PART 8
“She talked about you,” June whispered. “In her last call.”
I stared at the envelope.
My throat tightened.
“She said there was a stubborn SEAL on her team who pretended not to need anyone.”
A laugh broke out of me before I could stop it.
It hurt.
“That sounds like her.”
Walter looked toward the window.
“We saw your name on the mailbox tonight. We didn’t plan it. We were walking toward the highway. Then June saw Carter on the post.”
June’s eyes filled.
“I told Walter, maybe that’s him. Maybe that’s the man Emily saved.”
I looked at them.
“And you still asked for the barn?”
June looked ashamed.
“We didn’t want to be a burden.”
That did it.
Somewhere deep inside me, something old and locked came open.
I pulled out my phone.
“Who are you calling?” Walter asked.
“Someone who owes me a favor.”
Sheriff Grace Holloway answered on the fourth ring.
“Carter, if your fence is down again, I swear—”
“Grace,” I said. “I have Walter and June Bennett in my kitchen.”
Silence.
Then the sleep left her voice.
“Say that again.”
“Their grandson followed them here. Threatened them at my gate. I have footage. June has bruises. Walter says there may be forged land documents.”
Grace exhaled once.
“I’m on my way.”
“And Grace?”
“Yeah?”
“Bring Adult Protective Services.”
She paused.
“Is Colin involved?”
I looked at Walter.
“Yes.”
May you like
Her voice turned cold.
“I’ll bring two deputies.”
