Page 88 of The Graveyard Girls (Detective Ellie Reeves #11)

EIGHTY-SEVEN

Brambletown

The silence stretched thick with tension as Tilly processed her conversation with her brother. She’d known the police had questioned her father and that he had a temper, but he loved Ruth more than anything. She didn’t think he’d actually hurt Ruth. Unless it was an accident.

Although if that happened he had no reason to kill others.

“Did you tell the police Dad went looking for her?”

Hayden shook his head no. “I… felt too guilty. Besides, he was our father and I didn’t want to believe he’d hurt her. Although I did wonder.”

“What?” Tilly asked. “Is there something else?”

Hayden pinched the bridge of his nose. “I heard him come in during the night. And he was all sweaty and went to the sink and washed his hands. They were dirty… and he seemed upset.”

Tilly gaped at him, her thoughts running wild. “Did you ask him where he’d been?”

“No,” Hayden said. “He was already on my case about everything and… I didn’t have the nerve.

” He hesitated then poured himself another cup of coffee.

“At that point, I didn’t realize Ruth was in trouble.

” Guilt wrenched his voice. “And the next morning Mom was falling apart and so was Dad, then they called the police, and I decided Dad wouldn’t call the police if he’d hurt Ruth. ”

“But he wasn’t honest with them either,” Tilly said. “Have you ever confronted him about that night?”

Hayden shook his head, and Tilly made a snap decision. “Well, it’s about time we did. I’m going to find them and make Dad tell the truth.”

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of Hayden’s mouth. “I’m going with you.”

Tilly’s heart swelled with love for her brother. For the first in years, she didn’t feel quite so alone.