Page 26 of The Summer that Changed Everything
She couldn’t help bristling because she could tell he didn’t put much stock in that. “And a few facts,” she said. “Reggie had a lot to gain by saying what he did. And just so you know, my father wouldn’t tell anyone, especially a stranger and someone as untrustworthy as Reggie, even if hehadkilled Aurora.”
“In a normal situation, maybe. But he’d just been arrested, had to be frightened, or at least off his emotional center. Then they put him in a cell with another guy, and the two of them had nothing to do for days—more than two weeks—except talk. I can see how long those hours might get, how easy it would be to dwell on what you’re facing.”
“That would require a degree of trust, and my father wasn’t a trusting person. He felt the whole world was out to get him.And Reggie was so much younger. He wouldn’t have said anything, not to him.”
“Then who else would’ve murdered Aurora?”
“That’s what I have to find out.”
He frowned. “I hate to discourage you, but you realize that Reggie could’ve been lying, just to get himself out of prison,andyour father could’ve killed Aurora. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. His testimony simply helped get a conviction.”
“Is that how everyone justifies not caring whether it was true?”
“Everyone?”
“The police. The Clarks. Aurora’s other friends and loved ones. You and your family.”
He didn’t speak for a moment, probably because she’d included him on the list. “My family never had a strong opinion.”
“Oh, really?” she said with a laugh. “That isn’t how I remember it.”
“I think this town was just grateful to get some closure on the whole thing.”
“In any way possible?”
“Considering we’re talking about a known killer and having him off the streets?” he responded. “Yes. I realize that took your father away from you, and—”
“What if I’m right, Ford,” she broke in, “and it was someone else?” She didn’t want to make this about her or discuss what she’d been through. That could cause her to get emotional, and being emotional made her vulnerable, which was something she never wanted to be again, especially with this particular person.
He rubbed his chin with his free hand. “That’s a scary thought. If it’s true, it means there’s probably a killer running around loose.”
“It also means that killer might still be right here in North Hampton Beach.”
“But your father had already demonstrated a capacity for that kind of violence. Who elsewould do such a thing to a seventeen-year-old girl? And how will you discover that?”
“I’ll probably have to hire a private investigator at some point. But I want to see what I can learn first.” She was already taking three months away from poker, which meant she was losing any opportunity she had to make money. She didn’t dare spend a lot until she felt more confident it would make a difference. She’d already lost so much here—family, friends, a home. She didn’t want to add thousands of dollars to the list, not unless she became convinced that was the answer.
He drank some more of his wine. “If you’re right, there’s got to be at least one person who doesn’t want the truth to come out.”
“I believe there is,” she said.
Concern showed in his expression. “I’m saying it might not be safe to dig up the past, Lucy.”
Hence the reason it was broiling inside her house right now. She didn’t feel safe leaving the windows open at night. She was using two fans she’d found stored in closets, but they did far too little. “I’ve thought of that. Of course I have. But right is right. I refuse to let fear dictate my actions.”
He sighed. “That scares me.”
She made a face. “Why? You have nothing to worry about.”
One eyebrow slid up. “I’m not scared for me.”
“Well, whatever happens, it won’t impact you either way, so there’s no reason for you to worry about it. And I’m doing what I can—keeping my doors and windows locked.”
He wiped the sweat beading up on his forehead. “NowI know why it’s so damn hot in here,” he said, looking at the moisture on his palm.
So what if she was scared? She wasn’t embarrassed by it. She had reason to be—which he’d just pointed out. “I said I wouldn’t let fear drive me away. I didn’t say I was going to make it easyfor someone to climb through the window while I’m sleeping and hurt me.”
“No,” he said laconically. “I can plainly see that you won’t letanyoneget that close.”
