Chapter 5 #2
“I would guess he is a narcissist, based on his reputation. It’s probably less about the children and money and more about the fact you actually left him,” Rowan said.
Nellie nodded her agreement. “I’ve always diagnosed him as one.”
“Where are the divorce papers now?” Granger asked. “If we can get them signed, then maybe the risk to you and the children can begin to ease off.”
“My attorney, Jonathan Maybury, has them,” Sue Ellen told him. “I had to get an attorney in Charleston since no one in Holland Springs would take my case.”
“Let’s call and update him,” Granger told them, pulling out his phone. He did a quick search online for the phone number and then put the call on speakerphone.
The phone rang and then it was answered. “Maybury Law,” the assistant said with a shaking voice as if she’d been crying.
“This is Sheriff Granger Fox. I need to speak with Mr. Maybury, please.”
The woman burst out into loud, heartbreaking sobs for a solid twenty seconds. Nellie and the group shared a confused, but very concerned, look with each other. “I’m sorry, Mr. Maybury’s been killed. I found him shot in his office this afternoon.”
Gator caught Sue Ellen as she fell back, even though they were sitting.
Gator pulled her to the side right before the back of her head smashed into the stone steps.
Nellie didn’t realize she was shaking until Rowan’s hand clasped her shoulder as he moved to sit next to her.
He pulled her tight against his side in silent support.
His warmth and strength were the only things keeping Nellie from spiraling at this moment because everyone seemed to be thinking the same thing.
“What exactly happened?” Granger asked.
“Mr. Maybury was supposed to meet a client. She didn’t show.
After waiting for two hours, he decided to leave for the day.
His door was closed as he was getting things wrapped up.
I heard a gunshot, but the door was locked when I tried to get in.
I called the police and ambulance, but he was already dead when they busted down the door.
The window was open, so they think he was murdered and the murderer fled through the back window.
I’ve been fielding media and client calls since it hit the news. ”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Granger said before hanging up.
“I think it’s best if you all stay in Shadows Landing,” Rowan told them in his best soothing doctor’s voice.
“I agree,” Granger and Gator both responded.
Sue Ellen was already shaking her head. “No! You’ve helped us so much already, but we can’t put you in danger like that. Ingram will kill you!”
“Ingram doesn’t intimidate me,” Rowan said, his voice no longer soothing.
Instead, it was full of determination as he gave Nellie’s shoulder an encouraging squeeze.
A squeeze that went straight to her heart.
No, this was the absolute worst time to finally be interested in someone.
He was only being nice and helping them.
It wasn’t personal. Even as she told herself that, it felt very personal.
And feelings were happening whether she wanted them to or not.
“Let him come. I dare him,” Gator growled.
Sue Ellen shot a look at Granger, who didn’t seem bothered by either man’s statements. Maybe it was different here. “Is there a hotel where we can stay?” Nellie asked only after Sue Ellen nodded to her.
Granger typed a message and then frowned. “Bells Landing is the only one and it’s booked solid.”
“We can go to Charleston,” Nellie said even as it made her stomach upset at the thought of leaving the safety of these people they’d just met. “It might be easier to hide there.”
“I don’t want to tell you what to do, but I think it would be best if you stayed with someone who can help look after you all. One of my deputies—” Granger started to say before Gator cut him off.
“Sue Ellen and the kids can stay with me. I don’t have a big house, but you can take my room and the kids can stay in the guest room.
The third bedroom is an office and I could sleep on the couch in there, but I’d feel better sleeping in the living room.
That way I can be between you and anyone trying to get inside. You will be safe with me,” Gator swore.
Nellie didn’t know what her sister would do. She was usually shy around men and Gator was intimidating with his size and strength. However, Sue Ellen smiled and reached out to clasp his large hand in her small one. “Thank you, Gator. I think we would feel very safe with you.”
“Nellie can stay with me,” Rowan said before Nellie could even wonder where she’d stay. “I have surgery, but if you all help cover for me, I can take time off. Lord knows I have enough days stored up.”
“I’m really thankful for this,” Sue Ellen said as she started to sound more like herself. “But, won’t we stick out? Two women and two kids new to town is exactly what Ingram will be looking for.”
Granger looked at Rowan and smiled in a way that made her think she was going to miss an inside joke.
“That’s why we’re going to introduce you as Gator and Rowan’s girlfriends,” Granger said.
“You won’t be two women traveling together, but two couples and that’s not what they’ll be looking for.
Plus, we have enough friends in town to make sure that’s the narrative if anyone mentions you. ”
Rowan and Gator were already nodding their agreement.
Sue Ellen blushed and Gator squeezed her hand.
Nellie looked up at Rowan and saw him looking right into her eyes.
She knew she blushed, but she couldn’t help it because the look he was giving her was not only determination, but something much more intimate.
“What do we do about Ingram?” Rowan asked, never taking his eyes from Nellie’s.
“I’ll call Peter and have the FBI take the case. That way I won’t be involved in the investigation at all. It will help keep you both hidden as the head of the Charleston FBI is the one asking questions,” Granger answered.
“Bex can help him too,” Rowan said before explaining that she was his sister-in-law and had just become an agent who worked with Peter.
Gator looked across the street and motioned with a wave of his hand for someone to come over. The door burst open and Nellie heard the kids chattering away. Even James seemed happy as they held hands with Miss Ruby and Miss Winnie as they crossed the street.
“Mom! We got to try four different kinds of pie!” James called out.
Sue Ellen swallowed hard. Nellie understood. Seeing James excited about something was enough to make both mother and aunt cry.
“And, guess what we get to do now?” Sue Ellen asked with wide eyes and a smile as she knelt on the ground in front of the kids. “We’re going to stay with Mr. Gator!”
Tally squealed and James jumped up and down.
Miss Ruby and Miss Winnie exchanged looks with them as Rowan placed his arm around Nellie. “My girlfriend here is going to stay with me for a little while too. Isn’t it great that Gator’s girlfriend can do the same?”
“It’s apple pie worthy,” Miss Ruby smirked. “We’ll be collecting on that very soon.”
Nellie felt Rowan gulp and hide behind her.
Gator scooped James up and put him on his shoulder.
James’s smile was blinding as he asked if he’d be as tall as Mr. Gator someday.
Tally squealed with glee as Gator picked her up and put her on his right hip all the while reaching over to take Sue Ellen’s hand in his. “My truck is at the marina down there.”
“Harper’s tonight at seven?” Rowan asked, leaving Nellie wondering what Harper’s was.
“We’ll see you there!” Gator called back as he bounced James and Tally, eliciting more happy squeals. Sue Ellen still looked a bit shell shocked but the paralyzing terror of earlier in the day had lifted.
“Shall we go home?” Rowan asked her as he opened the car door for her.
Nellie smiled and slid into the front seat. Her smile slipped through when she thought of home. Would they ever be able to go back to Holland Springs? Would they even want to?