Page 98 of Sterling Heat

I’d heard them, but the myth is almost ten years old.

“That’s speculation,” Stone counters, narrowing his eyes at his deputy. “And we don’t work off hearsay.”

“Money?” Enya chokes. “Even if someone buried money here, the house was vacant for years. Wouldn’t they have come back for it?”

My mind swirls. Was the guy who ran from me at the party in the woods running toward something? Other than hiding out. Other than cowering. Was he here to uncover buried treasure? Maybe something that belonged to him. Or something that wasn’t his to begin with.

Guys got greedy. Some skimmed off the top. Took side deals. Stole from their bosses.

I’d never been like that. I wasn’t a thief even if I once had breaking and entering charges pressed against me.

“You mentioned the cellar hadn’t been renovated,” Stone clarifies.

“If someone buried something downstairs, wouldn’t that involve a trap door or a secret chamber?” Enya scoffs. “Even a loose brick or a fake one would have been found when the foundation was repaired. The soil in the dirt flooring was disturbed by the foundation rebuild. If something had been buried, wouldn’t it have been found? Nothing suspicious was discovered. And, if the old furnace or hot water heater were hiding places, they were both scrapped during demolition. There isn’t anywhere to hide something. The rest of the house is all new.”

Stone and I exchange a look. Did someone plant something in the new construction?

Andy continues to glare at me, like he knows I know something about this mystery money when I don’t.

Enya shifts, placing her back to my chest. With my hands on her upper arms, I can’t see her face, but her words are firm. “I know what happened here. What he did.”

Andy glances over her head at me but Enya snaps her fingers, getting his attention.

“If you’re going to investigate what happened here tonight, with preconceived notions, I’m going to respectfully request of your superior that you aren’t assigned on this case.” Enya swivels to face Stone. “Do you hear me, Sheriff? That’s my official statement. He’s not allowed to work on this investigation.”

Stone’s mouth does this weird twisting thing as he clamps his lips shut. He’s getting scolded by this woman . . . who is defending me.

Is he fighting a smile?

I should interject. Say I can speak for myself or fight my own battles, but I’m too tongue-tied. No one has ever stood up for me. No one has spoken in my favor before.

“I will not have Sebastian Sylver implicated in anyway in this investigation, and anyone who speaks ill of him in my home, let alone out in the community”—Enya points toward the front door—“Well, that person is not welcome in my house and should be ashamed of himself, if he represents equality and justice for all.”

“Ma’am.” Andy swallows, lowering his head.

“Stone, is there anything else you need tonight?” she asks.

“We should check for fingerprints and take some pictures.” He glances at me. “Could you go home with Sebastian tonight?”

Absolutely, I want to shout but Enya answers for me. “I just need to grab a few things.”

“The less you touch the better,” Stone warns.

“I need diapers and formula.” She peers down at Adara, still sleeping in her car seat through the commotion. “And a change of clothes for her and me, and then the bottle heater and—”

Stone lifts a hand and roughly chuckles. “I’ll walk around with you and point out the best way to pick up what you need.”

Enya’s shoulders relax and I give them a squeeze. It’s been a very long day . . . and night.

But I’m taking both my girls home with me.

Chapter 29

[Enya]

Sebastian drives my car back to the bakery. When we enter his place, the second bedroom door is closed, signaling Knox is inside asleep.

“Would you mind if we put Adara in your room with us?”