There were so many people at this studio today, so many of them were my loved ones—and here danger was lurking around the corner for Candace Cottonwood.
That woman who looked as if she could be my reflection runs through my mind, and I can’t help but wonder if both Lyla Nell and I are in danger, too.
Noah
The Ashford County Sheriff’s Department sticks out like a white stone in a sea of gravel. Inside, the air conditioning is on a little too high, it smells of cologne and perpetrators, and the sound of Carlotta cussing up a storm has every deputy here on edge.
I spot Everett talking to Fiona Dagmeyer, his defense attorney for his upcoming trial, and she just so happens to be his ex, too. Although she was never really his girlfriend. Everett specialized in one-night stands more than he did relationships, which is exactly why I seem to be forever suspicious of his intentions with Lottie.
Intentions.
I should laugh at that. I know he cares, and it does seem genuine, but I guess I can’t get my head out of the past. I know I wounded his ego pretty bad back in the day. A part of me has always suspected that, in the beginning at least, his sudden need to land Lottie Lemon as his one and only had something to do with the fact she was my one and only. And who knows? Maybe along the way he fell head over heels. It’s not hard to do when Lottie is involved. He’d be an idiot if he didn’t. And if Everett is anything, he’s no idiot. That seems to be my department.
“What’s going on?” I nod as I come upon them.
Fiona takes a breath and offers up one of her bloodthirsty smiles. Her dark hair is pulled back into a tight bun, her features are sharp, her cosmetics are caustic, and she’s head to toe in black. Fiona Dagmeyer has always reminded me of a classic cartoon villain. And to be honest? She seems much more Everett’s speed in general than Lottie.
Everett takes a moment to glare at me. It’s been his go-to greeting with me for as far back as I can remember.
“Fiona’s not interested in taking on Carlotta,” he says. “This is where you come in. Go over there and make this go away.”
“It will go away because she didn’t do it.” I offer Fiona a short-lived smile. “Not to worry. Your services won’t be needed as far as Carlotta is concerned. This is just routine, a few questions and she’ll be out of here. I’ll drive her home myself. What’s going on with this goon’s trial? Are you ready?”
She pumps out a light laugh. “I’m not worried about Essex’s trial. The defense you dreamed up was brilliant. So much so that I think I should hire you on as a consultant.” She offers a quick wink my way. “So I hear there was no resolution as far as the paternity goes.” Her crimson lips purse. “How in the world that girl wrangled you both, I will never know. But I suppose one of you gets to walk free soon enough.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Everett flickers the hint of a smile my way, and I have no doubt he’s mocking me in every way.
“I’m immoveable,” I tell him.
“Really?” He inches back with an amused look on his face. “Because I’m pretty sure Lemon removed you almost a year ago.”
Fiona chuckles. “No wonder she keeps the two of you around. You’re ceaseless entertainment for her. Who wouldn’t want a warring set of brothers? And don’t tell me you’re not—I’m painting you that way for the trial. Feuding old stepbrothers who work tirelessly to get under one another’s skin.” Her eyes narrow over mine. “The entire defense strategy relies on this, Noah. Let’s hope that stunt the two of you just pulled was viewed by more than one potential juror. Arguing? A spontaneous fistfight? Keep up the good work. The more public feuds the better. Once the jury sees how volatile your relationship is, how desperate Essex is to hang onto his wife—the fact that this war of yours had seeped into his subconscious, it will be all that much more believable.” She glances his way. “I’ll stop by that bakery your wife runs and we’ll talk again. I’ll admit, the woman knows how to make a mean dessert. And apparently, a cute baby.” She blinks a smile at me. “Essex showed me pictures. I suppose congratulations are in order for one of you. When you unravel the genetic mystery, let me know. I’m curious as to what the outcome will be for the three of you. You’re a runaway train at best. I’ve seen enough of the world to know this is going to get messy.” Her lips twitch toward Everett. “Does he know?” she asks lower than a whisper, and Everett shakes his head just enough.
She says goodbye and whisks off, leaving a thick trail of strong perfume in her wake.
“Do I know what?”
Everett gives a dark look in her direction. No doubt regretting she ever brought it up.
“Nothing. I’ll see you back in Honey Hollow with Carlotta.”
He starts to take off and I hold out an arm to block his path.
“What the hell is going on?”
He sighs as if he was considering his options. “Nothing you need to worry about.”
“It’s about that hit the Canellis put out on you, isn’t it?”
Let’s just say the Canellis didn’t take too kindly to the fact Everett moved Florenza’s body. She was their blood, and dead or alive you don’t mess with them.
Everett glances down before his eyes do a survey of the room.
“I’m right,” I say. “So tell me, what’s new? Did they make you dance again by way of bullets? Another car bomb? It’s me, Everett. You don’t need to keep this a secret. If you’re
