Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

M aisey was exhausted. Aaron took Murielle to Bailey’s parents’ house while Maisey showered, then came back to help her get into bed. She was so tired that she felt like she was just dragging around. He gave her some acetaminophen, helped her eat a tub of yogurt, and then told her she had to go to bed. Even though she thought she’d probably lie awake all night, thinking about everything that had happened, it only took her a few minutes and she was gone to la-la land.

The sun was shining, and she smiled when she woke up and found Aaron still in bed beside her. Carly must’ve given him the day off, and she’d have to remember to thank her friend. After a trip to the bathroom and washing her hands, she headed to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. Damn, I hope somebody called the office for me , she thought as she leaned against the counter, listening to the coffeemaker gurgling. The sun was bright, so she headed to the living room to open the shades and let light fill the space. And she couldn’t believe her eyes. “Aaron? Aaron!”

He appeared in the doorway, one eye still closed and scratching his balls. “What, baby? What’s wrong?”

“Look out here.”

Wobbling along, he stepped up beside her, and his eyes popped open wide. “What the fuck?”

Outside the front window were dozens of news vans, cars, and people, most of whom were wearing press badges. At least three of the vans had satellite dishes on top of them. Neighbors were standing out on their porches, gawking, and someone knocked on the front door. “Don’t answer that,” he whispered.

“What the hell? Why are they here?”

Aaron gave her a scowl. “I mean, how would they even know? Carly… Carly told everyone involved that she didn’t want anybody to know what was going on. Besides, nobody but she and I, Cherilyn, Shaw, Ross, and you knew what your role was. There was nobody else who…” And he stopped.

“What?” He tipped his head downward and looked up at her from under his brows, and her heart sank into her slippers. “Who… Oh, no. You don’t really think…”

“Betcha a hundred dollars. Where were they?”

“They were supposed to be in Murielle’s bedroom. Carly told them to stay there. I heard her.”

Aaron frowned. “And when has Candace ever done what she was told?”

“Do you really think she’d call somebody and tell them?”

“Babe, I’d be willing to bet she had a list of media outlets that she couldn’t wait to call and tell. God, we’re fucked.”

“What do we do?”

“Well, I don’t know what you’re going to do, but I’m going to call Shaw and tell him what his daughter has done.”

Thirty minutes later, Maisey heard a loud voice say, “I may be a conservation officer, but I’m still a law enforcement agent, and you need to get the hell off their property. Stay behind that sidewalk or I swear to god, I’ll call the city and county and have all of you arrested. Get back and stay back!” Aaron jetted to the door and yanked it open to a startled Shaw. “Holy hell. Can I come in?”

“Of course.”

He stepped in and Aaron closed the door behind him. “First off, before you say anything else, Cherilyn and I pinned her to the wall and she admitted to it. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t know what I can do now, but she won’t do something like this again.”

Maisey sighed. “We hated to call you, but we figured it out pretty quickly. She was the only one it could’ve been. Maya is a rule-follower, and the other two wouldn’t know what was going on.”

Shaw shook his head. “Just when I think she’s learned her lesson, she pulls another stunt. I’m one step away from sending her to boarding school before she gets somebody hurt or worse.”

“She needs you, Shaw, you and Cherilyn. Her mother didn’t pay any attention to her, and you’re reaping the mess she sowed.” Maisey turned to Aaron. “You do realize I’m going to have to talk to one of the outlets so they’ll leave us alone.”

“Yeah. I know. I was hoping for one peaceful day…” Aaron shook his head. “I guess if you talk to anybody, it should be a local outlet.”

After a moment’s thought, Maisey nodded. “Call Evan and let him figure out who to call and how to set it up.” Their family attorney was also a friend of Aaron’s, and she knew he’d be able to sort it all out.

Aaron wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Will do. Shaw, we don’t hold any ill will. You didn’t do it―Candace did. But you need to let her know that she’s done us a grave disservice as friends who love her and trusted her.”

“Oh, trust me, I will. If I can do anything to help, let me know. I owe you that.”

Maisey gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “You don’t owe us anything, but thank you for being a good friend.” She stepped up in front of Shaw and wrapped her arms around his neck.

She almost giggled when he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. “We love you guys too. I’m so, so glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks. See you later. Tell Cherilyn we said hi and everything’s okay between us.”

“Will do. Later.” Shaw opened the door, then closed it. She could hear him yelling, “I told you to get back! Stay off their property. That’s trespassing, and you’ll get yourselves arrested. I’m not kidding around.”

Maisey turned to Aaron, and he opened his arms. The next few days would be hard, but they’d make it. He had her back, and she had his. Nothing could break that bond.

Nothing.

It’s over. Or is it? Let’s face it, Maisey likes fashion, but she won’t ever go back to that consignment store! Or will she? Sometimes, no matter what you do, fate finds you and deals you a hand you never expected. Get ready. Maisey’s notoriety is spreading, and it’s just a matter of time before another voice from the grave calls out to her for help.