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“Why would you do that?” Liam asked.
“Because I know you love that tavern, but I’m guessing even if Killian proposed the same deal I am, your friendship would keep you from saying yes. And you mentioned hitting an obstacle with trying to buy him out. I don’t have a source of income at the moment, so I’m not being charitable; I’m being smart. I’d want to see your books, expenses before we drew up the contracts, but I already know what I’ll see. It’s a win-win.”
He stood and started to pace.
“And to be completely transparent, Liam, you helped a stranger when she needed it. You didn’t think twice; you just acted on instinct. Says a lot about the kind of man you are, so if I can help you, return some of that kindness, I’d like to.”
He didn’t shake my hand; he pulled me from my chair and hugged me hard. “You got a deal, Cedar.” He dropped me to my feet. “On one condition.”
“Okay,” I said.
“You don’t pay, ever.”
“Deal. I say we go out to celebrate. When are you free?” I asked.
“Friday night.”
“Alright, so let’s do something on Friday night.”
It was his turn to say, “Deal.”
Graham’s crew wasexpected in an hour. I’d gone out earlier and gotten a few boxes of donuts and coffee. I had everything setup on the counter. Would be getting them sandwiches or pizza for lunch. Graham said it wasn’t necessary, but I wanted to. I was excited for them to get started, planned on getting photos of the progress. It was something my parents would have liked seeing. Ironic because I never would have moved out here had I not lost them.
My phone pulled my attention, and thinking it was Graham, I answered without looking. “I’m all ready for you.”
Silence followed before I heard in a familiar voice, “Cedar?”
My heart dropped; it was instinct. Detective Alton Donnelly and I had kept in touch over the years. At first, it was to keep me up-to-date on the case, not that there had been very much to report. Ashley Callahan was still missing; Brock was in the wind; the case was open and unlikely to ever be closed. During that time, though, we grew into friends.
“Hi, Detective. How are you?”
“I’m doing okay. How’s Wyoming?”
He’d been really happy when I told him I was moving. I had a sense there was more to it than me moving on, but I didn’t press the point because, honestly, I didn’t want to know. “It’s beautiful,” I said, walking outside and taking a pic of my view and sending it to him.
“I sent you a picture.”
A pause before he said, “Damn, that is beautiful.”
“It’s so quiet, but I love it.” And I did. I hated how I had come to be here, but I was happy I was here.“How are you? How’s Saratoga Springs?”
“There’s been some activity on the case,” he said, but I heard something in his tone.
“What’s wrong, Alton?”
“I’m telling you this because I want you to be aware,” he said. “This isn’t an official call. I’m not even using my own phone. As far as anyone is concerned, we never had this conversation.”
My legs went a little weak. “Okay.”
“I’ve uncovered some evidence that suggests Kenneth Callahan may have been in bed with the mob.” Fear hit then. “It’s taken me until now to find this connection. From the beginning, I was being pushed to wrap this case up. I’m beginning to understand why. I won’t be putting this in my report. Won’t be telling anyone what I discovered. I’m telling you because, as Brock’s girlfriend at the time of his father’s death, those involved may have you on their radar.”
“That’s why you were glad I moved away.”
“Yeah. How many know where you moved to?”
“No one.”
“Not an assistant or a friend?”
