“More importantly,” Ethan continued “after we got the phone unlocked – which wasn’t the easiest process – we found texts to Julie from an unknown number, which turned out to be a burner phone that we also recovered.” He sighed, and looked Sutton full in the face. “She texted Julie the night she died, pretending to be you. Asked her to come up to the second-floor porch and open the door, let her – you – in.”
“And then pushed her over the railing.”
“That’s how it looks.”
The sickness Sutton felt mingled with a potent fury. That she’d used his name to lure an innocent woman to her death. He didn’t think he’d ever stop feeling angry.
“It makes no sense.”
“Crazy often doesn’t.”
“She had to have been there that night. At the bar at the Black Walnut. How else would she have known that Julie had any sort of association with me? Jesus.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, where he felt a headache brewing. He’d spent twenty, thirty minutes with her, had one drink. One kiss on the cheek. And now she was dead.
So much for harmless flirtation.
“We’re reviewing the security footage,” Ethan said. “She may have been wearing a disguise. We found other wigs, colored contacts and whatnot. I get the impression it might have been a regular thing with her.”
The only guy who noticed me…
Sutton could hear Katie’s words at the waterfall that day, wondered if she’d been somehow mocking him. Knowing that he hadn’t noticed her that night, when she’d apparently stalked him. There was no other explanation for why Julie had become a target.
“The cocktail napkin,” Sutton said. “The one with Julie’s number. I tossed it on top of the trash before I headed out.”
“We haven’t found it,” Ethan said.
“Yet. But even if Katie threw it out, what does it matter when the damage was already done?”
“We don’t know that’s how she got Julie’s contact information.”
“Come on, Ethan.”
“We don’t know. And unless and until we do, you don’t need to be putting any more guilt on your own head, which I know you are. Julie was known to give out business cards like candy, according to her friends. She could have very well thought she was handing one to a legitimate potential contact, if Katie approached her.”
“Or, Katie could have pulled the napkin from the trash. After spying on me.”
“Could have.” Ethan agreed. “But it doesn’t make a lick of difference. You are not to blame for someone else’s actions.”
Sutton scrubbed a hand through his hair, which he’d recently had cut. It still felt alien, as did almost everything about this situation.
Everything except Adeline. She was the one thing that felt right. He woke up frequently in a cold sweat, thinking about how differently things could have turned out if he hadn’t woken up when he did that night. If Colonel Mustard hadn’t escaped and drawn Ethan’s attention. If Willow hadn’t given him the GPS key finder, mostly as a joke.
But there was no point in what-ifing himself into an ulcer, so he was just thankful that Adeline had emerged from her ordeal unscathed. Or mostly so, anyway. She had a very minor concussion, plenty of bumps and bruises.
And nightmares. But that was going to take some time.
“What about the sabotage to Adeline’s car?” Sutton wondered. “Has she admitted that?”
“She’s still not talking.”
“She knows cars like the back of her hand. And it’s no coincidence that she just happened to be right down the road at the waterfall that day.”
“Circumstantial,” Ethan reminded him. “We’re testing the oil on your sweatshirt from where you picked up the puppy. Hopefully the lab will be able to connect the two, but we’re just getting started on the evidence. Remember that.”
Sutton nodded. “I do.” He shot Ethan a sardonic smile. “Most of the time.”
A puppy barked, and they both watched Harper round the corner of the house, dark hair streaming behind her as she ran. Typical of Georgia weather, the temperature had shot back up again, and they hadn’t been able to convince either his niece or the dog to come in from outside. Harper tripped, landing on all fours, and dissolved in hysterical laughter when the dog jumped on top of her, licking her face with frantic joy.
“It was good of you to take Otis,” Sutton said.
“It’s not like I had a choice once Harper got wind of the fact that he needed a new home.”
“What did you tell her?”
“That his owner wasn’t able to take care of him any longer. And I only told her that because she overheard me saying something to Caroline. She has ears like a bat.”
The subject of Caroline was a touchy one these days, so Sutton didn’t explore that line of conversation further. He was just about to change the topic entirely when his Mom opened the sliding glass door.
“Um, Sutton? You have a visitor at the front door.”
Her eyes were bigger than turkey platters, and Sutton frowned. It wasn’t like his mom to not invite a guest inside. “Who is it?”
“I think you should go talk to them.”
His frown turned into a look of deep suspicion. He glanced at Ethan, and his brother shrugged. “Don’t ask me.”
Sutton stared down at his mom as he passed by her, but she wasn’t giving anything away. He crossed the living room, noticing that the din of conversation from the kitchen had quieted considerably. He felt like he was being followed by a stage spotlight, all attention focused on him.
Arriving at the front door, which had been left ajar, he braced himself for God knew what before pulling it open. But even with the bracing, he wasn’t prepared.
Beckett Caldwell nodded. “Hello, Sutton.”
“What the hell.”
It might not have been the most gracious or clever of responses, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
Beckett scratched his forehead and chuckled. “I’m sure this is a surprise.”
Sutton called over his shoulder. “Hide the beer bottles, Ethan.”
“Funny.” Beckett pointed to his slightly crooked nose. “But I’d say we’re even.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but what do you want?”
His old nemesis sighed. “I want to not have to do this, but I’m trying to live up to this whole responsible adult thing. So, here I am.”
“On Thanksgiving.”
“I know I’m interrupting your family time.” But he didn’t apologize. “I was hoping to speak with Adeline.”
Sutton ran his hand along his jaw. “If I break your nose again, you might be able to set it straighter this time.”
“Sutton.”
Hearing her admonishing voice behind him, Sutton reluctantly moved to the side. But he didn’t take his gaze off Beckett.
“You’re welcome to stay,” Beckett told him “and listen to what I have to say. If you’re worried.”
It was a dig, but not one that bothered him. They weren’t teenagers anymore, and Adeline wasn’t Shannon. “She’s capable of taking care of herself.”
More than.
Adeline slid her hand into his. He glanced down, and when she smiled up at him, the animosity he’d been feeling faded.
“Stay.”
He squeezed her hand. “Whatever you want.”
Beckett’s smirk when he turned back around was only mildly irritating. But when he turned his attention to Adeline, any hint of smugness faded.
“Ms. Walker. I have to apologize in advance for what I’m about to tell you. As owner of Caldwell Mountain Properties, it’s my responsibility to ensure that every part of the business is run in both an efficient and ethical manner. Regarding the latter, I’m afraid I’ve failed you.”
Adeline frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Before I continue, I want you to understand that I am assuming financial responsibility, and am here against my attorney’s advice. But I wanted to do what was right. My maintenance
supervisor – you remember Keith? He came to me with a disturbing confession. He deliberately tampered with the mechanical systems of your family’s cabin, including the heater and the plumbing, in order to make your stay uncomfortable, in the hope that you would leave sooner than later, with little desire to return.”
“But… why would he do that?”
“I’m horrified to admit it was at the direct request of my personal assistant – who has been terminated, by the way. But if you wish to pursue criminal charges against her, I’ll be happy to testify.”
“Shelby.”
“That’s correct.”
“She… wait.” Adeline looked up at Sutton. “With everything that happened, I forgot all about this. There was a notecard in your jacket pocket. From Shelby to Uncle Bristol. I meant to ask you where you’d found it.”
“Under the cabin,” he said. “By the trash cans.”
Adeline transferred her gaze to Beckett, and it was considerably sharper this time. “What have I not been told?”
“I think I can answer that.”
At the sound of the voice behind them, both he and Adeline turned to find Sally wringing her hands, her brightly-colored knit shawl a stark contrast to her ashen complexion.
“You know that your father and Bristol never particularly got along,” she addressed Adeline. “Well, I’ve been going through some of his paperwork. Your dad’s. It appears that Bristol bought out your grandparents when they sold the inn. Which was fine, of course, as it stayed in the family. Although I don’t know why they never made an offer to John, because it was originally meant to be handed down to both Bristol and your mother, just like the fish camp. Anyway, he’s the one who sold it to Mister Caldwell there.”
Beckett had the grace to look sheepish. “I thought you knew,” he told Adeline.
“That’s why you assumed I would have heard of the sale from my uncle.”
“Yes.”
She nodded. “That makes sense. But why would your personal assistant want to run me out of the cabin?”
“Because Bristol already bought out the other two families involved, and has been negotiating with Caldwell Mountain Properties regarding a potential sale of the whole thing. You being the only wrench in the plan.”
Adeline gaped up at Sutton. “You knew?”
“Not until a couple of days ago,” he admitted. “I got curious, or maybe suspicious, and looked up the property records. When I found out that he owned the other two cabins outright, and only shared partial ownership with you on the third, I started to wonder.” He winced. “I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you. I just thought maybe we could get through Thanksgiving, and let you enjoy your time with your family, before I brought it up.”
He shot a glare at Beckett.
The other man held up his hands. “I apologize for the bad timing. And for any role I may have inadvertently played. I wasn’t aware of all the… family dynamics.”
“Bristol is an ass,” Sally chimed in.
Adeline sighed. “Well, as much as I feel like the last to know, I do appreciate your forthrightness, Mister Caldwell.”
“Like I said, I’m trying to… grow up. Uh, I don’t want to take up any more of your time with your family. You have my card, so feel free to call at any time so we can discuss this further.”
“I will. Thank you.”
He nodded. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
He started toward the driveway, and Sutton debated for a moment before holding up a finger to let Adeline know he’d be back in a minute. And then he followed the other man.
“Beckett.”
Sutton could see him brace himself before he turned around. And when he did, Sutton stuck out his hand.
Beckett stared at it a moment before taking it.
“In the spirit of growing up,” he said “maybe it’s time we buried the hatchet.”
“Not literally, I hope.”
Sutton actually grinned. “I don’t think I could sneak that one past my brother.”
They stared at each other a moment, reaching what Sutton felt was a silent understanding. They’d never be friends, but there was no benefit in remaining enemies.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” Sutton said.
When he went back into the house, Sally had presumably gone back to the kitchen, but Adeline was waiting. Sutton crossed toward her, took her face in his hands and gave her a hard kiss.
“I’m in love with you.”
Her eyes, when she opened them, were huge behind her glasses. “What a coincidence. I’m in love with you, too.”
“Quit fraternizing,” his dad called from the kitchen “and get in here and settle this marshmallow question before I throw the stupid casserole dish away.”
Foreheads touching, he smiled at Adeline. “I guess you better pick your team.”
“I pick you.” Her lips curved. “With marshmallow on top.”
“I’ll go steal the jar. You meet me in the closet.”
She laughed, but then sobered as her gaze slid to the side. “We’re coming.”
Sutton turned to see his dad shaking his head before disappearing back into the kitchen.
“I like your family.”
“Good.” He offered his hand, kissed hers as they started walking. “You’re going to fit right in.”
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed Sutton and Adeline’s story. Look for more books about Rabun County, and the McCloud family, later this year. If you missed any of my other series, you can find them here:
The Sweetwater Series
MR. WRITE: https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Write-Sweetwater-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00K58FV7E/ref=pd_sim_351_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MRDTAZ6GA2DD1PESQR7S#nav-subnav
ADMIT ONE: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O4CQXVU/ref=series_rw_dp_sw#nav-subnav
CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U1FH2L4/ref=series_rw_dp_sw#nav-subnav
THE SWAMP WITCH:
https://www.amazon.com/Swamp-Witch-Sweetwater-Book-ebook/dp/B07K18DKZ6
UNDERTOW:
https://www.amazon.com/Undertow-Sweetwater-Book-Clark-ONeill-ebook/dp/B07SJFCRD6
And don’t miss the Dahlonega Trilogy:
SHATTERED: https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Southern-Comfort-Dahlonega-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B06XDG9SZN
SHADOWS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077QZ1TX4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1511638972&sr=1-1&keywords=shadows+lisa+clark+o%27neill
SHIVER: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6CB25N
Also, be sure to check out the Southern Comfort prequel trilogy to see where it all began:
MALICE: https://www.amazon.com/Malice-Southern-Comfort-Prequel-Book-ebook/dp/B012BR3J9S?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc
AVARICE: https://www.amazon.com/Avarice-Southern-Comfort-Prequel-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B01AE2NB22/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1452433139&sr=1-1&keywords=avarice+lisa+clark+o%27neill#nav-subnav
JUSTICE: https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Southern-Comfort-Prequel-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B01L0REWXW/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1472209279&sr=1-2&keywords=the+southern+comfort+prequel+trilogy+lisa+clark+o%27neill#nav-subnav
Or the Southern Comfort series:
SERENDIPITY: https://www.amazon.com/Serendipity-Southern-Comfort-Book-1-ebook/dp/B008YMC8HY/ref=pd_sim_351_9?ie=UTF8&dpID=51RGD03ef3L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_OU01_AC_UL160_SR100%2C160_&refRID=TNZRVC7J2RNYK91CT76K#nav-subnav
FORBIDDEN: https://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Southern-Comfort-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00BAJY0VK/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=K7KBK9QPWNPX1AR5PRGZ#nav-subnav
DECEPTION: https://www.amazon.com/Deception-Southern-Comfort-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00D5CLUWW/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=86C8N9S3M08D5F1M6FAS#nav-subnav
NEMESIS: https://www.amazon.com/Nemesis-Southern-Comfort-Book-4-ebook/dp/B00FJ5JK6Q/ref=pd_sim_351_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZSRNYT50HFVPDQ304ETZ#nav-subnav
OBSESSION: https://www.amazon.com/Obsession-Southern-Comfort-Book-5-ebook/dp/B00ICL2GD8/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NHPK7MQKW92WG0FD3KBS#nav-subnav
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Slow Burn (Rabun County Book 1) Page 29