Buried Truth

by Jannine Gallant

  “Thanks, Mr. Dorsey.” Leah lowered her voice after the man walked away. “Was George with Brock at Castaways?”

  Ryan nodded. “Pete, too.”

  “Perfect. Pete Brewster was always a horrible influence on Brock. Hopefully they’ll hole up somewhere drinking and pass out. As long as Brock doesn’t come looking for me later, I don’t care what he does with his old pals.”

  Ryan signed the receipt when their server returned with it, slid his credit card into his wallet, and stood when Leah pushed back her chair. “I’ll stay with you tonight if you want. Mom isn’t going to wonder where I am if I don’t show up.”

  A smile slipped out as she lifted her bag off her chair and slung the strap over her shoulder to head across the restaurant beside him. “You’ll make that sacrifice, huh? Strictly for noble reasons?”

  He grinned back as he held open the door. “Of course. Do you doubt my motives?”

  “Of course not.” She waited while he dug out his keys to unlock the Jeep and glanced over as a green sedan turned into the parking lot. “Hey, that’s Sloan’s car.”

  Her colleague parked near them, got out, and slammed the door. “Evening, Leah. Ryan, good to see you.” Sloan strolled toward them. “How’d your appointment go at the bank? I missed seeing you after school let out.”

  “Not well. Unless the police catch the creep preying on seniors, I seriously doubt my grandma will get her money back.”

  “That sucks. I—” Stepping forward, he flailed and grabbed onto her shoulder. “Sorry about that.” He regained his balance. “I stepped in a damn hole. Well, I won’t keep you. My takeout order’s probably ready by now, anyway.”

  Leah opened the car door. “Enjoy your dinner. I’ll talk to you at school tomorrow.”

  “Sure thing. See you around, Ryan.”

  She climbed in the Jeep and glanced over as he started the engine. “Once a klutz, always a klutz. The fire department has been out to the school twice after Sloan jumbled up the chemicals during an experiment. Luckily, the only damage was a singed spot on a table and a huge cloud of smoke.”

  “That must keep everyone on their toes.”

  “Yeah, right now I feel like I need to be on high alert, waiting for the next disaster to strike.”

  Ryan shot a quick glance her way before returning his attention to the road. “Your luck is sure to change. Karma is on your side, remember?”

  “That’s right, but I hope she’s wearing protective padding, just in case.”

  He laughed out loud. “I love your sense of humor, Leah. You never fail to amuse me.”

  “Good to know.” She leaned an elbow on the armrest and sighed. “I can handle Brock, but I’m worried about my grandma. That problem isn’t going to go away.”

  He turned down her driveway. “If she needs a loan—”

  “She has no way of repaying it. I don’t want to think about it anymore tonight.”

  “Then we won’t.” After he stopped the Jeep near the carport, the cooling engine pinged in the silence. “Do you want me to come in?”

  More than anything. But they’d talked about slowing things down, taking time to make sure they were on the right track. She bit her lip.

  “Leah?”

  “Yes, I’d like you to come in. If you want to . . .”

  “Of course I do. I’m a guy. I may have a brain to go with my brawn, as you pointed out, but I still think with my—”

  Paws hit the window by his head, shaking the glass.

  Leah grinned. “A timely interruption. Apparently we were taking too long to get out.”

  He opened the door and gave Barney a shove. “The good news is no one is lurking in the bushes this evening. Your oversized mutt is a good alarm system, even if he is too sweet tempered to bite the bad guys.”

  “Everyone has to have a skill.” She got out and stroked Barney’s ears, then strolled beside Ryan toward the house. When he wrapped his arm around her, she leaned her cheek against his shoulder. “Thanks for listening to me whine and cheering me up. I appreciate it.”

  “Hey, what are friends for, right?”

  “True, but I seem to be the one with all the issues.” She stopped in the pool of light cast by the outdoor fixture and dug through her bag for her keys. “This is why I never lock my door.”

  “You could carry a smaller purse. Not locking up isn’t an option after what happened yesterday.”

  “I know, but it pisses me off. I can’t remember the last time I felt the need to turn my home into a fortress. Ha, found them.” She glanced up and frowned. “Did you roll your eyes at me?”

  He grinned. “Only a little. A fortress, really? I could disable that wimpy excuse for security with a credit card.”

  “I don’t do locks.” She shook the keys at him. “I’m the trusting sort.”

  “I’m not.”

  Her stomach dropped. Once upon a time, he’d been trusting. Was his current cynicism her fault for ending their relationship all those years ago? The thought made her heart ache.

  “Are we going inside?”

  “Huh? Oh, sure.” She unlocked the door, pushed it open, then flipped on the light. “What do you know, clean and tidy just the way we left it.” She shrugged off her jacket and hung it on the pegboard near the door.

  “That’s a relief.” He took her hand and followed Barney toward the living room. “Let’s sit on the couch, watch some mindless TV, and chill.”

  “Sounds good. We can even make out like we did in the good old days.”

  “Except back then I went home frustrated and horny.”

  “Not tonight.” She pulled him down beside her and reached for the remote. When she met his heated gaze, her fingers quivered over the buttons. They weren’t the only things quaking in anticipation. “What do you want to watch?”

  “I don’t care.” Pulling her close, his lips trailed down the side of her neck. “I’m not going to be paying much attention.”

  She let the remote fall to the floor. “In that case, why turn it on?”

  “No reason.” He turned her to lie full-length against the cushions and came down beside her, then kissed her like he never intended to stop.

  “We could just go to bed.” She was breathless when they finally came up for air.

  “This is kind of fun.” He squirmed against her. “Letting the anticipation build.” One hand stroked up beneath her shirt to cup her breast beneath the lace of her bra. “Isn’t it?”

  “Torment of the best kind.” She cradled his face in her hands and caressed his lips with one thumb. “I missed this closeness after . . .”

  “We had some issues, but chemistry was never a problem.” He nipped her thumb with his teeth. “That hasn’t changed.”

  “The attraction has only grown stronger. But what we have going for us is more than simple passion. At least I hope it is.”

  “Friendship.” He rocked with her, holding her tight against him, increasing the tension. “Caring. You matter to me, Leah. Never doubt that.”

  “The concern and respect and genuine liking I had for you never stopped. I missed you so much, Ryan.”

  “Me, too.” He kissed her again, taking his time.

  She savored the moment, so caught up in their connection she didn’t register the squeak of the kitchen door opening until it smacked against the wall. Barney leaped up from the rug, barking like a one-dog destruction squad to skid out of the room. The barks turned to whines moments later as a deep voice greeted him.

  Leah stiffened. “Shit!” She and Ryan were still trying to get untangled and sit up when footsteps stopped in the doorway.

  “Real nice, Leah. I just might puke.”

  “What the hell are you doing here, Brock?” She planted a hand on Ryan’s thigh to push herself upright.

  “I thought I’d come visit my dog, maybe see if you were lonely.” He swayed a little and braced his feet farther apart. “Guess not.”

  “Using Barney as an excuse is just plain lame.” Her g
rip on Ryan’s thigh tightened. “You’re drunk. I hope you didn’t drive yourself out here.”

  “George dropped me off.”

  “Then call him to come pick you up again. What were you thinking?” Her voice rose, and she took a calming breath.

  “That my wife—”

  “Ex-wife.”

  “Whatever.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I was thinking about crashing here tonight.”

  “Then think again. I don’t want to see you or talk to you. Go away, Brock.”

  “God, you’re a bitch.” His gaze settled on Ryan. “Good luck with that. Always nagging and complaining about everything I did wrong. But maybe you’re into controlling women. Not to mention sloppy seconds.”

  Leah gritted her teeth. “Get out. Now!”

  “Fine.” Brock spun around then gripped the wall to steady himself. “I sure as hell don’t need you.”

  His footsteps sounded against the wood floor as he retreated, and after a moment the back door slammed shut. Barney lifted his nose and howled.

  “Exactly how I feel.” She turned to face Ryan. “I’m sorry.”

  “Why? It’s not your fault he showed up . . . unless you’re in the habit of letting him stay here when he’s in town.”

  She jerked back. “Of course not!”

  “Then don’t apologize.”

  Putting a little distance between them, she reached out to stroke Barney’s ears when he sidled over to press against her legs. His whole body quivered.

  “He gets upset when Brock and I yell at each other. He was still a puppy when I kicked the idiot out for good, but Barney remembers.”

  “Tension isn’t pleasant for anyone.” He rose to his feet. “I should probably go.”

  A lump formed in her throat. Since she couldn’t speak, she just nodded.

  He took a few steps then turned back and studied her as she blinked away tears. “Are you okay?”

  “No.” Her voice croaked. “I hate when he comes here. Everything about divorce sucks.”

  “I imagine so. Even a straightforward breakup is bad enough, not that ours was exactly smooth.” He stepped closer and drew her up off the couch beside him. “Do you want me to stay? I figured after that little scene you wouldn’t exactly be in the mood.”

  “Maybe not, but I don’t want to be alone, either.”

  “Will he come back?” His tone sharpened. “If you don’t feel safe—”

  “Not threatened.” She sighed. “Just vulnerable and a little lonely.”

  “Then I’ll stay.” He wrapped an arm around her and walked her toward the stairs. “Head up to bed. I’ll check around outside to make sure Brock isn’t hanging around then lock up.”

  “Thank you.” With an effort, she forced back tears. “There’s no one I trust more than you. I can’t tell you how important that is to me.”

  His lips tightened. “Steadfast and reliable, that’s me, but you already have a dog.”

  “I didn’t mean—”

  “I know. I’m a little on edge. Go on up, and I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  She turned away to plod up the stairs with Barney at her heels. Exhaustion weighed on her. Ryan had every right to be irritated by Brock’s comments, but the last thing she needed was attitude. When it came to men, she was sick to death of taking their crap.

  Not happening this time around.

  Her back stiffened as she stomped up the last few steps.

  If Ryan thought otherwise, he was in for a rude awakening.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ryan walked slowly around the house and stumbled in the dark, wondering why he hadn’t had the foresight to turn on the outdoor lights. Probably because he’d been so damn rattled by Brock’s appearance he hadn’t used his head. Knowing Leah had been married to the man grated on his last nerve. The reality of the asshole showing up as though he had every right to expect a welcome . . .

  A harsh breath hissed out. It had taken every ounce of his control to keep his mouth shut and let Leah handle her ex. She didn’t need a savior and hadn’t expected Ryan to throw down the gauntlet and defend her honor. She was fully able to fight her own battles.

  If part of him wished he could have played hero . . . well, those caveman tendencies would just have to crawl back in the hole where they belonged.

  As he stopped near the cliff’s edge, faint moonlight shown through the shifting clouds to illuminate the cove and the three monolithic rocks guarding its entrance. Somewhere behind the house, a car door clicked shut, echoing in the stillness.

  Brock’s ride showing up? Ryan strained to hear the acceleration of an engine, but only silence followed.

  “What the hell?”

  Frowning, he ran past Leah’s garden and stopped near the carport. In the distance, gravel crunched and a flashlight wavered before a car door opened and closed with a thunk. When an engine started, Ryan crossed his arms over his chest and stared toward the road. Tail lights gleamed red before the vehicle drove away.

  Had Brock been snooping around his Jeep while he waited for a ride? Irritation surged. Surely he’d locked his car. Pushing away from the support post, Ryan strode out to the driveway and tried the passenger side. Locked. Weird. He’d definitely heard a car door.

  “Huh. I wonder . . .” He entered the carport and fumbled along the wall until his fingers brushed the light switch. Blinking in the sudden glare, he pulled open the driver’s-side door of Leah’s Audi. Unlocked, of course.

  The interior looked like a tornado had hit it. The glove box hung open, and the owner’s manual, registration, and an assortment of paper napkins and ketchup packets littered the passenger-side floor, along with a dozen or more CD cases. Sweatpants, two jackets, a few stray socks, and a pair of running shoes were in a tangle on the back seat. Floor mats had been jerked askew. Striding around to the back, he opened the rear hatch and winced. A blanket lay in a heap beside a small cooler with the lid flipped open, thankfully empty. A cardboard box of file folders had been dumped out. Papers were scattered everywhere.

  Leah was going to go ballistic.

  “Well, shit.”

  The back porch light flicked on, and the door squeaked open.

  “Ryan, what’s going on?”

  He glanced up as Leah appeared in the carport doorway. “Slight problem.”

  “When you didn’t come inside, I began to wonder. Did Brock—”

  “Someone tossed your car. Maybe your ex-husband, but I can’t be positive since I didn’t see him.”

  “What the hell!” Her voice rose as she closed the distance between them and took a quick look inside. “Oh, my God!”

  “It’s not so bad except for all the papers.”

  “The science reports I was grading earlier. It’s going to take me an hour to sort them all into the right folders.” She gritted her teeth. “How many pages do you think won’t have names on them? Damn it!”

  “I’ll help you, but first take a look around. Is anything you keep in the car missing?”

  “I don’t think so. I actually cleaned out the interior a few days ago, so there wasn’t much in here.”

  He refrained from commenting on the accumulation of clothes in the back seat. “Do you think Brock made a mess just to spite you for telling him to get lost?”

  “That’s not his style. He’s more direct when he has a problem with me, but I can’t imagine who else would have done this.”

  “Do you suppose the same person who trashed your house came back?”

  She rubbed her hands up and down her arms and shivered. “If that’s the case, the break-in wasn’t some random freak looking for drugs or money. It must have been someone with a specific purpose.”

  “You have no idea what this guy . . .” He paused. “Although I guess it could be a woman. Anyway, what this person is after?”

  “No. What if they return while I’m sleeping? Barney isn’t exactly a trained watchdog who will attack on command.”

  Sliding his arms around her,
Ryan pulled her against his chest. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “You can’t stay indefinitely. You’re in town to help out your mom, and once she gets her cast off, you’ll go home again.”

  “That won’t be for quite a while yet, so let’s focus on right now. Do you want to call the police to report this?”

  “Not really. What would be the point since nothing was stolen? I’ll mention the—” Her brow creased. “Harassment probably best describes this situation. Anyway, I’ll mention it to Chris Long when I speak to him again. He promised to follow up with any new developments on my grandma’s con man in the next day or so.”

  “Fine. Do you want to sort these papers now or in the morning?”

  “I’d rather do it tonight and get it over with so I can sleep.”

  “Smart plan.” He released her and stacked the papers in a pile, then dumped them in the cardboard box. “Lock your car, okay?”

  “Yeah. From now on, I’ll lock up everything I own. Promise. I may be a slow learner, but I’m not completely stupid.”

  “You’re plenty sharp, just a tad naïve when it comes to trusting people.”

  “Apparently.” She pressed the button to set the locks then slammed all the car doors. “Let’s go do this.”

  Ryan flipped off the outdoor light and locked the back door before setting the box down on the kitchen table. “How can I help?”

  Stacking the papers in two messy piles, she laid the folders out in rows. “Match the names on the top of the pages to the labels on each folder. Any without names, put in a separate pile. I can sort those based on handwriting.”

  He nodded and tackled the task. Ten minutes later, he glanced up as he neared the bottom of his pile. “You couldn’t have assigned a shorter report?”

  She grinned, the first smile he’d seen from her since Brock walked in.

  “Five pages. They’ve been working on this astronomy assignment for two weeks.”

  He finished his pile, then went to work ordering the papers in the completed folders while Leah sorted through the pages without names. It was just short of ten o’clock when she returned the last folder to the box.