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I studied the crack in the floor. “It didn’t get that far.”
“What happened?”
“When he dragged me over to the boats, I hit him in the head with a wrench I found on the boat and it dazed him. I was getting away when a giant snake appeared out of the water. Then it ate him. His friend took off and so did I.”
Tom’s shoulders sagged. “Why in God’s name didn’t you tell me all of this in the beginning?”
“It was a giant snake, Tom. Seriously, who was going to believe that?”
“Ellie, I already told you that the other guy said it was a snake.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. It just seemed better to try and forget it.”
“And the destruction at the lighthouse?”
“Why do you think I know about the lighthouse?” Tom had never questioned me about the incident that night, and I’d incorrectly assumed he hadn’t made the connection.
Tom studied the opposite wall. “Don’t you play stupid withme, Ellie. I know you’re wrapped up in it somehow.”
I pressed my lips together.
“I don’t think a snake is killing these dogs and people. Their abdomens were all ripped open with large claws.”
“And you think I know what it is? You think I know who it’s going after next?”
A cocky smirk lifted his cheeks. “I’m more worried about you. If I weren’t so sure this was an animal, I’d say it’s after you. Have you pissed off anyone other than Marino lately? Is Collin upset that you broke up with him?”
I cracked a grin. “And how do you knowIbroke up withhim?”
He laughed. “Because any guy who broke up with you would be an idiot. And that guy doesn’t look like an idiot.”
Carly rounded the corner and frowned when she saw me talking to Tom. “Ellie, you have orders ready and customers waiting for their checks.”
I cringed.Damn it. “Coming.”
I stepped away from the wall. “Ididbreak up with Collin, and although he wasn’t happy about it, he wouldn’t resort to terrorizing me. We’ve reached an amicable truce.”
“But he still cares about you? Enough to stalk you and try to intimidate you?”
My eyes flew open, and my heart slammed against my chest. “No! Collin would never do anything like that.”
“Is he capable of violence?”
I shook my head, getting frustrated. “Listen to me, Tom. I know you really want to find out who is doing this, but it’s not Collin. You’re looking in the wrong place.”
“Then where should I be looking?”
I sighed. “I wish I knew. And that’s the truth.”
I took the orders and checks out to the tables and kept an eye on Tom, desperate for the chance to call Collin. About fifteen minutes later there was a slight lull, so I headed into the women’s restroom and hid in a stall.
Collin answered on the second ring and sounded worried. “Ellie? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, but you need to hide.”
“What are you talking about?”
“That police officer who was questioning me last week behind Darrell’s? He tricked me into admitting I know you. He told me if I didn’t answer his questions, he would lock me up for twenty-four hours just to prove his point.” My voice broke. “I’m sorry, Collin.”
