She glanced at her phone to see what time was. Still early.
Just looking at her phone reminded her of the fact that Baby had called her dozens of times over the past few weeks. But rarely texted—and then, only pictures.
How had she not noticed that? She was sure it was true for everyone else in his life too. How had no one noticed that?
The only other significant written communication she’d received from him had been that email before she knew who he was. She remembered thinking that he hadn’t bothered checking for errors, but that hadn’t been the case at all. She wanted to look at that email again and see if it provided any pattern or gave any indication as to how he might be best helped.
No, help wouldn’t be as easy or simple as it had been for Ethan, but that didn’t mean Baby couldn’t develop reading and learning strategies that would allow him to be successful.
“Are we keeping you from something, Quinn?”
She jerked her thoughts back to this office, looked over at Gavin’s intent brown eyes. “I... Honestly, yes. Right now isn’t a particularly good time. I appreciate you keeping me in the loop, but I have something I need to do.”
Gavin nodded. “Something with Baby?”
“Actually, yes.”
Gavin nodded again. “Baby is a good guy. I’ve known him a long time.”
She wasn’t sure how to respond to that. Everybody in this entire town had known Baby a long time, and none of them had figured the huge issue right before their eyes. “Yes, I think he’s a good man, too.”
Gavin tilted his head to the side. “You care about him.” It wasn’t a question.
And she didn’t have time for this.
“Sheriff. Gavin.” She held her hands out front of her. “Do you have actual questions? If not, I need to go.”
“What is your relationship with Lexi Johnson?”
She was taken aback by the question. “I don’t understand. She’s my boss at the Eagle’s Nest. We don’t really have a relationship besides that.”
“Did you know her before you moved to Oak Creek?”
“No.”
“So she just happened to post a job at the same time you came into town, and hired you sight unseen?”
She shrugged. “Yes. And I appreciate her giving me a chance. I don’t understand why you’re asking me about her. Did she have something to do with the break-in at my house?”
Gavin leaned his arms on his desk. “We’re not sure yet how everything ties together. Just like I’m not sure exactly why you didn’t let your brother know you were in town as soon as you could.”
Quinn’s teeth locked together. “Riley had his hands full. And my life was in a sort of turmoil—”
“Turmoil.” Gavin cut her off. “That’s an interesting word. Turmoil because of similar things that occurred since you arrived in Oak Creek.”
“Are we back to that? Back to wondering if I vandalized my own house and office?”
“I believed you. I thought maybe it was sheer coincidence that someone had broken into your house, like what had happened back in Boston. Really shitty luck.” His eyes narrowed. “Then we found your fingerprints on the spray paint can that matched the color used in on your walls.”
“What paint can?”
“The one you threw in Mr. Wallace’s garbage can. I’m assuming you thought we wouldn’t look there.”
“Old Mr. Wallace, the neighbor who lives closest to me?”
“Yes.”
She shook her head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I haven’t touched a paint can. Hell, I’m not sure I’ve ever held a spray paint can in my life. So, whatever you think you have, it wasn’t from me.”
Gavin looked over Quinn’s shoulder at Officer Mercer. “Kate, can you give us a minute?”
“Sure, boss.”
“Leave the door open.” He nodded at the other woman. “Thanks.”
He turned back to Quinn. “Look, I’m not your enemy. I’m not trying to be the bad guy. But I don’t want to waste my time trying to find whoever vandalized your house if the truth is you did it yourself.”
Quinn slumped in her seat. This was exactly like back in Cambridge. “Why would I do that?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe an attempt to get Baby’s attention? If so, that’s not necessary. Baby is a stand-up guy. He doesn’t play games. He’s simple and honest. A good friend.”
She rolled her eyes. She couldn’t help it. “Yeah, you all think you know him so well.”
Gavin raised an eyebrow. “What exactly does that mean?”
She bit her tongue. There was nothing more she wanted to do more than