Not for you.“Actually, we have to go.”
“Go where, Jade?” Dad cuts in, clutching onto Ruby’s arm. “We’ve got a few minutes. Stay and talk to the deputy, and we’ll meet you outside.”
He’s probably right about playing nice, considering the situation we’re in. Ruby gives me a wary glance before leading Dad away.
As soon as they’re through the sliding glass doors, Nate says, “Why don’t you have a seat?”
“I’m not staying long. What’s this about?”
His hazel eyes cling to my face, his throat bulging as he swallows. “I don’t get to see you much anymore.”
What am I supposed to say to that?
“Would you like to have dinner with me this week?” he continues. “There’s an Italian restaurant off the highway that I’ve heard isn’t bad. You know I don’t like Italian, but I’m happy to make an exception for you.”
For fuck’s sake.I lower my voice so none of the other officers can hear. “Nate, I need you to understand something. The thing we had between us isnotgoing to be restarted. Please stop asking. Plus, you’re investigating a fire at my business. Wouldn’t that be a conflict of interest?”
He frowns. “You let me worry about the rules around here.”
“I appreciate the offer,” I say with a sigh, “but no.”
He mutters a sound of annoyance. When I turn to leave, he says, “Is this because of that man-whore who killed my cousin?”
A flash of anger strikes my chest, and I spin back around to glare at Nate. “Don’t you talk about him like that.”
He smiles, but his eyes are as cold as this room. “You dumb blondes, all alike. Falling for the deadbeat with the ugly tattoos and the noise-polluting motorcycle who’s got nothing to offer you except an STD.”
My jaw grinds, and I fight off an urge to swipe that messy shit all over Nate’s desk right into his lap. But that would be a stupid move, given the investigation, so I’ll have to control my temper and try for reason instead.
“Nate, did you ever read the police reports into Miranda’s death?” His mouth sets into a hard line. When he doesn’t reply, I add, “How could you not have read the reports? You’re a cop! Your cousindied.”
His teeth clench. “I already know what happened. Excuse me if I don’t want to relive it all over again.”
“That’s just it, youdon’tknow what happened. And I’m sorry that it’s still painful for you. I lost my mom much too young, and I can’t imagine ever getting over it. But you need to read those police reports and learn the truth. Dylan isn’t responsible for Miranda’s death, nor is he some sort of criminal just because he has tattoos and rides a motorcycle. To tell you the truth, he’s one of the kindest, smartest, most generous people I’ve ever met. Oh, and he’s never told me to fuck offorcalled me a ‘dumb blonde.’ So there’s that.”
Nate heaves a sigh. “Shit.”
I hold up a hand. “I’m not expecting you guys to be best friends or even shake hands. But if you don’t lay off Dylan?” I clutch the edge of Nate’s desk and stare right into his eyes. “You’re gonna have to deal with me. And when I put my mind to something, I’ve got more energy and determination than you can even dream of. Inevergive up. My store had to literally burn to the fucking ground to be taken away from me. So, you think about that, Deputy.”
With a glare of warning, I turn my back on Nate and stride out of his shitty cubicle.
* * *
Ruby restsher chin in her palms, watching me shovel another homemade brownie into my mouth. Mrs. Felton kindly dropped over a bunch of them to Dad’s yesterday evening, and Flynn’s sweet parents brought over three casseroles to freeze.
“What?” I say with a full mouth. It feels good to finally have some of my appetite back.
“What do you think we should do with the insurance money?” she asks.
I wait to reply until I’ve swallowed. “Geez, a bit of a big question for right now, isn’t it?”
She tears off a corner of brownie and pushes it between her lips. “Given I’m heading home tomorrow, I have to ask some ‘big’ questions while I’m here.”
I lift the lever on Dad’s kitchen tap and run my hands under the warm water. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll all have to discuss it when the time comes.”
Ruby hands me a paper towel. “Just to be clear, I don’t need any of the insurance proceeds. Flynn and I are doing fine; plus, I’m no longer involved in the business. My only wish is for Dad to be able to retire after his operation next month and for you to use the rest of the money to set yourself up with something you love doing.”
“I loved the store,” I grumble mournfully.
