Page 47 of Is Anyone Listening?
My stomach tightened. "What did she say?"
"That you have a podcast. That you're investigating Natalie Warren's disappearance, while pretending to be writing a book about inns."
His tone was flat, and I couldn't tell what he thought about our lie. So, I turned the focus back to Nathan. "You said Nathan regretted talking about the ring?"
"He was worried she'd talk about it on the podcast."
"So, what did he do?"
"He started backtracking, saying it wasn't really that expensive of a ring; he didn't even think it was a real diamond."
"Was he nervous because he'd stolen the ring, or because the fact that he had it might make him look like someone who might have had a hand in her disappearance? Maybe he didn't find the boat by accident. Maybe he knew exactly where it was. Or maybe he was responsible for Jessica's disappearance."
"That's a lot of maybes," Finn muttered. "I don't believe Nathan hurt Jessica. I think it's more likely he found a ring and kept it for himself."
"You should tell Sheriff Holloway about the ring. It could be an important clue to a woman's disappearance. I'm surprised you haven't done that already. Unless you're protecting your friend. Or maybe you're a part of it?"
"I'm not a part of anything. And I called Tom this morning."
His words took me by surprise. "What did he say?"
"That Nathan is a big talker, and he didn't believe a word of it."
"Because he doesn't want to believe anything that would make people look for Jessica."
"The sheriff does seem determined to downplay the circumstances surrounding both women," he admitted. "I told him to talk to Nathan, but I don't know if that will happen."
I leaned forward, fixing him with my most determined look. "What happened to Tessa on that boat, Finn? Why can't she remember the day?"
His lips tightened. "I've been wondering about that, too. I went downstairs for a few minutes. I had to make a call, but I didn't have reception on my cell, so I used the satellite phone. I was only gone about ten minutes, but when I got back it felt like Tessa was starting to slur her words. She laughed about it and said she must have had too much to drink. And then she curled up on a bench and napped as we sailed back to the harbor."
"She was dozing on the boat and then in your car, and you didn't think that was strange?"
"I did think it was off, but she woke up and we walked to my car, and she just seemed really relaxed."
"Do you think Nathan drugged her?"
"I really don't want to think that."
"Well, we're going to find out, because they took a toxicology screen at the hospital, and the results will probably be back later today. If you're trying to protect Nathan or yourself?—"
"I already told you I spoke to Tom. Does that sound like I'm protecting myself?"
"I have no idea which side Tom is on. It certainly doesn't seem like he's trying to find anyone. And no one in this town wants to challenge him."
"It's complicated."
"Is it complicated?" I challenged. "I understand that tourism drives the local economy, but we're talking about the lives of several women."
He gave me a long look, then got to his feet. "I can't say you're wrong about the lack of investigation, Cassidy, but your podcast won't change that."
"Maybe it will. With enough public pressure, the sheriff will be forced to reopen these cases, and you should be part of that pressure. If Natalie and Jessica are safe, great. If they're not, then whoever hurt them needs to be brought to justice. The truth is not the enemy."
"Sometimes it is," he said heavily. "Sometimes it comes with a double-edged sword. The truth is never as simple as you want it to be."
Chapter Thirteen
The truth was never simple…
