Page 44 of A Little Luck
When I woke this morning fully satisfied but alone in my bed, the only thing on my mind was finding her. Our night was incredible, better than I’d dreamed. It pretty much sealed the deal on my feelings, but her “no words, no questions” policy means I still have a ways to go before she’s convinced.
We’re closer than we’ve ever been, and I’ll abide by her ground rules to get us where I know we’re supposed to be. She and Ryan are my family, and I’ll fight to have them, even if it’s a cold war against an unknown enemy.
A surge of kid-squealing and laughter erupts as the skinny cartoon character shoves his head under his horse’s saddle. I can’t help a grin. As a kid, I totally related to the terrified school teacher outrunning his horse on a dark night in the woods.
“It’s what I like about small towns.” A gravelly voice is at my side, and I glance over to see Marshall Gregg crossing his arms over his chest beside me. “Traditions like this bring everybody together and help people get to know one another.”
His words are approving, but his eyes survey the seated crowd like he’s looking for something.
“You know, I grew up in Eureka.” I lower my arms, putting my hands in my back pockets, doing my best to appear approachable. “I run the outreach programs here and in Hilton Head and Kiawah. I might be able to help you with your case if you tell me more about it.”
He shifts his position, narrowing his eyes at me and seeming to consider it. Finally, after a few moments, I apparently pass the test, and he lowers his arms as well.
“My missing person is an abuse survivor. A female with a kid.”
Anger twists in my stomach, but I shake my head. “I don’t know anyone who fits that description—at least not in Eureka.”
“Well, you’d be surprised. From what I understand, she’s pretty good at hiding. She’s been doing it for a long time.”
I don’t like the sound of that. “You have no idea who it could be? Who hired you?”
“A family member.” Marshall exhales, looking down at his tattered boots. “She wants to help her find justice, come out of hiding.”
“I can understand that.” I glance over to where Aiden has his eyes on Britt.
Right next to him is Alex, watching Cass and Pinky.
“You should talk to Aiden. He doesn’t appear to be subtle, but you’d be surprised. He can keep a secret, and Britt can track down clues like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Nah,” Marshall shakes his head. “I don’t want to bring in law enforcement at this point. It could tip her off and make her run again.”
“I understand.” I nod, thinking. “I have an idea for where we could start asking questions. You’re staying in the loft above the Star Parlor?”
“I am for now.” He nods towards the front of the square. “Unless your girlfriend there has her friend kick me out.”
“My girlfriend?” I frown, unsure what he means. “Piper’s not my girlfriend.”
“Oh, sure, you might have all these other folks fooled, but my job is watching people.” Marshall winks, pointing his finger at me. “I see the way you look at her. You’re standing here with all the other dads watching over her and her kid.”
Exhaling a laugh, I run my hand over my mouth. “I confess, I wasn’t convinced, but you might be a pretty good detective after all.”
“Been at it forty years. Haven’t lost a case yet.”
“That’s a pretty good track record.”
Laughter and squealing break out from the audience, and we both look up to see Fudge on the partition in front of the movie screen. He’s right in the middle, walking back and forth, and he looks like he’s ready to jump.
“Oh, Fudge!” Ryan yells, running to get him, and I laugh, waving to Marshall.
“I’d better help out before they tear the screen down. I’ll be in touch.”
* * *
“Fudge is a movie star!”Ryan’s voice is loud, and he has the black cat slung over his shoulder. “He saw Thackery, and he thought it was his brother.”
“He almost brought down the house.” Piper slides her hand down Fudge’s shiny back. “I’m just glad Adam was there.”
Warmth fills my chest, and I want to slide my hand over hers. I want to thread our fingers and tell her I’ll always be there when she needs me.