Page 146 of Dream Chaser

“With the understanding they’d receive favorable treatment when he took office. Specifically, construction contracts and rezoning agreements. Look at the map on the last page.”

It showed highlighted parcels on the edge of Millford labeled Exclusive Agricultural Zoning, farmland where they would’ve built if he’d won.

“I’ve got campaign finance records showing donations from developers and LLCs,” Rowan said. “Also, some docs referencing expected municipal cooperation before the election. These are quite revealing too.”

He handed me three pictures. In each one, Preston Marshall was with the same guys at what looked like a fundraising dinner.

“The developers?” I asked.

Rowan nodded. “The donations came from six separate LLCs, but all six were registered by the same attorney, at the same address, within two months. That’s the kind of coincidence investigators tend to enjoy. All of these findings form a pattern. My question is”—he clasped his hands on the table—“do you think that’s enough, or would you like me to keep digging?”

I leafed through the brochure again. Looked at the pictures. Nova’s ex could lie if confronted. Or he could be the coward I suspected he was and fear the repercussions of a scandal enough to set her free. “Do you think you can find more evidence?”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Do it then. Can I keep these?” I pointed to the pictures and the brochure.

“They’re yours,” Rowan said. “I’ll let you know when or if I find something else.”

I rose and clasped his hand. “Thank you. I look forward to another update.”

***

For the first time in days, the sky was blue and cloudless, and the temperature climbed enough to ditch the coat. As I stood on the sidewalk in front of Rowan’s office, I pulled out my phone.

Me: It’s a beautiful day outside. Your boss was wondering if you could finish work early and go on a beach date with him.

I could’ve waited and asked Nova to come over, but taking her somewhere beautiful felt more special than staying in, and I was too consumed with thoughts about Rowan’s findings to return to work and be productive.

As three dots danced on the screen, I held my breath.

Nova: Sounds amazing, but can my boss wait until I finish the report for NitroFlow?

I let out a relieved exhale.

Me: He’ll wait however long he has to.

The reply came almost immediately.

Nova: I shouldn’t be too long, but I’d like to go home and change first. Text me the location, and I’ll see you there.

I did, then stopped by my apartment to grab something I’d gotten her.

In an hour, I parked in the shade of the pines bordering a beach outside Emerport. It stretched for at least a mile, guarded by rocky outcrops. The sunsets were spectacular, and if I knew Nova as well as I thought I did, she’d bring her camera.

I couldn’t help but smile as gravel crunched under her car’s tires thirty minutes later.

An upbeat pop song drifted from the interior through the open windows. She killed the engine, climbed out, and slammed the door.

I leaned against my car, taking her in. Jeans. Sneakers. A red-and-black checkered flannel shirt. A camera hanging from her neck. Hair gathered in a low ponytail with a few loose strands framing her face.

She stopped several feet away, giving me a slow appraisal of her own. I beckoned with a finger, and she sprinted toward me, laughing when I caught her and lifted her off the ground.

She wrapped her legs around my hips and clung to my neck, smiling so brightly I forgot how to fucking breathe.

“Hi, boss.”

I nuzzled her neck with my nose, then kissed my way up to her ear. “Hola, amor.”