Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
I t took a few days for more details about Parker and Palmer’s aunt’s death to get to them. Aiden was trying to find out more but was limited, since his friend in the Portland Police Department had a few days off.
They’d spent one night at the B it was a place that thrived on connection, a small town that welcomed everyone with open arms.
As she wiped down a table near the window, Sophia glanced out at the street. The late afternoon sun was casting long shadows, the light bouncing off the waves of the Pacific visible in the distance over the low rooftops of the buildings across the street. For a brief moment, her mind wandered.
Her time in New York felt like another life—bright lights, endless noise, and the constant hum of ambition. At the time, she’d believed it was everything she wanted. But now, standing here in the heart of her hometown, she knew better.
Pride wasn’t just where she belonged; it was where she thrived. And no matter how short-lived or exciting her time in New York had been, it was nothing compared to the life she’d built here. Her life with Palmer.
She smiled to herself, setting the last clean glass behind the bar. The restaurant was her home just as much as the town was, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Shortly before the dinner rush, Parker and Palmer came walking through the doors.
“I’m staying, but Parker is just dropping me off since I rode with him this morning,” Palmer said. “We wanted to fill you in on some news together. Do you have a moment for a break?”
“Sure.” She waved to Juliette to take over her station so she could go on her break. Her friend nodded and waved at the brothers. “How about we head upstairs?” she suggested, knowing they hadn’t sat anyone up there that evening since it was supposed to rain soon.
Grabbing a soda for herself and a beer for each of them, she led them up to the rooftop and sat down at one of the tables.
“What’s up?” she asked, looking between them.
“It’s official. The blood in the car belongs to Jack,” Palmer told her. “They found his body almost an hour ago along the highway. He’d been shot in the head.”
“Oh my god.” She gasped and reached for his hand. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. The bastard got what was coming to him. Joanne is claiming that Jack killed his sister when she wouldn’t give them her car and money. She claims that Jack had plans to plant Josie’s body in Parker’s house.” Palmer looked down at their joined hands. “They were going to frame him so they could take over his inheritance.”
“Stupid.” Parker shook his head. “I’ve never even met the woman before, so what reason would I have to kill her? Also, it’s not like our grandmother was a millionaire. Most of the money we inherited was used to start our business. The trucks, the equipment, the storage facilities.” He shrugged. “They would have better luck winning the lottery than getting their hands on it. Besides, I’ve put securities in place to ensure my wife and kids are taken care of if anything happens to me.”
“Right, no one said we came from smart genes.” Palmer sighed.
“Do you think your mother killed your dad?” she asked, slightly confused.
“Yeah, that’s the working theory. She claims Jack was going on about how they were going to plant the body to frame me and burn down the house with my wife and kids in it. Then he was going to head over and deal with Palmer to get him out of the equation.”
“So why was your aunt’s body in her home then and not the car?” Sophia asked.
“It was in the trunk for a while at least. Jack hauled it there. Then, while they drove down here, they must have argued, and Joanne shot and killed Jack. She dumped Jack’s body and returned Josie to her home, no doubt in hopes of leaving it all behind. I think she really did want to see her grandkids once before…” Palmer shook his head.
“She’s on suicide watch,” Parker finished with a sigh. “She’ll get the help she needs and won’t be able to hurt anyone else ever again.”
“This time, she won’t be out in ten years. This time it’s for life,” Palmer added, squeezing her hand slightly.
“Well, that’s the news,” Parker said, finishing his beer. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said to Palmer. “Night.”
“Night.” Sophia smiled and watched him leave. “What now?” she asked Palmer when they were alone.
He pulled her close and sighed when she rested her head on his shoulder. “Now I figure out just how to propose to you after buying you the ring of your dreams. Then we plan a kick-ass wedding and go on a very long honeymoon to someplace you’ve always wanted to go, before coming home and starting our official life together.”
She’d jerked slightly in his hold at first, then melted into him.
“I like that plan.” She sighed and then kissed him. “I like that plan a lot.”