Page 60 of Forget Me Not

“Mr. Banks,” Sheriff Guthrie says, his eyes on Alaric. “I can’t thank you enough for your generous donation to the town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Without it, we may have had to cancel this year.”

Alaric approaches the table, his eyes on me as he pats Sheriff Guthrie on the shoulder, and says, “I’m happy to help. Everyone in this town deserves to feel the spirit of Christmas.” His eyebrows lift and a devilish smirk spreads across his face.

Am I dreaming right now?No. I can’t be, because even in my wildest dreams, this wouldn’t happen. This is a nightmare, but one I fear I’ll never wake up from.

I swallow hard. My hands are tied. Alaric is playing everyone in this town. They’ll never believe me over him.

“By the way,” Alaric continues, now looking at Sheriff Guthrie, “any word on that boy that was hit last night? Such a terrible tragedy.” His gaze narrows on mine while my chest rises and falls rapidly.

“Nothing yet, but we won’t rest until we find out who did it. Mayor Dean’s grandson, Nick, was a staple in this community. Always lending a helping hand when needed. Brought a smile to everyone’s faces. Not to mention he was one of the best damn football players Lockhaven has ever seen.”

Mayor Dean’s grandson?

I feel lightheaded.

The door chimes, but the sound slips through my ears as I’m flooded with a thousand different emotions, ranging from anger to hurt to terror.

I take a step back, bumping into someone. “I’m so sorry.” I spin around to see Heather smiling widely.

“Oh, good. You found Alaric. You seemed upset at the house. I hope you two were able to clear the air.”

“I…umm.” I take a few backward steps to the door before shooting my thumb over my shoulder. “I have to go.”

“Hold up.” Alaric rushes toward me, placing a gentle hand on my arm. I jerk it away abruptly, still speechless. "Was there something you wanted to say?” He ganders around the room while curious eyes watch us. “We’re all ears.”

I give the customers a slow sweep before returning my glaring gaze to him. “You…” I whisper a hiss, “You won’t get away with this.”

He leans close, his breath hot against my ear. “It looks like I already have.”

ChapterTwenty

ALARIC

“Is she okay?”Heather asks as she takes a seat in the chair I pulled out for her, genuinely concerned for Rhea.

“She’ll be fine.” I give her chair a push, sliding her in.

I’d rather not discuss Rhea with Heather. It’s tough juggling these two ladies. Rhea is the one I have to keep in check. She needs to realize how serious I am. I’m not going to just give up on her and disappear. I meant it when I said I won’t make the mistake of getting to her too late ever again.

Then I have Heather, an enigma. There is something suspicious about her, but I can’t put my finger on it. I caught her lurking around the house in the middle of the night a few days ago and I’ve made it my mission to find out why. So far, I’ve come up empty-handed.

“So,” I say, taking a seat in the chair across from her, “tell me about yourself,Heather.” I put an emphasis on her name because I’m not even sure it really is her name. I find it nearly impossible to trust people, and even harder to see the good in others in a world that is ruled by greed and hate.

I’ve noticed she averts her gaze often, as if carefully avoiding eye contact. She fidgets with the napkin in front of her. Unrolling it, she pulls out the silverware, lining them precisely in front of her. “As I told you yesterday, there really isn’t much to tell.”

My fingers drum against my glass of ice water, the dew coating my fingers. “Everyone has a story to tell. Where are you from? Why are you here?”

She chuckles nervously. “I’m here because you invited me, silly.”

She’s acting just like Rhea would if she felt backed into a corner with a question. I don’t like it. “Not here as in the tavern, here as in Lockhaven. Do you have family in town?”

“No family. I was simply just passing through and I liked the small-town vibe Lockhaven had to offer.” Her eyes finally lift to mine. “I've never had that before, and it’s comforting.”

“Hmm.” My fingers tap faster. “Seems to be a common denominator among new arrivals.”

“Do you mean Rhea?”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Why would you say that?”

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