Page 27 of Beneath the Quiet

“Yup. I swear, she hasn’t an ounce of fear in her body.”

“You’ll have to send me some photos.”

“I will.”

“And how are you?”

“Good, good,” I hedge. “The same as always.”

“I think you’re keeping something from me, Aidan.”

I’m not surprised he sees right through me.

“It’s nothing.”

“It doesn’t sound like nothing.”

“Fuck, you’re annoying.”

“No, I’m tenacious. There’s a difference. You know it’s part of my charm.”

The silence stretches between us for a few seconds.

“There’s a newcomer in Cloonmara who unsettles me.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry.” I sigh. “She doesn’t unsettle me in a bad way.”

“She?”

“Yes, she. She’s the new detective sergeant.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” I clench my teeth at the sound of his chuckle, but I know my friend. He’s like a dog with a bone now and won’t ease up until he’s sniffed out all the facts.

“Her name’s Maeve, and she’s rented a cottage down by the seafront. I don’t really know her that well yet, but we’ve chatted a couple of times. She’s nice.”

“Nice?” He starts laughing in earnest now. “I sense trouble coming your way, my friend. Trouble and fun all rolled together in one very nice package, and a big fat bow on the top, I’m sure.”

“Let it go, Joseph. Now.” My voice brooks no arguments.

His laughter dies as quickly as it began.

“What’s the problem?”

“There’s no problem,” I huff.

“Then how come a policewoman has you tied up in knots? Is she hot?”

“What are we, twenty?” I seethe. I crane my neck to check the traffic before I pull into my farm. “She’s attractive, and she’s nice. That’s it.”

“Right. I see.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Well, good luck with whatever it is about her that has you worked up like this.”