Page 6 of Finding Forever
I snorted. “It wasn’t hard.”
“It’s for a good cause. The local search and rescue team needs all the help they can get.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at six o’clock. And don’t worry about tickets—I’ve already bought two.”
“You’re a bad influence on me. At the rate I’m going, it’ll be Christmas before my book’s finished.”
“What did you do about the dead body?”
I grinned. “It washed ashore at Slaughter Beach and then someone stole it from the morgue. The killer buried the body in Aaron Connelly’s orchard.”
“Nice.”
A year ago, my first book in the Aaron Connelly series hit the bookshelves. The thriller became an overnight success, propelling me into the limelight and making more money than I’d ever earned with the police. Nine months later, book two was published. Sales of both novels skyrocketed, making me one of the most sought-after authors in America. But along with the fame came a lot of unwanted attention. Attention that had brought me to Sunrise Bay.
“If you don’t want to go to the concert, it’s no problem,” Alex said, noticing my distracted look.
“The concert’s fine. You’re right. I need to get out more.”
“Since we’re talking about your social life, what happened to the man I saw in the general store?”
“His name’s Riley Murphy. He’s my new neighbor.”
“Lucky you.”
I didn’t think I was lucky. I came to Sunrise Bay to get away from everyone, but it wasn’t working out that way. “I’ll be too busy writing to enjoy anyone’s company.”
Alex groaned. “I almost feel sorry for him. Has he met Sherlock?”
The dog in question was lying at my feet, softly snoring.
“He let him pet him.”
“There you go. Sherlock’s a good judge of character. If he passed his personality test, you’re safe.”
My eyebrows rose. “He did the same thing with you and I’m still worried.”
“Very funny. Why is Riley here? Sunrise Bay isn’t one of Trip Advisor’s top ten towns to visit.”
“I don’t know why he came here.”
“How long is he staying?”
“Three months, maybe less.”
“Do you know anything else about him?”
I smiled at the interest on Alex’s face. “He was living in Italy. You can always stop by and meet him.”
“It’s quicker to ask you for information. Why would anyone move here after living in Europe?”
“Probably for the same reason we’re here.”
“I doubt it,” Alex muttered.
I frowned. “You’re not on the run from the mob, are you?”