I pause, processing her meaning. Then I nod. “You think he’ll betray us, like his predecessor. That he’s insinuating himself with you in hopes of winning you to the council’s side. Or, at the very least, stripping you of your power as an ally to Eric.”
She doesn’t answer, which tells me I’m right.
“Have you seen any sign of that?” I ask.
“No, which means I’m being a fool. Coming up with excuses for keeping yet another man at arm’s length.”
“So this is serious, then.”
She dries her hands on her apron, gaze down. “God knows, it wasn’t supposed to be. Phil was my horse. I’d fallen off, and I was getting back on again.”
“Taking him for a ride,” I say with a smile.
“A much-needed ride. As many rides as I could get. A fling with a man I would never fall for. Too young. Too pretty. Wound too tight. I wanted a shot at unwinding him.”
I grin. “Which you did.”
“I certainly did, and that man is…” She exhales. “There’s a brain behind that pretty face. A fascinating brain, along with the kind of ambition I don’t see anyplace but in the mirror.”
“It’s easier to think he’ll betray you than to admit you’ve fallen for him.”
“Much easier. I also don’t want to be played for a fool, Casey. I worry about that.”
I lean on the bar. “If you’re truly worried, then test him. See if he bites. If not…” I shrug. “Then you’re going to need to figure out where you stand, and whether he’s standing in the same spot.”
“You know, that James seems like a lovely fellow. Quite handsome.”
“Jay is indeed handsome, and completely not your type. He hasn’t been coming on strong, has he?”
“No. He flirted. I flirted back and then wised up and sent him on his way. I don’t think I was ever in danger of inviting him home. I realized I wouldn’t do that to Phil.” She finishes her drink. “I need to test him.”
“Or you could just trust—”
The bar door creaks open, Anders peeking in.
“Eric said you were in here,” he says. “We found something you need to see, Casey.”
THIRTEEN
Anders and I are halfway to the clinic when Jay jogs up to us, and I tense, thinking of Isabel. She’d said he had readily taken no for an answer, but earlier today, I’d been reflecting on the trouble Owen caused in Rockton. The woman he’d stalked had been Isabel. She attracts admirers. Some are nice guys like Mick, who pursue ardently but respectfully. Others are like Owen, assholes who hear “no” as a challenge. I have to wonder what would have happened if Cherise hadn’t said yes. Or what will happen if she stops saying it.
As for Jay, though, Isabel said it was fine. I’m just being overprotective.
Jay falls in step with us because he’s heading in the same direction … apparently with the same destination.
“I heard Sophie’s stirring,” he says as we walk. “I was going to try talking to her again.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry I haven’t been around.”
“You went looking for her friends,” he says. “Someone said they thought they saw bodies being brought in the back way. I’m guessing you found them?”
Anders cuts in. “Jay has been stopping by the clinic every time Sophie wakes. She hasn’t said much, but he’s been taking notes.”
Jay nods. “It really isn’t much. I wrote it all down, though.” He holds out a notebook. “She seems to be more lucid today. Is there anything you want me to ask her?”
“There is. We found two campsites about a kilometer apart. It looked as if the group split up. Can you ask about that?”
“Sure.”