Chapter 18
CHAPTER 18
S arah Sloan’s Review
Betrayal: 0 Stars
I should be strong. Brave, confident and invulnerable. To survive, I’ve had to portray the perfect facade, the girl no one could hurt, the woman no one could touch. And yet I broke my most important rule…
I let someone in.
She knew who did it.
It was so obvious, so clear. How had she not seen it before?
Sarah lowered the file and looked out the window as the last rays of the sun escaped. It was the crux of twilight, that perfect blue no sapphire could emulate. Yet in her mind, there was no darkness, but only illumination.
She’d started by studying the crime scenes, poring over document after document, trying to make sense of a nonsensical crime. For hours, she’d searched for missed clues, hidden messages that might give some elucidation as to the culprit’s identity. When that yielded no results, she made one last effort. She thought of every person she could, literally took out a directory of Harmony Creek’s residents, and went down the list one by one.
And that’s when she figured it out.
Donovan.
She’d read his name quickly and moved on, but two names later returned. With an eyeroll, she’d moved on again, but came back a dozen names later. And that’s when she truly considered potential motives, possible reasons. There didn’t seem to be any, not until she considered who would benefit from her losing her job. And who would that be? The sheriff’s heir apparent.
Which Donovan might very well be. He’d been there longer than most of the deputies and had performed a reasonably good job. He’d remarked more than once how it should’ve been him. Not to her face of course, but loudly enough for her to hear. He’d been against her from the start, bringing up her past long before the fires started, claiming she didn’t deserve the job. With one brilliant plan, he could both overthrow her and gain a promotion at the same time. He’d been the one to find the earring, the one to implicate her.
All the other clues pointed to him as well. He knew her schedule and could arrange the fires at times she wouldn’t be around. He was the right size and shape of the man at the fair. He even matched her father’s description, proving that for once he had been right. The pieces of the puzzle fit together flawlessly.
That is, of course, except the part about Cole not believing her.
She pushed the infuriating man from her mind. Now that she’d identified the culprit, finding proof should be simple. She would confront Donovan, and hopefully he would admit it. If he didn’t, the doubt should be enough to save her job until she could find sufficient evidence.
New hope propelled her as she bolted from the sofa. She grabbed her belt from the table and donned it – this was official police business, after all. She strode to the door and opened it to reveal…
Cole.
She tried to slam it, but although she was fast, she couldn’t compete with his military-trained reflexes. He shot a muscular forearm into the door and opened it wide. He resembled an avenging warrior, in all black, towering over her in muscular strength.
Well, he might be strong, but so was she. She didn’t have time to hear more of his accusations. “What do you want?”
“We need to talk.”
“We already talked, and you made your opinion clear. You’ll have to excuse me. I have an arsonist to catch. By myself .”
“We talk now.” And he walked in.
The fact that she was standing in the doorway didn’t really seem to matter.
Sarah gasped as strong arms closed around her waist, as he gently but firmly scooted her back to make room for his massive frame. Before she could protest, he’d pushed her back into the room and closed the door behind him.
“How dare you!” she seethed. “It’s against the law to break into someone’s home, and you can add inappropriate touching to that, too!”
He gave a lopsided smile. “If I’m going to be charged for inappropriate touching, shouldn’t I do something to deserve it?”
Despite her fury, desire flashed through her. It was intense, all-encompassing and nearly irresistible. Focus! “Not interested. If you won’t leave, I will.” She moved to get around him, yet he stopped her with a single hand.
“I need to explain, but I can’t if you’re walking away. So you are going to stay put–” He moved closer. “Until I have my say.”
Her nostrils flared at his masculine scent, as his heat marked her. “Should I add false imprisonment to the breaking and entering charge?”
His eyes darkened to emerald shards. “You’re not going to arrest me.”
Arrest him? No. Kiss him? Possibly. She shifted, and her breasts came into contact with his chest. Her body hardened. “What could you possibly have to say to me?”
He edged even nearer, as tension turned the air sizzling. Was he having as much difficulty keeping his distance? It seemed so, as he loomed ever closer. “I’m here to explain what happened.”
“It was pretty self-explanatory” she snapped. “You think I’m a career criminal who would willingly destroy property and put people’s lives in danger. It’s not exactly a flattering view.”
“Actually, I believe you’re innocent.”
“If you think I’m going to stand here while you proclaim my guil–” She stopped. “Wait, what?”
His expression remained even. “You didn’t do it, you’re not guilty, completely and utterly without blame.”
She stared. Was this some sort of convoluted plan to get her to confess her sins? Did he think she would admit something if he pretended to be on her side? “I don’t understand. Yesterday you were ready to ship me off to prison with no chance of parole. You probably ruined my chances of my keeping my job. What changed?”
“One of the deputies may be the criminal.”
She sucked in a gasp, blurted out, “I think so, too.” She clamped her mouth shut, but it was too late.
His gaze turned triumphant. “I wanted him to think he’d already won. I wasn’t lying when I said you were innocent. I only acted that way to fool the real criminal.” Authority emboldened each word. “I saw the man at the Renaissance fair starting a fire, and I believe you about the shed. I was the one who first suggested you were being framed. I’m sorry for what happened at the office, but I wanted to be completely genuine when I said you were guilty. If you believed it, the criminal would, too.”
She gripped the sides of her belt. Did he actually think she was innocent? It seemed impossible, yet his expression held no subterfuge.
He continued, “If our guy thinks he’s about to be caught, he’ll be careful, but if he believes he’s gotten away with it, he’ll take chances. With only one night to find him, we don’t want him staying home, looking over his shoulder.” He swept his hand against her cheek. “I meant what I said. You’re innocent of everything . I know the truth.”
Her breath froze. They were no longer talking about the case, or even the present. What had he discovered?
He answered the unspoken question, “I know about your childhood, your innocence, your entire past. You never did any of those crimes. You were covering for your dad.”
Her breath resumed, raggedy and thin, as it slithered through beleaguered lungs. “Did your dad tell you that?”
“He didn’t need to.” His voice softened. “He only confirmed what I realized on my own. Not only were you innocent, but you were willing to take the blame to protect someone else. You’re not a villain. You’ve always been a hero.”
“I’m no hero.” Sarah looked away, toward one of the few pictures of herself and her dad. It showed a handsome man holding a grinning toddler at the town carnival, clutching the stuffed bear he’d won in the ring toss. She still had that bear, hidden where no one could see. “I had no choice. Alfred might not be great, but he’s still my dad. And when he’s sober – which was more back then – he’s actually a decent father. Despite everything, I love him.”
Cole gently rubbed her shoulders. “I know you do, but no child should have to endure false accusations. Even if you’d committed all those crimes, it didn’t give me the right to judge you. You deserve to be sheriff, and I’m going to do my damnedest to make sure you keep the job. It might be ten years and a thousand lectures too late, but I’m apologizing. I didn’t know your situation back then, but I had no right to criticize you now. In truth, it had far more to do with me than you. I did it because…” He hesitated. Took a breath. Continued, “I did it because of how I felt about you then, how I feel about you now.”
Fathomless emotion seized all movement – shock, joy, hope and…
Fear.
She couldn’t do this now, and not here, not when everything she’d worked for was going up in literal flames. “Cole, I don’t know how to respond. Everything is so complicated. I–”
He stole her words with a loose kiss. “This isn’t the time. Let’s catch this criminal first. Then I’ll make you understand.”
“Understand?”
“That you are mine .”
* * * *
“It’s not Donovan.”
The denial was quick, firm and definitive, starkly absent of second thought. No matter Sarah’s logic, Cole knew Donovan was not the criminal.
“It has to be him.” Sarah slapped her hand on the table, shaking the coffee mug and spraying droplets of hot liquid on his wrist. Though it burned, he didn’t flinch. He’d learned long ago to hide his pain.
“Sorry.” She wiped the amber liquid with a napkin, then threw the soggy remains under the clock that tick-tocked like a snail out for its morning stroll. They’d been discussing the case for an hour as she tried to convince him of the deputy’s guilt. Yet no matter how many arguments she gave, nothing changed. Donovan wasn’t the arsonist.
She braced both hands on the Formica surface. “It’s just so obvious. The only motive we’ve got is framing me, and who else but Donovan would benefit? He’s fought me from the moment I was hired, trashing me to anyone and everyone who would listen. His job made it easy to arrange the fires when I wouldn’t have an easy alibi. Plus, he found the earring!”
She was right – the evidence was there. But he’d known Donovan for almost as long as he’d known Sarah, and every instinct swore it wasn’t him. Donovan had been a stickler for the rules growing up, even more than him. He’d never commit such a serious crime.
Plus, there was another reason, even more compelling. Only it was not his secret to share. “You’re right, it does seem obvious. But it’s not him. He would never do anything like that.”
Sarah swore softly. “I appreciate your loyalty, but this is my life. I have to confront him. He’s not just my best lead – he’s my only lead.”
Despite his beliefs, she was right. On possibly her last night as sheriff, she deserved the chance to clear her name. “We’ll go together.”
Although she didn’t smile, her features softened. “Thank you,” she said simply, as he reached out and took her hand. She looked down at their joined fingers. “This is kind of nice.”
“Kind of nice?” He smiled at her. “I’m losing my touch.”
Now she returned the smile, along with a blush, despite the tense situation. “I just meant it’s nice to have someone behind me.”
“I’ve always been behind you, Sarah,” he spoke gently. And he had. All those years when he’d chastised her, he hadn’t been exacting revenge or pursuing justice, but trying to help. He hadn’t realized she’d always taken care of herself.
“I can see that now.” She stood, showed the strength he loved. “Are you ready to catch a criminal?”
“Absolutely.”
Even if it wasn’t the culprit she sought, the real criminal was out there, scheming, hiding, undoubtedly planning more. Together they would catch him and bring him to justice. “Let’s go.”
Like every trip within the boundaries of Harmony Creek, the ride to Donovan’s house was short and quick. The deputy lived on several wooded acres, in a rustic log cabin he’d built himself. They parked next to his old green pickup and strode to the front door. Sarah gave three swift knocks on the stained black wood.
The door flung open, spilling stark light through the entrance. Dueling glares collided as the would-be arsonist stood tall in the doorway, his expression thunderous. “What are you doing here?” Donovan scowled. He turned to Cole and stiffened. “What are you doing here?”
Cole bristled. “Is that any way to talk to your boss?”
Donovan growled lowly. “With all due respect, the sheriff won’t be my boss for much longer. Plus, I prefer not to interact with criminals, especially those who commit arson.”
“What a coincidence,” Sarah spat. “I feel the same way.”
Donovan’s eyes narrowed, as he swiveled his gaze from Sarah to Cole. “Fine. You want to talk? Come in and let’s talk.” He opened the door wide. “I’m here to listen if you’re ready to give your confession.”
Cole put his hand on Sarah’s back as they walked into a great room with thick rugs, hand-carved furniture and rich paintings of wildlife. Despite the southern climate, Donovan eschewed air conditioning for fresh air in the evenings, scenting the space with sweet pine and oak. Cole had always admired Donovan’s home, but today he barely gave it a glance.
His friend pivoted and crossed his arms over his chest. “What do you want?”
“Actually, you guessed right the first time,” Sarah spoke with booming confidence. “I’m here for a confession, only not mine.”
Donovan’s face twisted with derision. He turned to Cole, and his features froze. “Wait. It can’t be-”
Cole held out his hands. “Not me, buddy. You know me better than that.”
The slightest edge of relief softened Donovan’s features before confusion took over. “Then who–” He stopped. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
Cole bit back consoling words. The man might be harsh and overbearing, but he wasn’t a criminal. Still, for now he would stand back. This was Sarah’s career and life . She deserved the chance to clear her name.
When it was clear Cole wasn’t going to respond, a sliver of hurt crossed Donovan’s expression, so quick it seemed a mirage. A moment later, he glared pure animosity. “So this is your strategy – find the nearest person to put the blame on? Sorry, but it’s not going to work. I’m not guilty, and no one is going to believe I am.”
Sarah matched his glare. “Well, I’m not guilty, and everyone believes I am.”
“What a surprise.” Donovan barked a humorless laugh. “The town criminal proclaims her innocence, and no one believes her.”
“That’s enough.” Cole stepped in. “Let’s calm down.”
“What about you?” Donovan snarled. “Do you believe I’m guilty, too? We’ve been friends for years.” Pure disgust twisted his features. “And what’s with you two, anyways? Has she already roped you back in? It’s just like when we were kids. Didn’t a decade in the military harden you to her schemes?”
Cole bit back a growl. His friend didn’t understand Sarah’s true upbringing. Like he hadn’t.
“I guess not,” Donovan blustered. “I thought you finally got it at the station today, but one look at that pretty face, and she’s got you fooled all over again.”
“No one is fooling me.” Cole placed himself between Donovan and Sarah. “I don’t believe she’s guilty, but not because of some misplaced loyalty. There’s evidence pointing to her being framed.” He hesitated. If they wanted to catch the criminal, they had to work together. “I saw the guy at the Renaissance fair, the one trying to light a fire.”
“You only think– wait, what?” Donovan stepped back. “Earlier you said you didn’t see anything.”
“I was lying.” Cole pulled up his sleeves. “I wanted the arsonist to think he’d gotten away with it.”
“It was a ruse,” Sarah broke in. “Someone is framing me, and I believe it’s you. You keep saying I don’t deserve my job, that someone else should have it. You’re the one who found the earring.”
Donovan scoffed. “The earring you lost at the crime scene, you mean?”
“The earring someone planted at the crime scene,” she retorted. “I lost it somewhere, and the arsonist took advantage. It was the perfect scheme to place me at the scene. You have an obvious motive to get rid of me. If I’m fired, you’ll be up for promotion. It makes sense that the criminal works for the sheriff’s office.”
Donovan clenched his fists. “I can’t believe this. And most of all, I can’t believe you, Cole. You know what happened to me. You know I don’t light candles, much less buildings, on fire.”
Sarah narrowed her eyes. “What does that mean?”
Donovan turned to her, his face scarlet with fury. “Except for Cole, I’ve never told anyone what happened to my family before I came to Harmony Creek. They died – in a fire. If I was going to set you up, which I sure as hell wouldn’t, it wouldn’t be with fire. Cole knows that.”
Cole looked down as Donovan revealed his past. He would’ve told Sarah earlier, but he’d promised to protect the secret a lifetime ago. Yet now they had to move on. They were wasting their time on the wrong suspect. “It’s true, he wouldn’t. Even when we were camping, I lit all the fires. He didn’t do it, Sarah. I’d stake my life on it.” He turned to Donovan. “Just like I’d stake my life it wasn’t her.”
Sarah and Donovan exchanged suspicious gazes, yet uncertainty lurked, with less anger and less challenge. Donovan spoke first, “Even if it wasn’t for my aversion to fire, I still wouldn’t have framed you. I became a cop because I believe in law and order. Even Cole isn’t as stern as me.”
“He’s right,” Cole corroborated. “Remember when I told you I covered for someone in high school? Donovan begged me not to do it. I had to convince him to give the guy a second chance. But Sarah isn’t the arsonist, either. She has nothing to gain and everything to lose.”
Donovan lifted his hands. “What about the evidence? The earring? Her history?”
“She has no history,” Cole growled. Sarah didn’t deserve the blame for something she didn’t do. He wouldn’t let her sacrifice herself any longer. He looked to her, and she gave a slight nod. It was all the permission he needed. “It was all fabricated. She was innocent the whole time.”
Donovan’s lips formed a thin slash. “I guess she told you that?”
“Actually, no. My father told me.”
Donovan stared. And stared and stared some more. Seconds passed, before he said in a quiet voice, “Jack Carter said she was innocent?”
“That’s right,” Cole confirmed. “You can call him if you don’t believe me. She’s been covering for someone this entire time.”
“Impossible.” Donovan raked a hand through his hair. He stood silent for another moment. “But who? Why?” Suddenly understanding dawned. “Your dad?”
Sarah stood frozen. When she looked up, her eyes shone in the moonlight. “Yeah.”
Like a deflating balloon, the anger drained out of Donovan. He rubbed his forehead. “It can’t be.”
“It’s true.” Cole’s tone left no room for denial. “All this time, we’ve been accusing her, and all she’s guilty of is protecting the man who raised her.”
Donovan exhaled. “Sarah, I… I don’t know what to say. If I’d understood, things would’ve been different.” He blinked, as if truly seeing her for the first time. A moment later, he stood taller. “I don’t know how to make it up to you, but I’ll start with I’m sorry. I can also give you the benefit of the doubt now. If Cole believes you were framed, I’ll help you clear your name.”
Sarah’s smile was so slight, a blink would’ve missed it, yet its brevity belied its grave importance. She deserved the world to know the truth about her. But as much as Sarah warranted a lifetime of apologies, now they needed to focus on the case. He put a hand on her arm. “Donovan didn’t do it either.”
Sarah opened her mouth, closed it. Her shoulders drooped. “I guess I owe you an apology as well. You’re obviously not guilty. It just made so much sense. Getting me off the force for a promotion was the only motive I could come up with, and you fit the description perfectly. But if you wouldn’t cover for a criminal, obviously you wouldn’t commit the crime yourself.”
Donovan started. “What did you say?”
“I said anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable covering for a criminal wouldn’t be one himself.”
Donovan paused, turned to Cole. “What is she talking about?”
“What I just mentioned,” Cole replied. “That time in high school when we covered for the guy slashing tires.”
Donovan hesitated again, cocked his head to the side. “Do you think there’s any chance?”
“Any chance of–” Cole stopped. He opened his mouth, stopped again. “Wait. You don’t think–”
“Actually, I do think,” Donovan growled. “Don’t you?”
The theory played and replayed in his mind, the puzzle pieces twisting and turning and joining. And then finally, the perfect picture formed, the obvious answer.
“What is it?” Sarah broke in. “Don’t think what?”
“I don’t believe it.” Fury rose, at himself, but most of all, at the culprit who should have been obvious from the beginning. He set his jaw and turned to Sarah. “I know who did it.”