“Tyler isn’t responsible for Gene’s death.”
I ran my tongue across my teeth, wondering if now was a good time to show her the photo of Tyler, Gene, and Bruce the developer. Given all of the heart-pounding drama at the restaurant, and the fact that Tyler would be staying in the hospital overnight, I figured that revealing my sleuthing wasn’t the best idea.
“OK, we’re going to drive back.” I squeezed Vera’s shoulder. “But call if you want me to come get you, OK? Even if it’s in the middle of the night.”
She mustered a watery smile. “Thank you.”
We all stood and I hugged my sister.
“Tell Tyler we’re sorry, and that we’ll all go out again sometime,” Jack said. He was so polite. It hadn’t even crossed my mind to utter those words, because I still held a grudge against Tyler, despite his apology and near-death experience. If I never saw him again, it would be too soon.
As we walked through the sliding glass doors of the hospital, my stomach rumbled audibly. Jack gave me a sly side-eye. “Want to stop for a burger along the way?”
“Do I ever. I’m starving.” I hadn’t forgotten about that random, hot kiss we’d shared at the restaurant. But so much had happened since then, the kiss seemed like a fleeting dream.
We pulled into a fast-food chain across the street from the hospital and ordered some basic burgers, fries, and chocolate shakes.
Once at our table, we tucked into the food and ate in companionable silence. I inhaled half my burger and wiped my mouth.
“Want to go to Gene’s funeral with me? It’s the day after tomorrow.” The minute the words came out of my mouth, I realized I was monopolizing Jack’s time. “Sorry. You’re probably writing.”
He shook his head. “Don’t worry about my book. I’d love to go.”
I laughed, loud. “Right. Procrastinating.”
“You know what I mean,” he teased, grabbing a fry off my tray.
“He was lying, you know. Tyler lied about Bruce, when he said it was only him and Gene on the gator hunt.”
Jack nodded slowly. “Lying or omitting the truth. He could’ve gone with Gene to Lakeport on a hunt. And then he could’ve also gone with Gene and the developer a second time.”
“Either way, he was lying. Evading the truth. Omitting. Whatever you want to call it.” I shoved a couple of fries in my mouth.
“Want my opinion?” Jack took a sip of soda.
“Of course.”
“You’re going to have to tell your sister about everything we’ve found. I think we need her help in trying to get to the bottom of this.”
My stomach sank. He was right, but I wasn’t looking forward to having that conversation with Vera.
I pondered this while we drove home. When we arrived, the night air had grown cooler. I shivered a little.
“You OK?” Jack asked.
“Yeah. I’m just worried, that’s all.”
“I get it. You and your sister have a lot at stake. But it’s going to be OK. Really.”
I glanced at his strong profile in the semi-darkness, appreciating his kind words. “Thanks. You really don’t have to do all this with me. I’m sorry to drag you into our drama.”
He opened his mouth, then closed it.
We stood at my door, the keys clutched in my hand, my gaze fixated on Jack. A twinge of curiosity tugged at me, urging me to unravel the truth behind our kiss in the restaurant. Had it been genuine or just an act?
Simultaneously, a wave of exhaustion threatened to engulf me, tempting me to surrender to the warm, inviting hug of my bed.
Words failed me as I stared into his dark eyes. All I managed to muster was a feeble “Um...” while swatting a mosquito off my tit. “Ow. I think I was bitten.”
