Page 118 of Come Back to Me

When I hesitate, she grouses, “Would I, what, soldier boy?”

I wince. God, she hasn’t called me that since her initial letters. “Would you come with me?”

“Why?”

The lack of intonation after hearing her speak freely with Jamie has me grinding my teeth.

“I told Bast what she said about Uncle Clay.”

Her grimace is pained. “Bet that went down well.”

“He already knew. Apparently, she’s told them all that Clay was the love of her life.”

She gasps but finally stares me in the eye. “Are you being serious?”

“Wish I weren’t.”

Her fingers press against her lips in stunned bewilderment as she brakes to a halt. “Oh my god. Poor Mr. Frobisher!”

“This is all kinds of fucked up.”

Eyes wide, she demands, “Why do you want to talk to her tomorrow? Aren’t you going to be making a shitty situation worse?”

The semi-accusation stings. “Bast says she’s convinced someone murdered Uncle Clay.”

This time, her hand drops away to reveal her parted lips. “No way.”

“Yes. Unfortunately, her testimony is worthless. Bast says she has a habit of twisting the truth. But… I loved my uncle and we were all surprised when he died.” I rub the back of my neck. “If my dad had anything to do with his passing, I need to know.”

“You think Clyde...?”

“I do. He stood to benefit the most, and Colton told me that Clyde fucked around with Clay’s will. Colton should have inherited the Seven Cs when he was of age, but Clyde kept it from him.

“Maybe it’s the ramblings of a woman whose mind has turned against her, or maybe...”

“There’s a sliver of truth to her story.”

“I have to check it out, Tee,” I rasp. “You understand, don’t you?”

“I understand.” She cups my jaw. “I’ll be here tomorrow if you need me.”

“Thank you.”

“No worries. We can take Nonna. She’ll help. Elena loves her. Plus, she’s due a visit with Blanche.”

“Sounds good.” I tilt my head, wanting to extend her touch.

Her eyes drop to my mouth.

Just as I hope she might kiss me, even if it’s based in pity, her fingers flex then shift away. “Jamie says she remembers the past better than she does the present. She said Barry Ryder was having an affair with Lorraine Holly ten years ago.”

“Wouldn’t be surprised. Clyde told me once that banging him was how Lorraine became mayor.” I gust out my cheeks. “If she’s right about Uncle Clay too…”

“Yeah.”

Leaning over, I open the back seat to my car for her, watching as she climbs in. Then, I open mine and sink into the driver’s seat.

I want a whiskey. A bed. And Tee by my side.

---