. Like he was sure I was into him. He said he knew all the signs, and I didn’t need to pretend anymore.”

“Right, because you didn’t have a crush on my brother since the fourth grade, and everyone knew it.” Baily jerked her head in Dawson's direction. “And now you’ve got the hots for the chief.”

“And you’re still in love with Fletch.”

“It’s Fletcher,” Baily corrected with a laugh. “And even if I was, that ship sailed a long time ago.”

“Why?”

“That’s not a question I can answer in a couple of minutes.” Baily’s lips curved into a half smile. “I know tonight’s not going to be a good night for you, but how about we have drinks tomorrow, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

“I’d love that.” She reached out and squeezed Baily’s hand. “But for the love of all things holy, why are we calling Fletcher by his full name? It’s weird. It doesn’t roll off my tongue naturally.”

“While I believe he’s been going by Fletcher for a long time, the fact that everyone in town is now calling him that is kind of my fault.” She jumped to her feet, waving toPrincess Afloatas it came down the channel. “Walk with me. I need to catch some lines for Trinity. She’s coming in solo, and while she can handle that sucker all by herself, she’s still a princess.”

“We’re going to chat about her, too,” Audra mumbled.

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