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The lawyer’s grin was as dazzling as the southern California sun. “Yeah, I don’t think we’ve ever been officially introduced.” He stepped forward and held out a hand in greeting. “Callum Holden.”
Connelly accepted the handshake. “Connelly Davis.”
“I know. I’ve read your books.”
Connelly wondered if there would ever come a point in his career that he didn’t find those words utterly terrifying.
“Thanks,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. “I hope you didn’t lose too much sleep over them.”
Cal’s laugh was kind and warm. “Nah, not at all. I quite enjoy being kept up at night by a good book.”
“Surprised you have time to read between all the womanizing,” Alexis said. Her smile stayed firmly in place, but there was an undercurrent of annoyance in her voice.
Cal sighed heavily. “Oh, c’mon. You can’t be mad at me for going on a few dates. Ellie rejected me, remember? She’s made it very clear she wants nothing to do with me.”
“Because my sister has good taste.”
Cal opened his mouth like he wanted to say something more, but closed it without making a sound and backed up a step. He seemed to wilt and an awkward silence filled the air with tension.
Veronica moved closer to Connelly’s side and her fingers tightened around his. He took that as a cue to break up this weird little gathering and stepped forward, gently nudging her behind him. “It was nice meeting you both, but if you’re hear to see Shane?—”
“Actually,” Alexis interrupted. “We’re here to talk to you.”
The cold hand of dread curled around his heart. “Me? Why?”
“It’s... kind of a long story,” Cal said. “Do you mind if we come in?”
“It’s about what’s been happening,” Alexis added. “The murders? We think it’s connected to something bigger.”
Connelly glanced over his shoulder at Veronica. She squeezed his hand so tightly that he swore he felt his bones shift.
“Uh, how about I meet you in town later this afternoon?” he suggested. “Let’s say... The Mad Dog at four?”
The pair shared a long look, then seemed to come to some kind of unspoken agreement.
“That will work,” Cal finally said. “We’ll see you then.”
They climbed back into the car and pulled out of the drive, stopping momentarily to talk to Shane before leaving.
“I don’t like this,” Veronica whispered.
He turned toward her and folded her into his arms. She was trembling. All the progress she’d made, and it felt like she was back at square one, her fear wrapping around her like a second skin.
“I know,” he murmured, stroking her hair as he watched the car pull out onto the road. Shane glanced their way, his burn-scarred face twisting into a grimace of concern before he gave them a quick nod and returned to guard duty. “I don’t like it either.”
* * *
He hated to leave Veronica, but as the day wore on, curiosity gnawed at him. What could Alexis Summers and Cal Holden have possibly uncovered that would lead them here?
Leaving Veronica with Shane and his able canine partner, Clue, he grabbed his jacket and keys. He glanced back at Veronica once more before climbing into his car. She stood there, petite and pale against the backdrop of the front porch, clutching Alfie so tight the poor Papillon looked like he might squirm out of her hold any minute.
“I’ll be back soon. Keep Rebel close and lock the door. Shane’s right at the bottom of the drive if you need anything.”
He waited until her silhouette had retreated into the house before he finally maneuvered his car around on the gravel driveway. He stopped at the end and rolled his window down.
Shane glanced up from the book he was reading. Of course it was one of his. Seemed like everyone in town read his books now that he lived here.
Shane stood and walked over to the car, leaning down to peer in through the window. His burn scars were even more horrific up close. Jesus, what this guy survived...
