Page 12 of A First Sight

Had I completely lost my mind?

TEN

MAGGIE

I breatheda sigh of relief when Nehemiah called the morning rehearsal to a close. I lowered my arms, trying not to grimace. After a long performance, my muscles would sometimes be sore. Like my jaw and throat was today.

As soon as I could get up without drawing attention to my eagerness, I excused myself to the restroom. I didn’t need to use it. I wanted some privacy, which was the best way to get it.

I was alone for a minute when I heard the door open, and two laughing women entered.

“…of course, I know he’s got a girlfriend, but if it was really serious, she’d be a fiancée by now, right?” The woman cleared her throat. “I can’t get rid of this cold,” she said. “I swear I sound like I’ve been smoking for thirty years.”

I didn’t recognize her voice, but I didn’t care about either of their identities, though. I wanted them to leave so I could be alone again.

“I’m just worried about you,” the other woman said.

Water ran in the sink, and then the door closed again. They must’ve been touching up their make-up or something similar. Whatever their reason, they were gone, and I was alone again.

I stepped out and scrutinized my reflection as I washed my hands.

I turned my head and winced. When I stretched my neck to the side, the collar of my shirt moved enough to show a hint of purple. I adjusted it off my left shoulder as much as I could, already knowing what I’d see. Five ovals the approximate size of Dale’s fingers.

His hand pressed on my shoulder, forcing me to my knees. I knew what he wanted…

I shook the memory free and adjusted my shirt to cover the bruises. At least the weather was still cool enough to wear high-necked sweaters and long sleeves without looking out of place.

Once satisfied I was in good shape, I made my way back to the rehearsal room. I started toward Dale’s seat, making it only a few steps before I stopped cold.

Dale’s arm was around Chelsey’s shoulders, and his face was next to hers. She laughed at something, and I recognized that sly grin on his face. Whatever he said, I was sure it had been sexual. Everything he said was sexual, even filthy, whenever he had that expression.

“Hi, Maggie.”

I turned to greet one of our percussionists as he walked by, and when I looked back, Dale was staring straight at me. He didn’t step away from Chelsey or take his arm from around her. Nor did he have the decency to pretend to be embarrassed or remorseful. He cocked an eyebrow at me, as if daring me to say something.

But what could I do?

If I spoke up now, asked him what he was doing, I’d come across as a jealous bitch. He’d come up with some excuse. He’d use one of those charming smiles of his, use the right words to make everything look like my fault. Like I was the irrational one.

That’s how it would go, because I knew him. He was already ten moves ahead of me.

I swallowed hard and lifted my chin.

Without a word to Dale, Chelsey, or any others who might watch me, I returned to my seat and picked up my violin. Ignoring everyone, I played the first few bars, testing my memory, losing myself in the notes. The music was all that mattered.

ELEVEN

DRAKE

Knowinga private investigator was working to find information on Dale Leighton and my mystery woman made it easier to concentrate. Before long, I was on track.

My heart beat faster when Mel knocked on my door. It’d been a long dry spell since I last had something that piqued my interest.

“My friend did some searching.” Mel closed the door when I nodded. “And I’m pretty sure he found the Dale Leighton you’re looking for.”

My throat went dry, and I straightened in my chair, trying not to look too eager.

Before taking a seat on the other side of the desk, Mel handed me his tablet. The picture on the screen made my chest tighten. It wasn’t only the man, butheras well. Even if I couldn’t recognize Leighton, seeing my beautiful ghost of Belle would have confirmed it.

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