Page 104 of Before the Night Falls

“That’s not true.” Tyson’s back went ramrod straight as tension pulsed through him. “You know why I can’t be there right now.”

“I do, but they’re asking for assurances. Physical presence. They need to see your commitment.”

“You know I’m good for it. I’ve been there for you in the past. You know I’m a man of my word.”

“I do. But I’m having trouble convincing everyone else of it. You know the people here are untrusting and sometimes desperate. The casino seems to offer more immediate answers to their concerns—it will bring jobs and money.”

Tyson raked a hand through his hair. “What am I supposed to do? I’m trying to protect Olivia.”

“It sounds like you have some decisions to make.”

Yes, he did.

After the call, Tyson stared out the window.

The choice before him was impossible. Return to the reservation for the council meeting, potentially saving the school but leaving Olivia vulnerable. Or stay, protecting her but watching his grandmother’s dream slip through his fingers.

Years of work. Millions invested. A promise made to a dying woman.

But how could that compare to the safety of someone he was coming to care for deeply? Someone who’d already endured more than anyone should?

He closed his eyes and poured out his troubles to God in prayer.

Tyson made his decision.

He’d stay in Ocracoke. He’d keep Olivia safe, even if it meant losing everything else.

The school, his reputation, his promise—all of it was secondary to preventing another tragedy.

He only hoped Olivia would forgive him for the choices he was making on her behalf.

For the way he was inserting himself into her story . . . whether she wanted him there or not.

CHAPTERFIFTY-THREE

Olivia pausednear the door to Tyson’s office.

She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. She really hadn’t.

But she hadn’t been able to help hearing part of the conversation.

Tyson had made it seem as if it wasn’t a big deal that he was here in Ocracoke with her and missing his prior engagements.

But it was.

Now his school was on the line. The building campaign might not happen, all because Tyson had chosen to come here with her.

How could Olivia live with herself knowing that?

She couldn’t.

The psycho taunting her had already ruined so much. She couldn’t let him ruin Tyson also. She knew Tyson thought he was being noble by staying here and protecting her.

And he was.

But Olivia couldn’t let him do that.

The only way she could think of to make things right was to . . . leave.