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“I’ve got some clothes of Nate’s that should fit you. You were always about the same size. Come with me.”
Jon followed her through the living room and to the small main bedroom. The space held no pictures of Annie and Nate together. Had she recently removed them, or had she kept mementos like that out of the sleeping space? It was small, with only enough room for the bed and a dresser. A jewelry box and a picture of Kylie sat atop the four-drawer dresser by the door.
Annie opened the bottom drawer and extracted khaki shorts and a red tee. “You can change in here. Come to the kitchen when you’re done.”
She hadn’t asked what happened, probably assuming he’d only gotten drenched from the storm. He touched her arm when she turned toward the door. “It wasn’t just the rain, Annie. Someone in a dark SUV tried to run me over. The vehicle was wedged into a small opening in the trees, and the driver seemed to be watching your house.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Tried to run you over?”
He nodded and explained what had happened. “I barely managed to jump out of the way. It was no accident.”
Her blue eyes searched his expression. “But why?”
“That’s the million-dollar question. I thought maybe it had something to do with finding the body yesterday, but watching you wouldn’t change anything. Mason is leading the investigation, and you don’t have any evidence here, so what would be the point? I don’t like it, though.”
“I don’t either. Did you get the make and model?”
He shook his head. “The storm was too bad. I could only see it was a dark SUV.”
“I’ll let Mason know. I’ll see you in the kitchen.” She shut the door behind her.
He stripped out of his dripping-wet clothes. Even his underwear was wet, so he checked the bottom drawer and found a pair of Nate’s, even though he hated to wear his dead buddy’s clothing. It felt like he was trying to take Nate’s place with everything.
At least Nate had died not knowing Kylie was Jon’s. That truth kept rearing its complicated head and surprising Jon around every corner. Kylie had warmed up to him, but he wasn’t sure they would ever get to the kind of relationship he longed for with his daughter. And they all had to face family and friends learning the truth. So far he and Annie were the only ones who knew the truth.
Well, and Dr.Eckright, but Jon didn’t think the doctor would blab to anyone.
Twenty-One
The delectable aroma of pancakes and maple syrup in Annie’s kitchen pushed away her unease over the SUV incident. A haze hung over the yard as the sun burned away the moisture from the storm. She’d called Mason but hadn’t gotten him, so she left a message.
She glanced at Jon. It disturbed her a little to see him in Nate’s clothes. When Jon had come back into her life, it seemed there had been no more space to mourn Nate. There were such a lot of changes to get used to.
Jon flipped the pancakes and glanced her way. “This gluten-free sourdough starter is the bomb. How’d you find it?”
“Bree, of course. Bree researches everything.”
Jon’s gaze went over her shoulder to the back door. “Speak of the devil. Bree and Mason are here.” He turned off the stove and put the stack of pancakes on the table. “Good thing we made plenty. I’ll call Kylie.”
From down the hall, Annie could hear thePokémonmusic playing. “Wait just a few minutes. There might be an inappropriate subject for little ears. I wasn’t expecting them.”
She stepped to the door and opened it. “You’re out bright and early. Jon just made some pancakes with that sourdough starter you found us. They smell divine.”
Bree had Samson lie down on the back deck, and Milo scooted out the open door to join him. “I didn’t have a chance to grab breakfast so I’m game.”
Mason followed Bree inside and glanced around. “Is this a good time to talk?”
From his tone Annie knew it was something serious. “Kylie is playing in her room. She won’t overhear us. Any more information about Grace?”
“The Ontonagon sheriff is on his way to notify the parents. We got lucky with that immediate dental records match.”
“That poor family.” Annie got out coffee mugs and poured them both a cup of fresh brew. “Have a seat.”
“That’s not why we’re here, Annie.” Mason’s voice was heavy. “The DNA came back a little early.”
Annie gripped her hands together and moved closer to Jon. He slipped his arm around her waist. “And?”
“Taylor is Sarah. She’s your sister.”
