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“Ariel had to back out of the music festival.”

“What? Why?”

Dani lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. She didn’t go into details. Something about having an unexpected medical procedure done. Now we don’t have a headliner. Even though Caleb Kennedy was able to talk Drake Hamilton into showing up, he’ll be here for one set, and that’s it. The concert’s going to be a bust. After I refund all of the tickets, we’re going to be so broke. Not to mention our—make thatmy—reputation will be ruined. No one will want to return next year, and I’ll be another Sullivan destroying the island with my crazy schemes.”

Any other time, Sadie would’ve been quick to encourage her friend, but Dani’s news simply poured gasoline on the fire that Sadie had no way to put out.

“You could always ask Eli Noble to fill in.” The words dripped off her lips like poison.

Dani’s head shot up, her eyes wide. “Eli No—Asher told you?”

A sickening feeling churned Sadie’s stomach as she opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. She could only stare at the person she’d considered one of her few friends on the island. A vise gripped her chest, making it difficult to breathe.

“You…you knew.” The statement came out as a gasp. “That’s what you meant before when you said it wasn’t your story to tell.”

The shock of the double betrayal within minutes sent ice coursing through her veins.

Dani’s face paled as she took a step toward her. She stretched out a hand. “Sadie…”

Sadie stepped back and wrapped her arms around her waist. “I don’t know what’s worse. Asher keeping his identify from me, or the fact that you, one of my best friends on the island—and probably off, for that matter—knew and didn’t tell me. How could you?”

Dani dropped her hand and lowered her chin to her chest. She shook her head. “I promised him I wouldn’t say anything, and I had to keep my word. You value integrity, so surely you can understand that.”

“What I understand is you knew I was falling for him…Stupid me. And you stayed quiet. You knew what he’d done to our family. I thought you were my friend.” Sadie’s voice rose as burning tears clouded her vision.

Fresh tears flowed down Dani’s face as she grabbed Sadie’s arm. “Iamyour friend. And I’m Asher’s friend. I wanted to tellyou. So many times. Especially when I realized you had feelings for each other.”

Sadie shook her head so hard her wet hair slapped her in the cheek. “No worries about that now. I want nothing to do with the lying jerk. He’s responsible for my sister’s death.”

“No, he’s not. He took the blame, but he wasn’t responsible. I know you’re hurt and angry, but I do hope you can see the truth.”

Pounding on the front door echoed through the shop. Sadie whirled around and found a hulking shadow looming behind the glass.

Asher’s hair was plastered to his head. He pressed a fist against the doorframe. “Sadie, let me in. We need to talk.”

Wrapping her arms around her waist once again, she shook her head. “There’s nothing to say. You lied to me.”

“Please let me explain.”

“What could it hurt to hear him out?” Dani’s voice was nearly a whisper behind her.

Sadie spun and faced her so-called friend. “Hurt? What could it hurt? I can’t believe you just said that.” She jerked a thumb over her shoulder. “My sister is dead because of him.”

Thunder shook the building as lightning lit up the sky in an eerie grayish-green cast. Somewhere in the building, the pipes rumbled back a response.

Dani pushed past Sadie and hurried to the door.

“Dani, if you unlock that door, I swear I will never speak to you again.”

Dani looked at her with sadness in her eyes. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take for you to learn the truth.” She flicked the lock and pulled open the door.

Asher slid inside and closed the door. He held her muddy, sopping hat. Chest heaving, he swiped a hand over his dripping face and raked his wet hair off his forehead. Then he took a step toward Sadie.

She flung both hands up. “Don’t come any closer.”

Asher stopped and dropped his shoulders.

“Did you know who my sister was when you met me?”