Page 113 of Secrets Along the Shore

Could it have been one of Daniel’s buddies? Someone who would feel silly saying this to my face, but wanted me to know how they felt?

Possibly, but I doubt it. Something about the message strikes me as…off. Not necessarily dangerous, just…weird.

Whatever it is, I don’t have the time or energy to solve this mystery today. I thrust the note into my bag, then turn to unlock the door, determined to give what little oomph I’ve got left to my client.

“Get a love letter?”

The drawling voice dripping with menace growls from behind me. I spin to find Harlan Fogerty standing a dozen feet away. I have no idea how I didn’t see him.

Unless he made sure I didn’t. There’s plenty in this lot to use as cover.

“Did you leave it?” I accuse more than ask, hardening my tone to match his. I’m not alone out here, but that doesn’t mean I’m not indanger. Guys like Harlan act before thinking and worry about the going-to-jail consequences later. If he’s decided to finally give in to his lesser angel and lash out, the fact that several sheriff’s deputies are within striking distance won’t make any difference.

“Leaveyoua love letter?” he says, then scoffs. “I’ve got something different in mind.”

He takes a step toward me. I would move backward, but I’m already pressed against my Jeep and have nowhere to go. If I try to jump inside—the door auto-unlocks with the key fob I carry on me—I’d still have to swing the door open, slide in, then shut and lock it before he reaches me.

I’m fast, but he’s moved closer, so now we’re only separated by a few feet.

I’m notthatfast.

A rock sinks to the bottom of my belly as I steady myself, tighten my core, straighten my shoulders, and effect my best “what-would-Natasha-Romanoff-do” stance.

“You’re the reason my brother just got tossed in for life…maybe even death,” he says, his eyes reducing to slits as he takes another step. “That’s on you.”

“No, that’s on him,” I say. “Whatever happens.”

“He’s innocent,” Harlan snaps, jutting his head and chest at me, but I stand my ground. Weakness is the last thing you want to show in a standoff like this. “And you’re gonna regret ever settin’ your sights on him.”

Harlan lets out a roar and charges. Almost instantly he’s on me, his fist rearing back, readying to deliver a blow.

He doesn’t get the chance. Before he can connect his punch, I’ve got him in a hold, then down on the pavement, face-up. His eyes grow to saucers, and in another second I’ve got him pinned under my boot, my mini-Mace in his face, the nozzle hovering above his eye line. When his eyes settle on the weapon, his shock morphs into fear.

“Yeah, that’s right,” I say when I see the change. Apparently, whoever taught this brainiac it was okay to come at someone a foot shorter than him forgot to mention it might be smart to check whether that person knows Krav Maga.

Which I do.

“Hey, Walsh!” I don’t have to look away from Harlan—nor would I, because you should never take your eyes off your opponent—to know it’s Deputy Cole Hollis, Daniel’s best friend. “What’s going on over there?! You need help?”

I judge from his voice that he’s still several cars away, but know he’ll be at my side in a matter of seconds. I give Harlan one more shove into the ground, then bounce off, putting at least six feet between us. He shakes his upper body like a dog coming in from the rain and scowls.

“What do you say, Harlan? Do I need help? Or are we done here?” I ask. Harlan eyes me with a sneer as Cole draws up next to me.

“What’dya say, Soph? Cuffs or no cuffs?” Cole asks.

Could I have Harlan arrested? Sure. But he’d be out by Monday at the latest and I don’t think that will make him less antagonistic. Also, the thought of doing any paperwork right now makes my brain hurt.

Harlan retreats with a backward step, then another, finally turning and walking off toward the street.

“He unhappy about the verdict?” Cole’s gaze follows Harlan until he disappears behind some trees.

“Seems that way,” I answer.

“Looked like you had it under control.”

I shrug. “I managed.”

Cole grins. “Uh-huh.” He points at Harlan. “You sure you don’t want us to pick him up? Saw the whole thing.”