Page 73 of Secrets in the Deep

Nora: Nah, I like this. It’s a bit like camping.

He chuckled and climbed from his truck.

Despite trying to convince her not to come, he liked having her here. Growing up, they’d only had each other. It felt right having her close by.

His steps slowed as he passed a patrol car.

Someone from the sheriff’s station was at the inn. Why?

Inside the building, he walked a little faster. He hated that Emily was on the first floor. Being on the second would provide a tiny bit more security but with the film shooting, the inn was fully booked.

He heard the commotion before he saw it. Voices spilling out from the room beside Emily’s. Sharp, strained voices.

He stopped when he reached the room. Melanie Prior was sitting on the edge of the bed, back ramrod straight, and Emily was beside her, hand on her mother’s back.

Sheriff Ward and a deputy stood opposite, and a couple of cast and crew from the movie were in the room.

What the hell was going on?

He stepped inside, and everyone’s attention shifted to him. He only had eyes for Emily. He scanned her body, searching for injuries. As far as he could see, she was okay.

His gaze returned to hers. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head. “I’m okay. Thank God you’re here.”

“What happened?” He moved beside her.

Melanie’s gaze hardened, eyes locking on him in a way that would have unsettled most people. He wasn’t most people.

“You.” Melanie looked at Ward. “Ryan fits the description of my attacker.”

Emily gasped, pulling her hand away from her mother. “Mom!”

“I’m sorry, Emily, but he does. Same height. Same strength.”

The deputy cleared his throat. “Ma’am, a second ago, you said you didn’t see your attacker.”

“I felt them. And he fits what I felt.”

Emily shot to her feet. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” Melanie yelled back. “Tell the truth?”

“You think I attacked you?” Ryan asked, so goddamn confused. What the hell was going on?

“Yes.” Melanie stood. “I think you broke into my room through the window, came at me from behind, and put an arm around my throat. I screamed, and you hit me in the head and ran.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Why?” Melanie laughed. “Because you know I don’t approve of this little fling between you and Emily.” She glanced at Ward. “Are you going to arrest him?”

Jesus Christ.

Emily moved forward, her voice coming out like a growl. “Mom, if you do this, I willneverforgive you.”

“He attacked me, Emily. Of course I have to tell the sheriff.”

Ryan looked at Ward. “I have video surveillance that places me at the firehouse. Timing would prove I came straight here.”