“Definitely a different sender. The handwriting tells me that much. But the language is tougher to decipher.”
“What do you mean?”
Hayes’ finger scanned the lines. “The sentiments are similar to what Howard sent, and even some of the verbiage. But then it diverts, too.”
“Shiloh said he never would’ve usedcarefully crafted.”
“She’s right. He’s more straightforward. Nothing flowery like that.”
“So, it has to be someone close to him.”
Hayes’ jaw worked back and forth. “I need to look into some people. Have a conversation with Ian.”
“Kemper had a cellmate who recently got out.”
Hayes’ gaze shot to mine.
I shrugged. “I can use a computer.” And I had some resources that could get me less legally obtained information.
“I’ll run him and see if I can find out where he is. Have a conversation with him, too.”
I nodded, my gaze finding its way to Shiloh. I understood the urge to shield her. I felt it every damn day. She’d already been through so much. She shouldn’t have to take this on, too. But I refused to clip those beautiful wings.
“You care about my sister?”
My head snapped back to Hayes, my eyes narrowing.
“It’s an honest question. I’m not trying to be an asshole.”
“I care about her.” It was so much more thancare. Words that I hadn’t used in decades sprang to mind. And even those didn’t do my feelings justice.
Hayes gave a slight nod. “All of this.” He gestured at the letters. “It messed with her head. The shit about purity. Threats forcing her to marry Ian. She never told us any of it. I don’t know that she’s capable of any sort of a relationship.”
“This isn’t that.” I knew where he was going. And it wasn’t that I didn’t want that with Shiloh. I wanted her more than my next breath. But I refused to potentially hurt her.
Hayes arched a brow. “I’m just asking you to tread carefully.”
“I’d cut off my own arm before I cause her any pain.”
Hayes stared down at the sea of letters again. “She’s been hurt too much already.” He was silent for a moment. “It’s why I went to work for the sheriff’s department. Maybe it’s my way of doing good with the bad, trying to help others who are in those desperate situations.”
“I can’t think of a better reason to become a cop.”
Hayes’ lips twitched. “Sheriff.”
I scoffed. “Yeah, yeah.”
The amusement fled Hayes’ expression. “She’s let you in more than anyone I’ve ever seen. Please, take care of my sister.”
My chest constricted, air barely making it into my lungs. It scared the hell out of me, but there was no other option. I’d give anything for Shiloh. Because she’d found a way through the walls I’d spent so much time fortifying. And she’d brought light to a place I’d thought would be dark forever.
26
SHILOH
My head thrummedas I waited for everyone to leave. I did my best to keep the tension out of my expression, but it was a losing battle. “I’ll go see Mom and Dad tomorrow. Explain things.”
Hadley winced. “Want me to come with you?”