Page 261 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Nate pressed his lips firm as he shook his head. “No. There was nothing you could have done for him, James. You did the right thing—calling in and letting Mac and Denny handle things.”

“It’s a damn shame. The rumors are flying,” James said, his voice growing hot with anger. “I heard the whispers when I stopped off for lunch at the diner—that he killed himself because he was the one causing the problems here on the island.”

Nate clenched his jaw. Apparently, Jeremy had decided not to keep their earlier conversation about the spray paint between the two of them.

“Some are even saying he might have had something to do with Callie’s mother, but I don’t buy that either. Bob’s been my neighbor for nearly fifteen years. He was never anything but good to Diane and the kids. He was my friend.”

“I can only say I’m sorry.”

“It’s bull,” James said, winding down.

“When was the last time you talked to Bob?”

“Few days ago, I think. Tuesday, I’m pretty sure. He and Lucky were out for one of their walks.”

“How did he seem to you?”

“Fine. Friendly. Normal Captain Bob. He’d bought Lucky a brand new jacket over on the mainland—a bright bold yellow one to replace the red one he’d had. He was always afraid…”

Nate gave James a moment when James choked up. “I’m sorry about this.”

James sucked in several steadying breaths. “I know you’re doing what you have to.”

“What was Captain Bob afraid of?”

“Of a hunter mistaking Lucky for a deer. The deer season’s short around here. You know that. And everyone seems to respect that, but Bob always worried about it. Why would he shoot Lucky, man? He loved that dog more than himself.”

And that right there was exactly why none of this was working for Nate. He thought of Michelle’s final conclusions after the autopsy—that Lucky had indeed suffered horribly before the fatal gunshot wound to the head. If the first shot went into Lucky’s side before the second approximately eight minutes later, it was hard to fathom Bob watching and listening to his dog suffering for so long. “I’m still looking into things, James. Hopefully I can find us all some answers. I appreciate your time. I’m sorry for your loss. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you and Diane.”

“I will. Thanks.”

Nate hung up and sighed as he scrubbed at his face with his hands.

There was a quiet knock on the door and Callie peeked her head in. “Am I interrupting?”

He looked up and sent her a small smile. “You’re the best thing I’ve seen since I left you.” He reached out his hand to her, needing her.

She walked to him, dressed in blue jeans and one of her Carter Island Deli and Bakery sweatshirts.

He pulled her down on his lap and hugged her tight, holding on and breathing in her shampoo.

She returned his embrace. “How are you?” she asked quietly, nestling her face in the crook of his neck.

“Better.” He eased back enough to look at her. “Now that you’re here.”

Her big blue eyes radiated with compassion and regret as she held his gaze. “I’m so sorry, Nate.”

He nodded. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

She shook her head. “You don’t have to be the head of law enforcement right now.” She cupped his cheeks and stroked his skin. “It’s just you and me here.”

He swallowed, suddenly struggling with his emotions as he let his guard down. “It was pretty bad.” He exhaled a long, shaky breath. “Probably one of the worst things I’ve seen.”

She rested her forehead against his. “What can I do? How can I help you make this a little better?”

He slid his fingers through her soft hair. “This right here is perfect.”

“I love you.” She kissed him once, then twice—long presses of her lips to his. “So much, Nate.”