Tides of Deception (Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense Book 1)

by Christy Barritt

  He shook his head. “I don’t know.”

  Could someone really have done that on purpose? Skye didn’t want to believe it.

  But there was one other detail she needed to share.

  Skye cleared her throat. “There is one more thing I need to mention.”

  Everyone’s attention riveted toward her.

  There was one part of the story that Skye hadn’t gotten to when she was talking to Austin: the events that had happened since Ian arrived in town.

  “The little boy Austin rescued yesterday . . .” Skye started, her cheeks hot with emotion. “He’s the same age as my son would have been.”

  “What?” Austin’s voice cracked with surprise.

  “Your son?” Cassidy asked, her forehead furrowed.

  Skye gave her a quick breakdown.

  “Did you ask Ian about Briar?” Austin said, looking slightly dazed. Anyone would.

  Skye nodded. “I did. He claims Briar is an in vitro baby, born six months after I left. I just know he looks like me.”

  “Okay, I’m going to get back to that in a minute.” Cassidy tapped her pen against her chin. “Is there a chance that this family is behind what happened today?”

  Skye licked her lips before rubbing them together in thought. “I don’t know. I mean . . . I guess. But why would they target Austin?”

  “Maybe to distract you from the truth,” Cassidy suggested.

  “But how would they even know where Austin was or what he was doing?” Skye just couldn’t believe this. The family might be ruthless, but they wouldn’t take things his far . . . would they?

  “I went to visit them at the clinic and ran into one of the guys who works with me sometimes,” Austin said, his voice thin and dull. “They could have overheard me talking to him. I was telling him about the house.”

  “They wouldn’t . . .” But Skye couldn’t finish the statement. She knew the truth.

  The Winthrops would do whatever they could to get whatever they wanted.

  “What do I do, Cassidy?” Skye searched her friend’s face, desperate for answers.

  “From what you’ve told me, they didn’t commit a crime when they talked you into giving the baby up. It sounds like everything was done legally, and you were over eighteen. If Ian’s sister did adopt your baby, there’s nothing criminal about that—unless they cut corners somewhere. From the sounds of it, this family is very thorough.”

  “So I can’t do anything? I just have to take their word for it?” Skye’s voice climbed in pitch as her emotions rose.

  “You can go through the court system and petition for a blood test maybe. But that takes time and money. You won’t get quick results.”

  “I won’t get results at all. I don’t have that kind of money.” Skye remembered Jimmy James’s offer.

  No, she couldn’t even think about that. Unless she could do this legally, she wouldn’t do it at all. In her old life, she hadn’t had much of a moral compass. But now she did.

  “And if it was a closed adoption . . .” Cassidy’s voice trailed off, and she frowned as if she didn’t like the conclusions she drew. “I don’t know, Skye. I’ll see what I can find out. I can question the family and see if their vehicle matches the description of the one that ran you off the road. I can look for scrapes or other evidence. Maybe we can nab them on other charges until we figure this out.”

  “What about Austin? Did they try to hurt him?” Skye didn’t dare look at him for fear of turning into a puddle of emotions.

  Hurting her was one thing. But hurting the people she cared about? Skye couldn’t handle that.

  “Again, I don’t know. We’re trying to figure out those answers. In the meantime, don’t take matters into your own hands here. Promise me.”

  Cassidy leveled her gaze with her until Skye nodded. “Okay.”

  “Is Serena in town?”

  Skye shook her head. “No, she went to another wedding. This one’s down in Florida. She’s becoming bridesmaid of the year.”

  “You shouldn’t stay alone. You want to come to my place?”

  “She can stay here.” Austin’s voice cut through the room, strong and firm and leaving little room for argument. “She can stay upstairs, I’ll stay on the couch. Scouts’ honor.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” Being around Austin was torture, especially since all she wanted to do was kiss him again.

  “I insist. I won’t forgive myself if something happens to you.”

  “But . . .”

  “It’s a good idea, Skye,” Ty said. “Until we have answers, you need to play it safe.”

  Finally, Skye nodded, knowing she wasn’t going to win here, not when all of her friends were in agreement. It wasn’t worth the energy of fighting over it. “Okay, then. But hopefully this will be resolved soon, and I won’t have to worry all of you.”

  “We’re your friends, Skye,” Cassidy said. “We’re supposed to worry about you.”

  “Even knowing my past?” Skye hardly wanted to hear her answer.

  Cassidy and Ty exchanged a glance before Cassidy licked her lips and turned to her.

  “We all have secrets in our past, Skye,” Cassidy said. “We just can’t let the past define us.”

  Austin looked over at Skye after Cassidy and Ty left. There were a million things he wanted to say to her, but instead awkwardness shifted between them.

  She had a child. A child she’d given up for adoption because she thought he would have a better life without her. It had been a brave choice, and it wasn’t nearly the same thing his mom had done to him.

  But could Austin make Skye see that? Could he make her see that he didn’t think any less of her? Or would their pasts form a wedge between them?

  This was not the result he’d imagined would happen. He’d thought the revelation about his own mom would pull them closer together. Instead, it had driven them apart. Far apart.

  He stood, sensing that Skye needed space. “I’ll get the bedroom ready for you.”

  Skye stood also with her arms crossed and a strangely vacant look in her eyes. Finally she nodded. “Thank you.”

  Austin began changing the sheets, turning things over in his mind.

  Maybe legally that adoption had been okay. But from a moral perspective, the Winthrop family had practically coerced Skye into signing those papers. And they’d most likely done so with their own agenda in mind.

  It was wrong.

  But Cassidy was correct when she’d said there might be nothing they could do about it. Skye could go to court, but it would be a lengthy and expensive process. Skye couldn’t afford that.

  Austin finished changing the sheets and lumbered back down the stairs. Skye was still in the same position, with her arms crossed and that withdrawn look on her face. Austin wanted to take her into his arms and promise her that everything would be okay.

  But he couldn’t do that.

  “Skye?” he started.

  Her gaze flickered up to his.

  “What are you thinking?” he asked.

  “That I need space to process everything. I imagine you do too.”

  “Above all, we’re still friends, right?”

  Surprise raced through her gaze.

  “You’re my best friend.” Her voice cracked.

  “And nothing’s going to change that, okay? Not that kiss. Not awkward conversations. Not revelations about the past.”

  Though he would desperately like to recreate that kiss—that amazing, amazing kiss.

  “You mean that?” Skye stared up at him, her voice cracking as if she didn’t dare believe him.

  He squeezed her arm. “Of course I do. I’ll always be there for you.”

  Finally, a tentative smile flickered across her face. “That means a lot, Austin. Thank you.”

  “Of course.”

  She nodded to the loft. “If it’s okay, I’m going to turn in. I’m exhausted, and I have a lot to think about. Too much.”

  He started to reach for h
er but dropped his arm. “Good night, Skye.”

  “Good night, Austin.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  At six a.m., Skye finally pulled her eyes open. She hadn’t gotten much sleep last night—hardly any, truth be told. Between reviewing everything that had happened and getting wisps of Austin’s aftershave from the sheets, she’d been doomed to a sleepless night.

  She heard a gentle clanging downstairs that indicated Austin was already awake. And based on the aroma that drifted upward, he was cooking.

  Cooking.

  When was the last time someone had cooked for her?

  She pressed her face back into the pillow. Why did she have to meet someone like Austin? Someone who showed her just how good life might be if she hadn’t messed up beyond repair?

  A memory of their kiss filled her thoughts. It had been . . . fantastic. Better than she could have imagined. Yet to hope for more of that in her life would be foolish.

  Every time Austin looked at her, he would be reminded that Skye was the same kind of person as his mother. She’d given up her baby in exchange for a new life for herself.

  A small cry escaped from her at the thought.

  If Skye could go back, there were so many things she would have done differently. But wishing for those things was futile. She’d made her choices, and now she had to live with the consequences for the rest of her life. She pulled back the tears that tried to burn her eyes. Crying would do no good.

  Finally, she threw the covers off, knowing she needed to face the music. Skye made herself as presentable as she could—her clothes had dried, so at least there was that—and she went downstairs.

  Austin either didn’t hear her or didn’t turn. Which gave Skye the chance to watch him a minute. He stood at the stove, expertly going back and forth between a skillet of bacon and a pan of scrambled eggs. His broad back was toward her, muscles rippling beneath the thin fabric of his T-shirt.

  All of those hours of physical labor had paid off, and his physique showed it. It wasn’t the inorganic kind of muscle. No, his build could wholly be attributed to the fact that he was doing what he loved to do. It fit him.

  And that was just one more thing Skye loved about him.

  Finally, Austin looked over his shoulder at her. “I thought I heard you stirring. Morning.”

  And there he went. Being so kind. But there had to be a part of him that resented her. No matter what he said, Skye knew that must be true.

  “Good morning.” She stood beside him. “Can I help with anything?”

  He nodded toward some apples that he’d bought from her stand earlier in the week. “Could you chop a few of those?”

  “Of course.” They were her favorite kind. Winesaps, straight from a grower in the mountains.

  Austin helped her find a cutting board and knife, and Skye began working. As she did, her thoughts lingered on what Lisa had said. Was it true that Austin didn’t even like fruits or vegetables?

  The thought shouldn’t delight her so much. But it did.

  After she finished chopping the Winesaps, Austin plated the eggs and bacon, and they sat down at a small table.

  “Do you mind if I flip on the news?” he asked.

  “I thought Wes was the news junkie.”

  Austin shrugged. “I watch it in the morning just to catch the weather usually.”

  “I suppose that’s kind of important for your work. Absolutely, turn it on.”

  A local station came on the small screen, creating somewhat of a static noise in the background.

  At once, visions of doing this forever filled her.

  Don’t be a fool, Skye. You and Austin would never work.

  The words from the newscaster caught her ear. Skye forgot about her food and turned toward the screen.

  The reporter faced the camera. “In other news, rumor has it that Atticus Winthrop will soon announce his candidacy for US Senate. Winthrop has been active in philanthropy in North Carolina for years, serving on the board of numerous charities . . .”

  Skye’s stomach churned, her appetite suddenly gone. It would be hard enough fighting someone as wealthy as the Winthrops. But fighting someone in a position of power also?

  The task felt impossible.

  Austin was still trying to comprehend just how powerful and wealthy this Winthrop family was when a knock sounded at his door. Cassidy stood on the other side.

  “May I come in?” Cassidy asked.

  “Of course.”

  Cassidy stepped inside, wearing her police uniform. She might appear professional, but her gaze still held that compassionate look that made it clear she was a friend.

  “I’m sorry to stop by so early. I was up all night doing some research.” Cassidy’s gaze flickered to the TV. “What’s this?”

  “It appears Atticus is running for office,” Skye said. “There are rumors he’s going to announce his candidacy soon.”

  “Isn’t that interesting?” Cassidy shook her head, not looking entirely happy with the news.

  “Did you find out anything?” Austin nodded toward a chair at the table. “Want some breakfast?”

  “No, I’m fine, but thank you.” Cassidy sat across from them. “I’ll take some coffee if you have some.”

  Austin poured her a cup and noticed that neither he nor Skye had touched their food. Maybe everyone’s appetite was gone. He knew his was.

  “I can confirm what I told you last night,” Cassidy said. “If you signed away your rights and this was a closed adoption, then there’s nothing legally that the Winthrops have done wrong. Are they deplorable for manipulating the situation for their own gain? Absolutely. But legally, there’s nothing criminal.”

  Austin nodded in acknowledgement. He’d figured that much, even though it seemed incredibly unfair.

  “I drove past their place, and I didn’t see any vehicles matching the description of the one you said ran you off the road,” she said. “While they slept, I also checked those vehicles for scratches. There were none.”

  Austin glanced at Skye and saw her frown.

  “Does that mean they didn’t do this?” Skye asked.

  “Not necessarily. But, if they did, they’re good at covering their tracks.” Cassidy pressed her lips together, obviously taking this situation seriously. “I can talk to the Winthrops, but I have a feeling they won’t be forthcoming.”

  “They won’t be,” Skye said.

  “However, at least it will let them know that we’re not naïve small-town nobodies around here,” Cassidy continued. “It will put some pressure on them and let them know we’re keeping an eye on them. Maybe they won’t try any more stunts like that.”

  “If you think that will work,” Austin said.

  “From what you’ve told me, several members of the family have motive.”

  Skye nodded. “They do. Emma doesn’t want to lose her son. Atticus and Ginger don’t want to lose their reputation and political aspirations. They have a security team that can do their dirty work for them.”

  “What about Ian?” Cassidy’s gaze fell on Skye.

  “I don’t really know what he would have to gain by keeping me quiet,” Skye said. “He doesn’t really care about his reputation, and he obviously doesn’t want to be a father.”

  “I’ll see if I can find anything out. In the meantime, you should be careful, Skye,” Cassidy continued. “Until we know what’s going on, I’m not sure you’re safe. And now that we’re hearing about this guy’s political aspirations, we know what the stakes are. If something like this becomes public, his election results could be seriously diminished.”

  “I just don’t want to sit back and do nothing.”

  “I wouldn’t suggest talking to them anymore,” Cassidy said. “Not for now. And not if they’re as manipulative as you say. They’ll twist around anything you do.”

  The hollow feeling in Austin’s gut grew. Cassidy was right. Some people would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. The question was: which member of
the Winthrop family was that desperate?

  Chapter Nineteen

  Austin watched as Skye grabbed her purse as soon as Cassidy left.

  “I should get home,” she muttered.

  Austin’s back went rigid as he realized what she was doing. “You’re still planning on having lunch with the Winthrops, aren’t you? Even after all of this?”

  A blush raced across her cheeks, but she held her chin high. “I want to see Briar again.”

  He reached out to her, desperate to get her attention and to make her see the truth—the truth that this was dangerous. That it wasn’t a game. But Austin knew by the look of determination in Skye’s eyes that she wouldn’t back down. No, she desperately wanted answers.

  “There’s got to be a better way,” Austin finally said.

  Skye swung her head back and forth, leaving no room for doubt. “There’s not any. Not that I can think of. This family is untouchable. This is my chance to see on the inside.”

  “Take me with you.” His words hung in the air, and he waited with baited breath for her reaction.

  She swallowed hard but kept her gaze steady. “I can’t do that.”

  “Skye . . .”

  She rested her hand on his chest, her shoulders softening ever so slightly. “Austin, I’m sure you have other things to do. You have a life outside all of this. The Winthrops—you don’t want to get on their bad side. They could ruin your life. All they have to do is say the word.”

  He had no doubt her words were true. “You’re more important than any of those jobs.”

  She smiled softly, her eyes filling with emotion. “I appreciate that. I do. But I’ve got to do this alone. I’m sorry.”

  Austin had figured she would say that. But he wasn’t done pleading his case yet. “At least, let me drive you. Let me keep an eye on things, just in case you need help.”

  Indecision raced through Skye’s gaze. “They’re too smart to hurt me in their house.”

  “Desperate people will do desperate things.”

  She seemed to consider his words for a minute before finally nodding. “Okay, fine. You can drive me. You can wait outside. But I’ve got to do this by myself.”