"Brad Cooper filed a report this morning," he says without preamble. "Claims you assaulted him."
There it is. Exactly what I feared. "Did he mention the part where he grabbed me first? Or threw my things out the window?"
"He mentioned you were having a disagreement about household expenses. Said things got heated, but he never laid a hand on you." Sawyer's tone is neutral, professional. "Says you attacked him without provocation."
I hold up my wrist, making sure he gets a good look at the fingerprint bruises. "Does this look like 'never laid a hand on me' to you?"
Something flickers in Sawyer's eyes, anger, maybe, though not directed at me. "No, ma'am, it doesn't."
"He grabbed me. I defended myself." I meet his gaze steadily. "I'd do it again."
"I'm sure you would." A hint of approval crosses his features. "Cooper's father is pressuring me to bring you in for questioning."
My blood runs cold. The Coopers own half the businesses in town, including the hunting outfitter where Brad works. They've got influence, money, connections, everything I don't.
"And are you? Bringing me in?" I lift my chin, channeling every ounce of my father's stubbornness.
Sawyer studies me for a long moment. "Wasn't planning on it. Just came to let you know what's brewing. Thought you might want to file a counter-report. For the record."
The tension in my shoulders eases slightly. "You believe me."
"I believe those bruises weren't self-inflicted. And I know Brad Cooper's reputation with women." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a business card. "This is the number for a good friend of mine in Helena. Domestic violence counselor. Might be worth talking to her."
I take the card, surprising myself when tears spring to my eyes. "Thank you."
Sawyer nods, retrieving his hat. "Does Elias know?"
"About Brad grabbing me? Yes. About the report? Not yet." I wrap my arms around myself. "I didn't exactly plan this, you know. Coming here."
"I'd say it was exactly the right move." Sawyer heads for the door. "Cooper won't try anything while you're up here. McKenna land has a certain... reputation."
"So I've heard."
He pauses with his hand on the doorknob. "One more thing, Miss Hart."
"Riley, please."
"Riley, then." His expression turns serious. "My brother’s a good man. One of the best."
I'm not sure where he's going with this. "I know that."
"He made a promise to your father." Sawyer holds my gaze. "The kind a man like Elias doesn't break easily."
Understanding dawns.He knows. Maybe all the McKennas know, about the way Elias looks at me, about the way I feel. Maybe it's been obvious to everyone but us.
"I know that too," I say quietly.
Sawyer nods, seemingly satisfied. "Good. Just so we're clear."
As he leaves, I sink onto the couch, staring at the business card in my hand. The sheriff of Grizzly Ridge just basically gave me a shovel talk, but not the kind I expected. Not "stay away from him," but "understand what you're asking him to give up."
The thing is, I do understand. I've seen the way Elias carries his promises like physical weights. The way he shoulders burdens without complaint. The way he puts everyone else's needs before his own.
But I've also seen the hunger in his eyes when he looks at me. The way his control slips, just for a moment, before he reins himself back in.
And I'm starting to think that maybe, just maybe, some promises need to be broken.
3
