Page 27 of Traitor
Peyton crosses her arms above her chest and her lips pinch together for a second. “Yes, just as I told you. Do you want me to r-ride out with you to prove it?” Despite the tremor in her voice, she shakes back her hair defiantly. At least she’s a brave little bird, shaky, but brave. I’d bet anything, going out on that water is the last thing she wants to do.
I don’t have to check Hadley to know he’s probably thinking the same thing. He may be a local, small-town cop, but he’s not stupid.
“No, ma’am, we’ve got it covered. We’re gonna wrap it up shortly, though, if we don’t find anything. No use worrying everyone if there’s nothing else to go on.” Hadley pauses and lays a comforting hand on her arm. “Is there someone we can call for you? Husband, boyfriend. Your family? You seem pretty shaken up. There’s a counselor in town, but—”
“Thanks,” she interrupts, “but no. I’ll be fine. I appreciate you letting me know. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused.”
Hadley adjusts his hat. “It’s no trouble. We’ve got your contact information if we do find anything.”
She nods. “Yes, please give me a call if you do.”
Hadley turns to me. “We’ll be out of your hair soon, Ford. Sherry and I will be by sometime this week for date night—if she doesn’t kill me before then.”
“We’ll have a table for you,” I reply, my eyes still on Peyton, who’s turned to look out toward the water where the other volunteers have started to pack up.
“Thank you for your help, Ms. Rhodes,” Hadley says, excusing himself to go and help. “We’ll be in touch if we need anything.”
Peyton visibly deflates as Hadley disappears into the distance.
“No evidence is a good thing,” I say, but she shakes her head and says, “I’d rather know for sure. Otherwise it’s a huge question mark in my head. It’ll drive me crazy.”
She places her mug carefully on the deck railing and turns to face me directly for the first time. Before she can apologize, again, I lift a hand and wave away her empty words. I’ve heard it all before. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got work to do.”
“Ford, I’m serious,” she starts.
“So am I. No need to apologize. You’ll let Nell know if you need anything? Checkout is Friday, right? It’s been a memorable stay, but I’m sure you’ll be excited to put this place in your rearview.”
She makes a pained face. “You believe me, don’t you?” she asks after a pause. “I’m not sure Hadley does, at least not completely.”
“He wouldn’t have spent all morning out there if he didn’t. It doesn’t matter what I think.”
“Yes—” she starts to shout, then glances around as heads turn in our direction. “Yes, it does. It matters to me. He would be more convinced if they’d found something, anything, but he only has my word to go on. The word of a stranger.”
“Hadley is a good guy. He’s just doing his job. Besides, I was there. I believe you.”
Her eyes grow wet and an uncomfortable knot takes up residence in my chest. I shift from foot to foot. “Are you okay?” I ask.
She clears her throat and shakes her head. “I’m fine. But you don’t have to say that to make me feel better.”
“Do I seem like the kind of person who caters to anyone’s feelings?”
Peyton gives me a small smile. “Definitely not.”
“Listen, it’s been a rough couple days. Why don’t you help yourself to the bar, on me, and relax. As for what happened last night, let’s just forget about it, okay? No hard feelings.”
“Are you sure? I didn’t mean to make it weird.” She sighs. “I’ve been through a lot and this is pushing all of my buttons. It’s honestly a miracle I haven’t lost my shit by now. I mean, like an epic breakdown. I don’t know if it’s better that they haven’t found anything or worse. I think it’s the not knowing that bothers me more.” Her panicked voice is sharp and getting louder the more she goes on. She gestures wildly.
This time, I do step forward. I place my hands on her arms. “Hey, everything will be fine. You’re going to go get lunch, get a drink, and let me handle Hadley. I’ve got you.”
At my words, Peyton stills, her eyes watchful. “What did you say?”
My lips twitch. “I said everything will be fine.” I push her back in the direction of the French doors. “Now go. Take care of yourself before you pass out again and I have to carry you.” Or before I do something stupid and kiss her until we both forget what’s happening.
A laugh bursts from her lips and dances briefly in her eyes, then she turns and reaches out a hand for the doorknob. “Why don’t you join me?” she blurts out.
“Join you?”
“Dinner, later. My treat. To thank you for everything. And to apologize for the way I acted last night after everything you’ve done for me. For saving me. Believing me. I owe you.”