A Cry in the Dark (Carly Moore #1) - Denise Grover Swank Page 0,5

available.”

“Oh,” I said, “I’m sorry.”

He gave her a wry grin. “Probably for the best.”

I wasn’t sure what to make of that.

“What were you doin’ out this way?” he said. “If you don’t mind me asking?” It was an innocent-enough question, but the friendly tone he’d had at first seemed to have dried up. Just like the look in his eyes had changed when I’d refused his suggestion to call in a deputy.

“I guess the same as most people,” I said. “Taking in the scenery.”

He shot a pointed gaze at my purse, as if he had laser vision that allowed him to see the gun, then shifted his attention back to the road. “Not everyone.”

“Then what do you think I was doing out there?” I asked before I could stop myself.

“Who knows what people do?” he said, shooting me a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I was just curious.”

Maybe so, but it felt judgy in a way that made me wonder what, exactly, this man suspected me of doing.

We rode the rest of the way in an uncomfortable silence until we reached downtown Drum. I hadn’t expected a bustling town, but it was even smaller than I’d imagined—just two short blocks with businesses on either side. About a third of them had “Going Out of Business” signs in the windows. Max’s Tavern was halfway down the road. The front entrance boasted a small sign informing any passersby of its presence, but when we turned down the cross street, I saw a much bigger sign painted on the side of the building. There was a nearly empty gravel parking lot out back, and Wyatt parked lengthwise across it. As soon as he stopped, he hopped out of the truck and walked around to the passenger side. When I opened the door, he was already standing in front of me, waiting.

I’d had enough of his silent accusations.

“What?” I snapped as I climbed out.

He held his ground, searching my face as though he was trying to see through me—not under my clothes, but into my character.

Wait. Wasn’t I supposed to be judging him?

For a moment I thought he was going to block me from getting out. Fear jolted through me. I started to reach into my purse, but his gaze followed my movements. Maybe he was seeing through me again, because he immediately backed off and offered me a hand. I ignored the gesture, turning in the seat to get my suitcase out of the back.

“You’ll never get it,” he said in an amused tone. “It’s wedged in there.”

The two seconds I spent tugging on the handle proved that to be true, but when he tried to nudge me to the side so he could take over, I turned my back to him and found the lever to fold the seat forward. It hit my knee hard enough that I was sure it would leave a bruise, but I felt vindicated when I pulled my suitcase free, even if it fell to the ground with an ungraceful thud.

“I’m impressed,” he said, his arms crossed over his chest.

I gave him a long hard stare. “Don’t ever tell me I can’t do something.”

Guarded amusement filled his eyes. “Point taken.” Then, as though remembering himself, his face hardened. “Let me take you inside and introduce you to Max.”

The last thing I needed was a babysitter, especially one who seemed to think I was up to no good.

“Are you going to get me a special rate or something?” I asked in a terse tone as I leaned over and grabbed the handle of my bag. “Because if not, I’m perfectly capable of renting my own hotel room.”

He looked properly chastised. “Don’t you need help with your bag?”

“No,” I snapped. “I do not.” I started to roll my suitcase over the packed earth, most of the gravel long gone, giving it a jerk when it got stuck on one of the few remaining stones. Of course.

“Want to give me your number?” he asked, his accusatory tone back.

I stopped and turned around to face him. “Excuse me?”

“For the car.” He nudged his head toward the tow truck. “So I can give you the estimate.”

This was what I got for being all sanctimonious. “Uh. Yeah.”

He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. “Okay. Go ahead.”

The problem was I didn’t remember my phone number. I’d decided to use the burner until I got a job. I’d get a real phone after saving up a few paychecks. “How about I