CHAPTER NINE
DANI
As soon as Dani ended the call with Taylor, she decided to make a visit to police headquarters. What she had to say to Nick was something she wanted to be private. While she’d been living and working with Brad, her sister was facing possible trouble. Guilt made her catch her breath. She’d been so happy with her new situation she’d forgotten to keep an eye on her sister. Whitney might be older than she and very capable in her own career, but it didn’t mean she didn’t need emotional support.
Dani drove to the center of town to the red brick building that housed the police station and was happy to see Nick’s car outside.
She parked next to it and went inside.
Nick, as usual, was happy to see her. Looking at his fit body, the blue shirt that matched his blue eyes, and the dark hair that made those eyes stand out, Dani had to admit that Taylor was right. He was the perfect, sexy guy on which to base any of her book heroes.
Nick offered her a chair in his rather spartan office, and she happily sat down in front of his desk.
“What can I do for you, Dani?” he asked, studying her face.
“It’s Whitney …” she began.
His eyebrows rose with alarm. “Is she alright?”
“I’m not sure,” said Dani, and then explained the situation to him.
He frowned and stared out the window thoughtfully. “We have no evidence of any real threat, but I don’t like the sound of it. Often, before someone who’s unbalanced takes action, she or he talks about it on social media. You say Crystal is the one who first mentioned it to Whitney?”
Dani nodded. “That’s what Taylor said.”
“Let me talk to Crystal and try to get a name. I’ll do a little checking on the few people who’ve seemed to make threats and get back to you. Right now, as a police officer, I have no reason to do anything other than to keep an eye on things. But as an old friend of hers, I’ll go see her.”
Dani smiled at him. “I remember the summer you and Whitney dated.”
His features softened. “Whitney’s always been special to me.”
“That’s what we’re counting on. Not that we want Whitney to know about my visit to you. She’s very independent and would be furious for us intruding in her life.”
“I’m not so sure that’s true. The Gilford girls have always stood up for one another in times past. No reason to stop now. I remember summers when the three of you would visit. Those were good times.”
“The best. That’s why it’s important to GG that we’ve returned to Lilac Lake to live for at least part-time.”
“Anything more happening with that ghost of yours in the cottage?” Nick asked, unable to stop a smile from creasing his face.
Dani let out an embarrassed chuckle. “For the moment, no. But we’re still trying to find out more information about Mrs. Maynard so we can figure out how to make sure she’s not around.”
“When are you planning to move in?” Nick asked.
“Not until the end of our lease at the end of September. Though we’ve moved in some things, most of the custom furniture won’t be ready until then. Truthfully, we’re in no hurry until the ghost issue is resolved.”
“Understandable. I know Taylor, especially, is nervous about it,” said Nick calmly, and Dani loved him for not making fun of them.
“I just thought of something. Why don’t you come to dinner at Brad’s house tomorrow? I’ll ask Whitney to join us, and you can get a better sense of what’s going on than from what I can tell you.”
Nick’s eyes lit with pleasure. “Sounds nice. I sure get tired of my own cooking.”
“Well, then, that’s settled.” Dani stood, pleased with her plan. “Thank you. Come to the house around six. Brad and I are learning to cook together, and it should be good.”
Nick walked her to the door, and Dani headed home to surprise Whitney with a visit.