Page 54 of Meant to Be
“Jesus, Mitch. You really think I’d hurt Sydney? Anyone?”
He didn’t. Not really. But one lesson Mitch had learned well was no one could be trusted. Even his instincts were suspect. “I’m just following leads.”
“And a lead brought you here? Because I asked Sydney out?”
“When?”
“What?”
“When did you see Sydney last?”
Jagger dragged a hand over his face. “Sunday. I stopped by Sunday morning. She was just getting back from a run and we talked in front of her place.”
“What did you talk about?”
Jagger gave him the stink eye. “You know what we talked about. Is this really about this attack or are you just mad that I’m interested in her?”
“This is about the attack.” If he said it enough, he might believe it.
“We talked. I asked her out. She said no and I left. I’m sure that’s what she told you too.”
“You’re not a man who’s usually rejected.”
Jagger laughed. “Not often, but it wasn’t the first time.”
“She said you were annoyed.”
“Did she? Well, I was. But not because she said no. I was annoyed because the reason she said no was that I’d seen her friend a couple of times.” He shook his head. “Of all the women—”
“What do you mean?”
“Julia is beautiful and fun, but… well, you know me. She had a harder time than most when I moved on. The fact that she still impacts my life is irritating.”
“Sydney isn’t a woman you love and leave.” Mitch couldn’t keep the censure from his tone.
“No. And as I told you, I’m ready to settle down. My life is in the middle of drastic change.”
“So you’ve come to Charlotte Tavern to find a wife?”
“I’ve come to start a new life. I’d like a wife to be a part of it, but I’m not in any hurry. I’ve always liked Sydney, and I’m certain she would have said yes to my invitation had it not been for Julia, so I know she likes me. Whether it would be more, I don’t know.”
Mitch’s stomach soured. The idea of Sydney and Jagger together made him sick, even though, in reality, they were ideal for each other. They came from the same world and, yet, were somehow able to adjust to small town living.
“Why did you ask me about New York?”
“Sydney was attacked in New York in the same way Jenny Taggard was attacked yesterday.”
“What? Jesus.” Jagger jerked back, his eyes round. His shock appeared genuine, but Mitch knew it wasn’t necessarily.
“You didn’t know?” Mitch studied Jagger’s face and body language, looking for signs of deception.
Jagger shook his head. “Like I said, I was dealing with my grandfather’s death then. Sydney and I run in similar circles, but we didn’t see each other all the time or necessarily keep in touch. Who did it?”
“We don’t know. But the fact that it happened again here suggests whoever it was followed her from New York.”
“Ah. I get it.” Jagger scoffed. “That’s why you’re here. I’m from New York and now in Charlotte Tavern.”
“You have to admit, not many New Yorkers come here. How many actually know of it?”
