Page 15 of Crossroads of Betrayal
Grace bit her bottom lip to keep from responding. Her job was to help guests, and she wouldn’t refuse if she was asked to show Zeke the reins. But being near him made her head spin and question every decision she made since the day she left.
“I think I’ll just wander around a little tomorrow and get a lay of the land. I don’t want to burden anyone. Beside, I’m sure you’re busy enough as it is.”
“I always make time for people who need me. Call if you change your mind. Just remember to take care of yourself while you’re here. Mind, body, and soul.”
Grace sneaked a peek and let her gaze roam over his body. He’d injured his shoulder during work, but other than that, she didn’t know the extent of what had happened. Normally, guests who came to the retreat had experienced something pretty traumatic to push them into their visit. The thought of what could have caused Zeke to seek treatment at Crossroads Mountain Retreat made her chest ache.
But she couldn’t ask him about what he’d been through. She’d given up that right the day she walked away.
“I’m sure I’ll find some useful tools to give me what I need while I’m here.”
Th sound of hurried footsteps preceded Lincoln into the room, and Brooke smiled before standing and hurrying to wrap him in a hug.
Jealousy constricted Grace’s stomach muscles, and she dropped her gaze to her plate so Zeke couldn’t read her expression.
“Are they a couple?” Zeke asked.
“Engaged.”
He snorted. “Great. He made it clear he didn’t trust me. I hope that doesn’t rub off on Brooke. She seems like a nice lady.”
“She is, and she’s not one to let other’s opinions sway her own. And Lincoln’s a good cop. He won’t listen to the bullshit being thrown around.”
He winced. “You heard that, huh?”
“Kind of hard not to. But I meant it when I told Lincoln that you had nothing to do with what happened to Tessa. Years may have come and gone since we’ve spoken, but I know you. You’d never hurt anyone. Let alone an innocent woman.”
“Let’s hope he can prove it soon. For more than just my reputation. Tessa deserves justice.”
Grace nodded, but Brooke’s sudden frown and agitated movement of her hands stole her focus. “Something’s wrong with Brooke.”
Intuition set her one her feet, Zeke close behind her. “What’s going on?”
Frowning, Lincoln crossed his arms over his chest.
“Oh hell, they were both here with me. Go ahead and tell them,” Brooke said.
“Joan made a call to the police department. Someone broke into her cabin.” He arched a brow at Zeke. “She took a walk after leaving the lodge. We don’t know how long ago the cabin was broken into.”
* * *
All it took wasone encouraging look from Grace for Zeke to follow the concerned party to Joan’s cabin. He’d motored Grace in his golf cart, parking behind Lincoln’s. The cabin was a few doors down from his own, a cluster of trees keeping each cozy structure tucked in its own little haven of privacy.
Joan stood on the porch and chewed her thumbnail. Relief clear as she waited for Lincoln and Brooke to jog her way.
“What are we doing here?” He whispered to Grace. “They won’t let us inside a crime scene. Even if you’re friends with the owner.”
Shrugging, she kept her attention fixed on the interaction in front of them. “I don’t know. Just seemed like we should tag along. Joan’s upset and been through a lot. We can offer to stay with her while Brooke and Lincoln do their thing.”
He watched the older woman, who spoke with wild hand gestures. He’d been accused of not being around to comfort her once. Standing by her side while her things were combed over might help him not look so suspicious to people. It also would keep him close to overhear any details that might prove beneficial. He wasn’t a cop, but he worked closely with them. He preferred to be on the inside of things, not kept in the dark.
“Sounds good,” he said, stepping out of the cart.
A blast of wind slid against him, and he kept as much distance between him and Grace as he could without looking ridiculous. She’d extended two different invitations—first to join her and Brooke for dinner and now to accompany her to comfort Joan—and he didn’t know what to make of it. But he didn’t have time to dwell on it now.
“Hey, Joan.” Grace glided up the steps and shoved her hands in the front pockets of her jeans. She ignored Lincoln’s frown. “Zeke and I were with Brooke when you called. Thought we’d tag along and see if you’re okay. Maybe sit on the porch with you while they go through your cabin.”
Zeke stayed planted on the worn path in front of the porch, just in case his presence wasn’t welcomed.
