I decided pretty quickly that Ned’s perfectly harmless. Like most people.
Most people are perfectly harmless.
That’s another one of my mantras I’ve been using to reset my nervous system. I never would have had to convince myself of this a couple years ago.
“Offers still out there if you want to use one of the kayaks or paddle boards. Or if you want to move lakeside. We’ve a nice lakeside cottage almost completely renovated. It wasn’tavailable when you arrived, but it’ll be available in the next couple weeks. Two steps out the back porch door, and you’d be on a dock, looking out at the blue of Lake Rosie. Same price. It’d be a simple switch out.”
“I don’t love the water.” It’s another lie.Who doesn’t love the water? I just feel safer tucked within the trees. I cringe, thinking about how many lies I’ve told recently. I should probably start a spreadsheet. How am I going to keep track of all the lies?
“Like Geneva,” Ned says, nodding. “She’d rather be surrounded by green. She’s in the hobbit cottage thattaway.” He nudges his chin down the path toward another cottage hidden from view. His eyes roam the trees surrounding the cottage. “I can understand why you’d like to be here. It’s sheltered by the pine trees on one side and the oaks on another.” He meets my eyes. “It feels safe. In fact, if I was hiding out, I would choose this cottage.”
My eyes slide down to the ground.
It’s not a big deal. He’s just chatting. He doesn’t know anything.
“And if I were worried about unexpected visitors or anyone prowling around my cottage, I’d choose this one because of the additional security cameras we recently installed. Anytime someone goes tromping through, I get an alert on my phone, and I’ll buzz you on the radio.” He holds up his phone. “Nobody’s going to skirt around those cameras easily unless they want to wade through Billie’s Marsh or hack through that thick group of palmettos over there.”
Ned mentioned the security cameras around Heaven before, but there seems to be more purpose in what he’s saying now. I cross my arms over my chest and smile shakily, but my heart is lurching into a hard, quick rhythm again. I sink down into the porch chair. “They told me nobody would know why I’m here.” I say, finally, my voice low. “You know?”
He tucks his phone back into his wide front shirt pocket and sits in the chair next to me. “Yes, I know why you’re here. And I figured it was time for me to come clean.” He stretches his legs out and eyes me, his gaze warm. “I wanted you to settle in some and feel like you didn’t have to worry about anyone else. I’ve been trying to give you space. And just so you know, no one else knows who you are or why you’re here. Not even Danni, my granddaughter, who helps me run Heaven.”
“So… you knew who I was ever since I arrived?”
“Not exactly. I got a call sayingsomeonewas going to be staying in one of the cottages. I knew when you arrived that you were a woman seeking shelter and privacy. But I didn’t figure out it was you specifically, Honey Hale—Birdie’s niece—for a few days. Until I put two and two together and remembered a photo your aunt sent me after you and Cain were married.”
“Have you talked to Aunt Birdie since I’ve been here?” Monster sits next to me, nudging my leg. “It’s okay,” I murmur to him.
Ned shakes his head. “We rarely contact each other. I have a standing arrangement with Magnolia House, the shelter your Aunt Birdie started five decades ago.”
I take that in, staring at him in surprise—the information that Aunt Birdie started Magnolia House five decades ago, and yet, I was completely clueless until recently.
“About eleven or so years ago, when one of the May girls had a boyfriend who was bad news, I mentioned it to your Aunt Birdie in one of my letters. She told me about Magnolia House, and I looked into it. Cassie May passed away, but not because of her boyfriend. But after that, I decided I wanted to help. Whenever the shelter sends me someone, I figure out where they should go, whether it be here at Heaven or a few other places in Paradise Springs with room and board and income if needed. I provide respite for them for as long or shortas they need. Your Aunt Birdie’s shelter and I have had this arrangement since then.”
“Aunt Birdie is even more badass than I thought.”
He grins, his face awash in creases from years of smiling and hard work in the Florida sun. “That she is.”
“I wish I knew whether she was okay. I’m afraid Trey’s been harassing her. He may have put two and two together and figured out that she was the one who encouraged me to run.” I rub my face, side-eyeing Ned, but he shakes his head.
“I’ve had no contact with her. That’s part of the deal. But I don’t think you should worry. Your Aunt Birdie’s a smart gal. She’s also tough and resilient as those live oaks.”
“I just brewed some coffee.” I smile hopefully. “How about a cup or two before you go?”
“I could use a boost for these old bones.” He follows me into the kitchen. I pour us both a mug and set out the milk and sugar. He plops two heaping teaspoons of sugar and a dollop of milk into his then sits down next to me at the counter.
Monster plops his big head in my lap, looking up at me adoringly before lumbering over to the corner and stretching out.
“He took to you real quick.”
“Did youreallyfind him in Billie’s Marsh? Or was that also a set-up?”
He chuckles. “You both showed up at the same time. A higher power than me planned that one.” He studies Monster. “He looks good. You’re obviously feeding him enough. His coat is shinier, and he’s gaining weight. And he looks like a happy dog. You need any more dog food?”
“Ned, you brought enough fifty-pound bags and treats to last for a whole year.” I smile at him. “But I appreciate it.”
He knocks on the table and pulls himself to his feet. “No rest for the weary. I’ve got some errands to run.” He places his cupand saucer beside the sink, then turns to me. “I almost forgot to ask you. Did you find the secret compartment in the cottage?”
“Secret compartment? No! Where is it?”
