Nick
You’ll never know how grateful I am that you didn’t listen to Isla.
Me
I’d never do something like that without involving you.
Nick
I don’t deserve you.
I’ve reread that exchange more times than I care to admit.
Nick’s belief in my abilities is something he struggles with. He’s seen the proof, but it lacks all reason, and for him, that’s a tough pill to swallow. Telling him I see Isla is another thing entirely. The fact that he never questioned me, not once, just shows how good a man he is.
I’m sure hearing that she’s still around isn’t easy for him to handle.
“Are you all right, Ally?” Nina says, bending down to peer into my eyes.
I look up and smile. “Fine. So, what’s the plan?”
Her pursed lips and hard stare tell me that she’s less than impressed with my pathetic attempt to change the subject.
“I’m all right. Really. Still a little weak, but I’ll survive.”
I ended up getting the stomach bug that Nick had. It took me out for forty-eight hours, but that was a week ago, and I know it’s not what Nina is asking about.
She takes a deep breath and settles into her no-nonsense stance.
I throw my hands up. “Okay…It sucks. What else do you want me to say?”
Her features soften and she takes a seat across from me, looking like the consummate therapist.
“Would you like to talk about it?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, counting to ten in my head. “No, but I appreciate your willingness to listen if I were,” I say, hoping this appeases her. She frowns. “I wish that we could talk. Get something figured out about Isla.”
She bobs her head. “I understand, but he’s not avoiding you, Ally. He’s been busy.” She blows a piece of hair out of her face.
“Do you think he wants her to stay?”
She makes a face. “No, Alyssa. Nobody wants their loved one to be stuck here. He’s investigating a murder. One that’s veryimportant, considering it’s his chief’s relative.” She sighs heavily, rubbing at her forehead. “Chelsea was so young. Such a well-loved girl. The pressure he’s under must be crippling.”
News of Chelsea Grayson’s murder has been the talk of the town. She was a Knox Harbor grad, so the local chatter has been nonstop.
“I know you’re right. I just wish there was some way for me to help.” I kick up my feet, turning my attention back toward the TV.
“In fairness, you can’t do much spending your day like this.” She motions to the TV, where yet another Hallmark movie plays in the background.
“I’m only watching it because you haven’t been ready to make a move,” I say. “We’re in Providence, and school’s back in session. Let’s start asking about Ian.”
She sits back with a huff. “We will. Later today.”
We’ve been in Providence for three days, staying at an Airbnb just off campus—a little loft with one king-size bed, a bathroom, and a small kitchen with the bare necessities. It’s cozy and the bed is comfortable, which is all I care about these days.
Nina spent a few hours at the campus library asking around. She said it was likely that back in Ian’s days here, he would’ve frequented the stacks for research.
“I have a lead,” she says, and I perk up at the news. “Another TA that shared a place with Ian is now tenured. I sent him an email after leaving the library on Saturday, and he answered a couple hours later.” She pulls something up on her phone and then looks at me. “He’s agreed to meet.”
