Page 183 of A Matter of Time

“Jory,” Dylan said, “don’t be an idiot.” She looked over at Sam. “We would appreciate a ride, Detective, thank you so much.”

“Sure,” he replied softly, walking over to us. “Maybe you should lean on⁠—”

“It’s fine,” I blurted out, stepping past him.

“Jory,” Dylan gasped, reaching for me.

“I’m fine,” I repeated, gritting my teeth as I strode down the pier. I was nothing if not stubborn.

Dylan ended up holding my hand as we followed Sam back to where Maggie was leaning against a railing, watching Dominic and Lily play bumper cars.

“There you are.” She smiled at him, her eyes soft. “Where did you go?”

“I saw some friends,” he muttered, tipping his head toward Dylan and me. “They need a ride. Are you guys ready to go?”

“Oh yes.” She smiled at him. “I’ve been ready for an hour. I’ve gotta work tomorrow.”

“Okay. Let’s go, then.”

“Are you going to stay at my place?”

My stomach lurched.

“Not tonight,” he said quickly.

“Oh.” She was clearly disappointed. I could see it on her face and hear it in her voice. “Okay.”

“Can I get a witness?” Dominic shouted out as he stalked over to us.

I smiled at him, and when he reached me, his hand came down heavy on my shoulder.

“I am actually very happy to see you.” He squeezed tight. “I swear to God, kid, you’re a lucky sonofabitch.”

“Jory?” Dylan looked up into my face.

“I’ll tell ya later,” I assured her. “Dominic Kairov, this is Dylan Greer, my partner at Barrington.”

He reached for her hand, and they shook as a striking, statuesque blonde woman stepped up behind him. She was Lily Beck, and he introduced both Dylan and me to her. It was only then that Maggie complained she hadn’t been introduced to either one of us.

“Maggie Dixon.” She smiled at me as she took my hand. “You’re the Jory?”

“Just Jory,” I told her.

“No, you’re the one that stayed with Sam for a while, right? The teacups are yours.”

“No, those are his.”

“He said they were yours.”

I shook my head.

“Well, whoever they belong to, he won’t let me touch them.”

“You should just give them away.”

She chuckled. “So not happening.”

“Let’s go,” Sam growled, and everyone moved at the same time.