Through the wood-and-glass doors leading to the small office nook, he spotted Avery pacing with her cell phone plastered to her ear. She was talking to the dean of Harrison University, and from the crinkle of her brow, the phone call wasn’t going well.
Avery’s grandmother appeared in the doorway. Her hair was tucked into rollers and she wore a belted robe. She carried a tray loaded down with a carafe and slices of pie. “I’m about to turn in, but I thought you and Avery would like a late-night snack.”
He rose, took the tray from her hands, and placed it on the coffee table. “That’s kind of you, Mrs. Madison. Thank you.”
“Weston Donovan, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times. Call me Marla. Or Nana, if you prefer.” The harshness of her words were softened by the look of affection she sent his way. “Anyone who saves my granddaughter’s life has earned an honorary place in the family. I’m glad you’re watching out for Avery.”
“I’ll do everything I can to keep her safe. That’s a promise.” He glanced at Avery, still pacing in the office. “Although I wish I could do more. This case is weighing on her.”
Avery had been quiet for most of the day, and Weston knew she was hurting. Mike’s potential involvement had taken things to a new, personal level. He was a family friend who’d eaten at their dinner table, sat next to them in church, and attended her father’s funeral.
Marla tilted her head. “You help more than you realize, Weston. You’re working together and sharing the burden. I know the case isn’t moving as fast as either of you would like, but the Lord’s timing is sometimes not our own. That’s where prayer comes in.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll work on remembering that.” Weston gestured to the pot of tea. “Would you like me to pour a cup so you can take one up to Savannah? She wasn’t feeling well after dinner.”
“No. I checked on her a little bit ago and she was out like a light. Her husband, Henry, finally called today. Savannah’s had a lot of sleepless nights since his deployment. Hearing from Henry eased some of the worry she’s been carrying around.”
“I’m glad. I mentioned his deployment to my parents. They’re keeping Henry in their prayers.”
Weston had also asked them to pray for the entire Madison family. Every little bit helped. Marla said goodnight and shuffled out of the room. Cooper, Avery’s dog, came to sniff the pie, but Weston shooed him away.
The door separating the living room from the office nook opened. Avery came in. She tossed her cell phone on the coffee table and collapsed on the couch. The familiar scent of her wildflower perfume tickled Weston’s nose.
She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “The dean refuses to cancel classes. He says there isn’t enough proof the killer is targeting the university specifically and he’s launching a new media blitz to counter the bad publicity. To make matters worse, we have the annual open house coming up this weekend.”
“Open house?” Weston asked.
“It’s a huge event the university holds every year. Prospective university students visit the campus. There are football games, theater performances, and parties.” She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. “The dean sees money and future students. All I see are potential victims.”
Pain vibrated in her voice. It didn’t matter that Avery wasn’t responsible for the killer’s actions. Weston had come to realize she took the burden on herself. She cared. Deeply. It’s what made her a great cop.
He slid his hand over hers, unable to resist the need to comfort her. “We’re doing everything we can, Avery. I know none of this is easy for you. Especially now that Mike could be involved.”
She bit her lip. “I keep turning it over and over in my mind. We haven’t found anything connecting Mike to these murders.”
“No, but he also aided in the investigation. Mike could’ve destroyed evidence and covered his tracks. Every step of the way, he’s been informed of everything we know.”
Avery hesitated, then leaned closer until her head was resting on Weston’s arm. A quiet stillness settled over them. Her hair was freed from its usual knot and flowed over her shoulders and down her back. It shimmered in the light from the end table. Her feet were bare, the toenails painted a pale pink.
The intimacy of the moment struck him. Weston considered ignoring the shift in their relationship but decided against it. Too much was left lingering since their near kiss yesterday. And he had a feeling Avery needed honesty and transparency in her life.
“I have to tell you something,” Weston said. Heat climbed his cheeks. Just say it, man. Rip off the Band-Aid. “My feelings for you are growing beyond friendship.”
She sighed, long and low. “I feel it too. I’d be lying if I said otherwise, but it scares me.” She tilted her face to look into his. “The case has to take priority, and emotions are heightened. I don’t want to mess things up between us. The timing is terrible—”
The vulnerability in her eyes made Weston’s chest tight. “Your grandmother just reminded me that God’s timing is sometimes not our own. Which is where prayer comes in.”
“That sounds like her. It’s good advice.”
“It is. And, Avery, you aren’t the only one worried about messing things up.” Weston squeezed her hand gently. “I loved Melissa very much, and although a part of me wants to move on…I don’t know if I have it in me.”
Avery was quiet for a long moment, and Weston was at a loss for words. He didn’t want to hurt Avery. Ever. But he wouldn’t lie to her either.
“So essentially, you and I both think this is a terrible idea with bad timing and a questionable outcome.” Avery lifted her gaze
