Page 97 of Shattered By the Currents

Her jaw dropped. “He’s…he’s beenlisteningto me?”

“Whenever your phone is on, he can hear.”

Her face paled. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

He leaned closer. “Hey. It’s going to be okay. He’s not going to hurt you or anyone you care about.”

But he knew what she was thinking. That Xander hadalreadyhurt her. He’d threatened her and the people she loved. Violated her privacy.

A knock sounded at the door. Ward didn’t wait for a response before bursting into the room, a young male deputy behind him.

The sheriff cleared his throat. “Raven, good to see you awake.”

This time, Connor helped her sit up.

“Did you catch the person who released the gas?” she asked.

“Afraid not. We’re dusting for prints, but if the perp was wearing gloves, we won’t find anything.” He adjusted his belt. “You know who might have done this to you?”

Her gaze flicked to Connor before returning to Ward. “My ex-fiancé—Alexander Stevens.”

The deputy scribbled something in his book.

“Alexander? I’ve known that boy since he was a kid.” Ward shook his head. “He wouldn’t do this.”

“Hewould.”

“Why do you say that?”

Her mouth opened and closed, like she wasn’t sure how much she should say.

Connor set his hand on hers. “The asshole doesn’t like that she’s moved on.”

They couldn’t tell Ward everything. Not yet. Xander still had Sampson’s murder weapon, which had Raven’s prints on it. Her signature was also all over a money-laundering business. They had to find a way to prove her innocence before telling any law enforcement, particularly Ward, who would choose the easy way out and arrest her.

Ward’s eyes narrowed at Connor, like he knew there was more to the story, before looking back at Raven. “Anything else you’d like to share?”

She shook her head.

“Well, it’s not much for us to go on, so don’t expect any miracles.” Ward glanced around the room, annoyance in his eyes. “We’ll let you know when we have an update.”

As Ward headed out, Connor pressed a kiss to Raven’s temple. “I’ll be right back.” He followed the sheriff out. “Ward.”

The older man turned. “Yes?”

“There was also a shooter in the forest.”

“What are you talking about?”

Connor pushed up the sleeve of his sweater to show Ward the bandage. “Bullet grazed my arm. I think Nathaniel Winters is helping Xander Stevens.”

“The kid who works at the bar?”

“He’s not akid. He’s an adult. And yes.”

“Why would they work together?”

“They’ve been close since high school. Nathaniel’s helping his friend.”