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Unfortunately, I was pretty sure I did.
Chapter25
The closer I got to Wanchese, the more my stomach clinched. The thought of going back to where Mishiginebig had killed my almost rapist was bad enough. But the thought of facing Collin made me nauseous. I called David as soon as I got there.
Collin’s truck was parked in the spot where it had been last time. He could be out on his boat, or he could be hiding from Tom. Either way, I should have probably called him to make sure he was around, but I thought the element of surprise could work to my advantage.
I parked next to Collin’s truck and walked to the dock, the memories of my last visit clinging to my skin, making me feel dirty. I stiffened my back. I hadn’t done anything wrong. That bastard who’d attacked me had gotten exactly what he deserved.
Maybe if I kept telling myself that I’d stop feeling guilty.
The slap of my flip-flops was the only sound as I walked down the concrete sidewalk next to the boats. I figured that since Collin’s truck was here, his boat would be out, but it couldn’t hurt to check. So when I sawLucky Staron the back of the second boat—the one the guy had tried to drag me onto—I stopped and reconsidered my plan.
Why did my life suddenly feel like a tapestry woven by fate? Should I just give in to whatever destiny had in store?
Collin popped up, a fishing net in his hand.
I sucked in a deep breath and walked to the edge of his boat. “So you really are a fisherman.”
He stood, the net still hanging from his hand as he stared at me in shock.
I nodded toward the net. “There was lots of fishing talk when we were together, but I never saw any fishing action.”
The hint of a smile lifted his lips. “Maybe you kept me so busy with other action that I didn’t have any time to fish.”
My face burned. I’d set myself up for that one.
His gaze landed on my bandaged arm before he returned to his task. “What are you doing here, Ellie?”
“Did Tom find you?”
“If you’re asking ifOfficer Helmsworthcame to see me, then the answer is yes.”
“You talked to him?”
He looked up with his cocky grin in full force. “Sure. Why not? He would have been more anxious to find me if I’d tried to evade him. I didn’t have anything to hide.”
“He didn’t think it was a coincidence that the guy was on your boat?”
Collin’s smile fell. “What guy was on my boat?”
My stupid mouth. I didn’t answer.
“The guy who was killed?” He waited a second.
“What does it matter, Collin. It’s done.” I paused. “Marino’s guy came to see me today.”
The color left his face. “Where?”
“I came home and found him waiting in my living room. He found a pair of antique watches that belonged to my father and presumed it was part of the Ricardo Estate.”
His eyes sunk closed. “Fuck.”
“He was going to either shoot me or take me to Marino. I had to lie. I told him you gave me the watches to appraise. I’m sorry.” My voice cracked with my guilt.
“You did the right thing. That was quick thinking.” Pride filled his eyes. “But then again, you’re a natural.”
“Do you know where the Ricardo Estate is?”
