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So, instead, the big man pulled out his phone, started to dial. He waited for a second while Tommy stared angrily at the welcome sign, then tried again. He pocketed his phone. “Can’t. Phone’s not working, sir.”
“Is it dead?”
Boone shook his head. “More like no service.”
“What?” The composure he struggled to regain shattered like broken glass. Tommy slipped his hand inside his jacket, grabbing his own phone. Disregarding the list of notifications—a litany of missed calls and text messages from his both family and his business associates—he narrowed his gaze on the signal bar at the top. “No service? You’ve got to be shitting me. This is the newest model. I’m supposed to get service everywhere.”
“Except here.”
So it seemed.
Another exhale. And then a reluctant smile. The wry grin curled his lips as he tucked his expensive brick back into his pocket. She’d found a way to slip out of his grasp once more.
Well played, Grace. Well played.
“Get in the car, Boone. No use in staying here right now. We’re going back to the hotel, and then we can call in some help.”
“You sure? It’s only a hundred-ninety people. I don’t need Pope. I can find her.”
Right. Tommy was betting on it.
“Let her think she’s escaped. A place like this is a perfect mouse hole for her to hide out in until it’s time for me to take her home again.” He chuckled under his breath, suddenly more amused than he had been seconds ago. A mouse hole. What could be better for their game of cat and mouse? “Once you get service back, call in Pope. O’Dell, too. Park them nearby, have them take shifts. Anybody bolts from this hole, we know about it.”
“Got it.”
“Good. You’re with me.” Of course. “We’re gonna stay in that suite until one of the fellas can get at her for me. It’s close enough, and I have plenty of other arrangements to make.”
After all, their wedding was coming up shortly. This game? It would be their last. As soon as he got his hands on Grace, he’d do whatever he had to to make sure she never got away from him again.
Let his bride hide if it made her happy. He’d come for her when he was ready. For now, she was tucked away safely, and he knew exactly where to find her.
That’s all he asked for.
10
The first week of Grace’s stay in Ophelia seemed to fly by.
To her surprise, Maria’s Sly didn’t come back her first night. Instead, she got a proper introduction when he showed up bright and early the next morning to join them for breakfast. Introducti
on, sure, and one hell of a shock when he strode into the cozy kitchen wearing a uniform exactly like the one the cop she met last night had on.
The only difference? The star-shaped badge pinned to this chest below his nameplate.
Turned out Maria’s boyfriend Sly was Sheriff Sylvester Collins, head of the Hamlet Sheriff Department.
And, over eggs, potatoes, and a floral tea that, as much as she enjoyed it, made Grace wonder if she was sipping perfume, the sheriff decided to get to know her. Which was a nice way of saying he interrogated the hell out of her.
Her name? Grace Delaney.
Full name? Grace Louise Delaney.
Where was she born? Connecticut.
How old was she? Twenty-eight.
Her line of work? A retired ballerina.
Her reason for coming to Hamlet?
