Page 99 of Secrets in the Deep

Joe Ferris stepped in front of the crowd. “Good evening, everyone. We’ve got a full agenda tonight, so let’s begin.”

As the meeting started, Polly bumped her shoulder. “Hey, I think that guy’s taking a photo of you.”

Emily followed Polly’s gaze to Shaun, standing on the side of the hall, cameras in hand.

She rolled her eyes. “He’s a reporter. He’s made a living out of following people around and invading their personal space.”

“Want me to kick him?” Polly glared at the guy like she was a second away from jumping out of her seat and doing exactly that. “I’ve got a really sturdy right boot, and I don’t care if he writes a story and makes me famous. My regulars already know I’m a total badass.”

Emily laughed. “That’s okay. Ignoring him often works best. He’ll do whatever he wants anyway.”

“Okay, but let me know if you change your mind. I’m always up for a good ass-kicking.”

She smiled. Polly, as well as the other women, were starting to feel like friends. Real friends. The kind who did you favors without expecting anything in return. The type to ask about your day because they’re actually interested, not just to get information.

Over the meeting, there was a lot of small-town politics. People complaining about parking spots being taken with the influx of tourists and media. Budget arguments over really small amounts of money. Even discussions on how new empty buildings should be used.

Emily was enthralled. It was honestly the most entertaining hour of her life. People shouted at the mayor. The sheriff stormed out when someone called him lazy. Ferris even used a gavel to get everyone’s attention a few times when he couldn’t silence them with his voice.

This. She wantedthis. She wasn’t even sure why. It just felt cozy and real and comforting. She wanted small-town politics and popcorn with friends.

And Ryan.

She looked at him again. His eyes were already on her, and they were intense, reminding her of black glass. He also glanced at Shaun every so often. It was probably killing Ryan that the guy was taking photos of her.

She was used to it. Didn’t mean she liked it, but she didn’t get angry or anxious like she used to.

Her phone rang. Luckily, it was on silent. Double luckily, she looked at the screen before doing something crazy like answering it.

Because it was her mother.

She let it ring out, but almost immediately, a text came through.

Mom: Answer my call, Emily. This is important.

Emily: I can’t. I’m at the town meeting.

Mom: You’re where?

Emily: I’ll call you later.

Maybe. Probably not.

Mom: Shaun Doverman wrote an article about you. It’s bad. You might want to re-employ me as your managerbecause you’re going to need some major media damage control.

Her mother sent the link through. Emily almost didn’t want to click on it. But she did.

America’s Sweetheart, Emily Prior, Caught in a Behind-the-Scenes Betrayal.

What the hell? She frowned at the array of images splashed through the article. And not just pictures of her. Of Ryan too. Standing close in the street. Eating at Bloom and The Pancake Bar.

She gasped at one in particular. It was a photo of the two of them in the woods. Only Shaun hadn’t been there that night… Faye had.

She scanned the article.

A source close to Prior’s current production of the upcoming thriller, Winter Waters, has come forward with explosive claims about lead actress, Emily Prior. It’s believed the star has been having a secret affair with local Deep River resident Ryan Slade.

The cast member, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing fear of professional repercussions, said the relationship between Prior and Slade developed quickly.