“Yes.”
I swear under my breath, my fists clenching at my sides. “This wasn’t random. Whoever did this knew what they were after.”
The four of us sift through the wreckage, but it’s clear the intruder wasn’t interested in any valuables. Maddie stays close to Hannah, her movements stiff.
“Is there anything else missing?” I crouch near the overturned desk. “Anything other than the rock and his notes?”
“No. I’ve been reviewing his notes and was about to decrypt the coded ones,” she sniffles. “Now they’re all gone.”
Wes exhales. “If someone’s willing to tear this place apart to get to Nathan’s notes… there must be something valuable down there.”
“Or they might be trying to hide something,” I retort, meeting his gaze. “Covering something up.”
The tension between Wes and me is palpable, but Maddie’s soft voice cuts through it.
“It doesn’t matter why they did it.” Her hands tremble. “They won’t stop me. I’m going to figure out what Nathan was searching for and finish his work.”
I stand, meeting her determined gaze. There’s fire there, stronger than her fear, and it fills my chest with pride and worry.
“You won’t do it alone. We’ll figure this out. Together.”
We’ve done all we can for the night, but one thing is clear. The intruder followed her home for a reason. He wasn’t just here to steal. He wanted to get to Maddie. My gut tells me he planned to harm her. Fuck.
“Hannah.” I turn to her. “Can Maddie stay with you? I don’t want her to be alone tonight.”
“You bet she is,” Hannah replies right away, stepping closer to Maddie like a protective shield.
Wes straightens. “I’ll keep an eye out here at the inn. If anything comes up, I’ll call.” He’s worried. It’s a new look for him. I give him a curt nod, but my attention remains on Maddie. She’s still scared, but she trusts us. She trusts me to keep her safe. That’s why she asked for me.
“We’ll find out who did this, sweetheart,” I promise, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. I straighten the elephant pendant that’s been slung around her neck, putting it back in place. “And we’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
I press a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“Thank you.” She pulls back her shoulders, dismissing her fears, and lets me help her stand.
We all help clean up the cottage and ensure it’s secure for the night. I make calls to a few guys I know to have them install window locks and security film tomorrow. As I prepare to leave, I take one last look at Maddie while she and Hannah pack her overnight bag. “Get some rest tonight.”
Outside, the events of the night weigh on me. Whoever broke into Maddie’s cottage is sending a message. This reeks of someone trying to cover their tracks. Nathan must have been in over his head. Did they find what they were looking for, and what else do they want from Maddie?
My jaw tightens as I scan the shadows, clenching my fists.
They might think they can scare her off.
But they don’t know her.
And they don’t know me.
Chapter 14
Maddie
“Ready?” Wes’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
I’ve been waiting for him on the porch, reading and reflecting on last night’s break-in and what it means for my quest to uncover what happened to Nathan. All his coded notes are gone. Why didn’t I decode them sooner? Also, I haven’t been honest with my friends. The thief didn’t take everything. Nathan’s poem and maps are still in my purse. I’m not sure if they’ll lead me to answers, but I’m keeping their existence to myself for now.
Wes stands by the swing. Sleeves rolled up.
“I’m ready.” I close the book I’d been reading. “Hannah can’t join us. She needs to handle an issue at the shop.”
