Page 37 of Fortune's Control
He paused. “Did you see two attackers that night, Lilah?”
I forced a laugh. “One was bad enough. It’s like he watches me sometimes, that’s all. I’m out of town, and sometimes I think he’s here. If that car hadn’t driven up…”
“We have the right guy, Lilah. I’ve been doing this job for fifteen years, and after all that time, you get a feeling. She had a restraining order against him for a reason.”
“I remember her telling me that. I heard them argue the night before.”
“He was seen leaving her apartment that night, too, and we have physical evidence putting him at the scene. There’s plenty of evidence to put him away for life. I worry about some cases, but this is not one of them.” His voice slowed at the end, so each word emerged as a distinct sentence. “You can sleep easy knowing we caught Wilson Skane before he could hurt another young girl.”
This part always bothered me. He was her ex-boyfriend, so wouldn’t physical evidence be everywhere, no matter the circumstances? Still, my paranoia couldn’t match a police investigation. “But is it possible?”
“If that were the case, I’d still be looking. That’s a promise. Lilah, if you have further information, you need to share it with me so we can investigate.” Paper shuffled in the background, and I heard a muffled voice. “Hold on.” Office Davis came back on after a brief exchange. “That was my partner. If you recall something new, even if it doesn’t seem important, we will look into it. I can come to your home ifyou’re more comfortable there.”
I was hours away and had no intention of returning to Atlanta. “I’m in Florida, plus I shared everything that night. He threatened me, and I keep looking for him. It happened again today.”
“You aren’t the first witness to tell me the same, and you know what? They’re all safe and secure. Let me give you some more comfort. He’s required to wear an ankle monitor as a condition of his bond, and he’s staying out of sight in his parents’ home.”
Relief flooded me. My overactive imagination created a stalker who didn’t exist. He was hundreds of miles and several hours away. “He acted alone.”
“And you helped us find him, Lilah. Sandy Cooper’s parents are grateful for all your efforts. Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?”
“That’s it. Thank you.”
Tonight wasn’t our first exchange. Detective Davis’s knack for putting me at ease contrasted with his partner’s attitude. If he was the one extracting a confession from Sandy’s ex-boyfriend, it’s no wonder Detective Davis considered the case resolved.
Calm settled over me. He wasn’t in Fortune’s Creek, and the police would know if he appeared. I could go back to Atlanta. All that kept me in Fortune’s Creek was a missing grandmother and Shane. I might never learn her fate, and Shane’s pity wouldn’t lead to wedded bliss.
I put the business card and photos away, deciding not to think about it for the rest of the night. Lainey and I had plans for tomorrow, and Emma was on her way.
Shane offered his home, so I left my apartment and found the hidden keyunder the mat.
I scratched Pirate’s ears. “Are you ready to come inside, kitty?” I held the door open, but she refused my offer. “You realize we’ll keep this up until you give in, right? I’m determined to turn you into a house cat. It’s safer, and you deserve it. Plus, I never had a pet before.”
Giving up, I went inside, turned on the lights, and opened the front door. I left my bicycle lying on the driveway in my rush for reassurance, and it needed to be moved.
Instead of the expected bike, an unfamiliar gray sedan greeted me.
13-Lilah
“Are you using my old bike?”
I didn’t miss the stranger’s accusing tone. “I’m borrowing it. Shane put air in the tires for me.” I cringed at the explanation. Her brows raised at the name, and I took in her sandy brown hair and dark brown eyes. She was shorter and younger, but the familial relationship was unmistakable. “You must be Sophie.”
She pulled her suitcase from the trunk, then popped it shut and leaned against the rear wheel well. “I didn’t announce my coming, and it still isn’t a surprise.”
“I’m Lilah. Shane’s house guest.” The lie fell from my lips, unplanned. Explaining our sham marriage and eventual annulment to his sister, a stranger, was more than I could handle right now.
“House guest?” She crossed her arms, beaming at my discomfort. “Is that the word couples use these days?”
Someone tipped her off. Gossip travels in a small town in Fortune’s Creek; in our case, it refused to die down. “Who told you?”
Sophie made a zipper motion across her lips. “I can’t reveal my sources, other than to say it’s more than one person.”
“Diane Jones and who else?”
“Okay, one of my sources.” Her features relaxed as she stepped toward me. “Shane thinks I can’t stand him.” Her head bobbed. “I let him believe it. It’s good for his health.”
I fought back a laugh, amused but also compelled to defend him. “He’ll be glad you’re here. Let’s go inside and chat. I planned to make chicken noodle soup for dinner, as it’s one of the few meals I know how to prepare. Do you want some?”
