Page 233 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Nate understood the implications clearly enough. Nothing like this had ever happened under his dad’s watch. “Crime is never predictable. If it was, it wouldn’t happen.”

Thomas huffed out a puff of incredulous laughter. “Don’t blow me off, Nathan. Disorder of this caliber is entirely unacceptable. I might expect something like this during the high season but not when there’s hardly a mainlander among us. The last thing we need is word of this—this disaster—making its way to Nantucket, the Vineyard, or the mainland. We’re just about to start negotiations for the island-hopping packages that have been very successful the past few years. We can’t afford to mess that up—to tarnish our reputation. When tourists come here, they need to know they’re safe.”

It always came back to PR and fucking dollar signs for Thomas Sanderson. “My deputies and I are doing everything we can. When I can do more, I will.”

“Questions are being raised, Nathan. Some people are wondering if this problem has your full attention?”

Nate clenched his jaw as he felt his blood boil. “I will continue to do—”

Kay knocked on the door and stuck her head in. “Nate, they just found the car out by Fisherman’s Pond. Looks like somebody let it roll down the hill and crash into the bank of trees by the east end of the water.”

He stood and put on his jacket. “Is anyone hurt?”

Kay shook her head. “Car appears to be empty. Denny wanted me to tell you that the gearshift was stuck in neutral.”

Nate met Thomas’s gaze. “I’m sure you can handle the town council if I’m still out processing my scene.”

“We expect you there. You’re the sheriff.”

“That’s right. I’m the sheriff. And my current job is to solve these crimes, not waste my time with lip service. I’ll leave that to you since you’re so goddamn good at it.” He left without a second glance, more than finished with the mayor’s bullshit.

~~~~

“What do you think of this white-beige?” Gwen asked as she grabbed another paint chip from the stack on the table and held it up to the wall with her perfectly manicured hand.

Callie shrugged, crossing her arms tighter across her chest in the bakery’s chilly side room. But she’d been cold for most of the day—ever since Nate kissed her and left her under the pile of blankets on the couch to respond to another call. “That could work.”

Molly narrowed her eyes as she stood hipshot, studying the latest option. “It’s boring.”

“It won’t be once Callie does her thing with her artwork. You’re still planning on making some cool pieces—your trademark kind of stuff?” Gwen asked, looking at Callie.

Callie nodded. “Yeah. I have a few ideas.” Not that she’d done a whole lot to bring them to life over the last few days. Her plan had been to get started later this afternoon, but ever since she’d cried in Nate’s arms earlier this morning, she hadn’t been able to find her oomph.

“If we go with this beige, everyone’s eyes will be drawn to the stained glass, which is exactly what we want. The whole goal is for people to remember that they’re taking classes with CallieDavis—not just any schmuck.”

Molly huffed out a breath. “Fine. Boring white-beige it is.”

Gwen rolled her eyes. “Some people can’t see the big picture. Stick with Callie and me, little sister.” She hooked her arm around Callie’s shoulders. “We’ve got this.”

Callie sent Gwen and Molly a small smile. Typically, she loved the Carter sisters’ banter, but today her stomach was raw and she craved quiet.

Molly frowned. “What’s going on with you? You’ve been walking around like a zombie since you got here.”

Callie shrugged, not wanting to talk about her horridly vivid dream. “Nothing.”

Molly’s left eyebrow winged up. “You’re a terrible liar.”

Gwen frowned as she tightened her hold around Callie. “Leave her alone.”

“Callie knows I’m just trying to joke her out of her funk. It usually works.” Molly stepped closer as her eyes filled with concern. “You and Nate are okay?”

Gwen stood taller. “You and Nate haven’t been okay?”

Callie shook her head. “We’re good. My case has been a little tough…” She blinked as tears started swimming in her eyes. “Nate’s been working really hard. And now he has all this other stuff to deal with too.”

“Callie.” Molly flanked her other side. “What’s going on?”

She swallowed, battling back against the turbulent emotions determined to break free. “I had a dream this morning,” she finally confessed.