Aubrey tenses on my lap. “Did you figure out what happened with Jack’s accident? There’s no way he did that on his own.”
“Well. He wouldn’t give up the name. But we’ve narrowed it down to some key members at Black Key Ranch. Does the name Hugh Chiave sound familiar?”
“Unfortunately, it does. He runs the Black Key Ranch, but ranching isn’t their primary money maker if you catch what I mean.” Aubrey says quietly, leaning in to inspect the photo of Hugh that was slid across the table.
He looks older than I was anticipating. Like a man who’s seen too much in life.
“Looks like he helped him get the cadaver body to fake the accident, and we can also trace the identification back to him. Along with opening up leads into many other cases in Sanders Hollow for the police to solve.”
An audible gasp comes from Aubrey. “You mean Hugh is going down for all the bad he’s done in that town?”
“Now, I didn’t say that. Men like Hugh usually have a pretty darn good lawyer on retainer and seem to just skirt the law and there’s never enough evidence. But he was sloppy on this one. So it might take a bit, but hopefully, yes, he will be seeing a day of reckoning for his crimes.”
I look around the table, every single person in my family has the same expression on their face. Mouths dropped open, their eyes unblinking.
“Wyatt. I’m so sorry. I never should have brought this on you. Everything is my fault.”
Wrapping my arms around Aubrey, I hold her tight. “It’s really my fault. I should have backed away from you until I could bring Nolan down on my own. I should never have put you, Lily, or Wyatt in danger.”
Wyatt shoves his stool back, leaving the table without saying anything.
Ma reaches over and places her hand on top of Aubrey’s. “Oh honey, it’s not your fault. He’s just grumpy. He’ll come around.”
Chief clears his throat. “Aubrey, there is one more thing that I need to ask you. We’ll most likely need you to testify. There are documents that you have from a private investigator from what I understand.”
“Yes. I um… think they’re at the house. Do you need them now or can we drop them off at the station tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow is fine. The police in Boston arrested Nolan today with all the evidence that Wyatt was able to gather. Both he and Jack will face an arraignment in the next few days.” She nods at his answer. “Thank you so much for giving me your time. I’m gonna be heading out now though. Please call me if you need anything.”
“Thank you so much, Chief Bellows. Let us walk you out.” Ma taps Pops on the shoulder and he gets up to follow them.
Aubrey leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder. “Do you think we could go home? I think I’m ready.”
“Sure. Let’s go get our girl.” I tap her thigh.
Stepping out the slider and onto the patio, Emma and Roman both turn to face us. “I think we’re going to head out.”
“Do you want us to keep Lily tonight?” Roman offers.
I look at Aubrey. I’m going to let her make the call. Although, I’d love some time alone after everything that went down and her being gone.
“You know what, I’m absolutely exhausted, and I think she would really love that.” We both look at Lily who is pushing Olivia in one of those red and yellow Cozy Coupes.
“Perfect. We’ll be leaving here soon too, dinner at the inn, then bath and bed.” Emma smiles. “You two sleep in tomorrow and just text me when you’re up.”
“You’re the best, Ems.”
“Hey! It was my idea!” Roman interjects.
“You’re the best brother-in-law. Don’t worry. No one but Emma’s next husband will take that title from you.” I laugh.
“You’re not funny. Go home. I’m done with you.” Roman crosses his arms over his chest and turns back to the girls, away from us.
We say our goodbyes and thankfully we’re in the truck before I know it, heading home.
I pull into the driveway at her house and I instantly feel the shift in her body language. She’s tense, holding her breath.
“Can we… can we go to the cottage? I’m not ready to stay here.”
