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He wandered over to the grandfather clock on the mantel. More time was needed, but in order to get that, Gavin needed to be out of the picture. What might it take to distract him?
Ignoring Vanessa’s text, he shoved the phone in his top drawer. It would give her time to stew about what her punishment might be for failing him. Maybe she’d spend a few nights scrubbing floors with her toothbrush. If that didn’t put the proper amount of fear in her, he’d find something more creative. And if Gavin wanted to push, maybe Cate would be next to join Emmaline at their serene estate in the mountains. She wouldn’t get much fresh air once she arrived in the beautiful countryside, but she would learn a thing or two about obedience. He knew how to force compliance from less than willing participants. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Capitulation was nice, but sometimes he appreciated the challenge of a worthy adversary. Whether or not the Garrisons would provide that remained to be seen.
LateMondaymorning,Samanthapulled her Park Ranger SUV into the upper parking lot and angled the vehicle so she would have a panoramic view of Lake Jean. The radio chatter was minimal. It had been a quiet morning.
Clearing her head was becoming increasingly difficult the more she dug into the past. She’d gone wedding dress shopping with Emily and her mother, but even time with her best friend hadn’t dimmed the fog of depression threatening to close in.
A buzzing distracted her from her thoughts. A text from Gavin. Odd. She’d expected him to use Wade as a go-between so he could avoid her. Heaven knew she hadn’t made it easy for him the last time he’d tried to converse.
Gavin: Call when you have a minute to chat.
She dialed him, and he picked up on the first ring.
“That was fast.” She smiled at the sound of his voice. Not good at all.
“What’s up?”
“Wade emailed me that symbol you drew. Where did you get it? He said it had some kind of connection to your uncle.”
“Uncle Richard had a few things with the symbol on it. Why?”
“I came across it in another investigation. It’s beyond odd.”
“How so?”
“That investigation is linked to a sorority, and I doubt your Uncle Richard would’ve been connected with one.”
She chuckled. “Maybe the symbols aren’t as similar as you think. I drew the image I sent Wade, so it might not be completely accurate.”
“Can I see the actual items?”
“I could take pictures and send them to you.”
“That’d be great.”
“There is some paperwork, too. Too much for me to scan, but maybe I can mail it to you.”
“Would you mind if I had someone pick it up?”
“No. I guess not.”
He sighed. “You know what, I’m not getting anywhere down here. How about I drive up there, and we can go through the box together?”
Her heart raced. Did she really want to spend time alone with Gavin Garrison. He made her wish for things she’d never be able to have. After his rejection, she’d given it a go and gone a couple of dates with Austin, but that had been an epic fail. Despite how utterly adorable he was, they’re relationship had felt more like brother and sister instead of boyfriend and girlfriend. They were now firmly in the friend zone. But she needed to stop daydreaming about having more with Gavin. He wasn’t interested. Though she wasn’t getting any younger, she wouldn’t throw herself at anyone. Besides he was a New Yorker. And she wanted no parts of the city.
“Sam? You there?”
“Sorry. Lost in thought.” She rolled the tension out of her shoulders. “Sure. Come on up, and we’ll go through it all.”
“Great. I can be there in three hours.”
“Make it five. I need to finish my shift here and get home in time to shower before you arrive.” She closed her eyes annoyed with herself for giving him the impression that she felt the need to look good for him. Maybe she should hang a sign around her head that said ‘biological clock ticking—must find man quick.’
Chapter Six
Gavinpulledintothedrive of the old two story farmhouse that Samantha called home. The setting sun cast long shadows as he approached her door. It was a professional visit. No reason to get worked up about seeing her. She didn’t even like him, so there was no way she’d want to spend time alone with him if it wasn’t strictly work related. Sam pulled the door open before he could knock. She was the epitome of effortless beauty. The fit of her jeans was flattering and she’d paired it with a long-sleeve tee. The look was casual. Like she didn’t want him to think she was trying too hard. Her face was devoid of makeup, and her long dark hair remained damp from the shower. She stepped aside to let him pass, and as he did, he caught a whiff of a subtle floral fragrance he assumed came from her shampoo.
“How was the drive?”
