***
“Sloan!” Allison grabbed his arm, as he opened his truck door. “Wait a minute.”
“Not now, Allie.” His stomach was in knots and his heart felt like it had been shattered into a million pieces.
“Don’t do this. Don’t let Grace get away.”
“I don’t think she’s allowed to leave town. She’s under investigation.”
Allison narrowed her eyes on him. “That’s a dick thing to say. “
Sloan glared. “Stay out of this.”
“Don’t let the best thing you’ve ever had get away.”
He laughed. “Are you joking? She’s the same as Felicia. She lied to me. She knew I was a cop and knew I had a commitment to uphold the law and she still lied to me.”
“If Grace lied, then she had a good reason for it.” Allison pointed her finger in his chest. “And if you are stupid enough to let her get away without hearing her out, then it’s your loss.”
He gritted his teeth. “Since you’re team Grace why don’t you stick around and give her a ride?” He slid into his truck and slammed the door.
“I will!” Allison screamed and marched into the police station.
***
“I don’t know if you should go, honey.” Tabitha flung herself across Grace’s bed. “There might be torches and pitchforks. You never know with these crazy country people.”
Allison had given Grace a ride home after she’d talked to the police chief. The only other police officer that was in that meeting was Mitch. They’d listened to what she’d said and told her to go home. They reminded her not to leave town.
Tabitha had arrived a few hours later with wine and margaritas. As much as grace wanted to drink herself into oblivion, her stomach couldn’t take it. She’d managed half a margarita before she’d thrown up.
Her friends had stayed with her, comforting her and encouraging her to call Sloan. Not once had they asked why she’d faked her death, even though Grace knew Tabitha was dying to find out. Every time Allison left the room she shot Tabitha a warning look not to pry.
They didn’t need to ask. They would all find out soon enough. After she had talked to the police chief and Mitch, she’d asked if they would call some kind of town meeting.
In a few short hours everyone would know her past.
“I think she should go. Give her side of the story.” Allison patted her arm and smiled.
“I’m going. Although I’m not sure if the right people will be there.”
“Don’t worry. I called Mitch and told him to make sure to get Sloan to the meeting.” Allison squeezed her arm.
“Thanks.” Grace blinked back the tears and turned away. “He’s not answered any of my calls. I don’t even know if what I have to say will change his mind.”
“Well, if he doesn’t, I’m going to kick him in the balls for being a dickhead.” Tabitha downed the rest of the wine.
“We should probably be leaving. The meeting starts soon.” Allison grabbed Grace’s bag and handed it to her.
“I can’t believe you’re being so nice to me after I lied to you and to your brother.”
“Honey, we all make mistakes. Besides I have a hunch about people. You’re still good people to me Grace.” Allison smiled.
Grace pulled her friend into a hug. “Let’s get going.”
Tabitha held up her bottle of wine. “Hey, do you think it will be okay if I take this?”
Chapter Ten
Grace clutched her hands together as she sat in the front row of the meeting in the First Baptist Church of Cloverton. It was the only place large enough to seat the majority of the town, and it was standing room only.
Tabitha and Allison had made Grace sit between them so they could act as a buffer. Despite that, she still heard all the whispers from the crowd.
Tabitha leaned across Grace. “Hey, Allison. Hold my cup while I pour my wine out of my purse.”
Allison pursed her lips. “Are you crazy? You’re in church.”
“So?” Tabitha tried handing her the cup again.
“So? You can’t drink in church,” Allison hissed.
“I forgot. It’s Baptist.” Tabitha sighed. “They should have had it at the Catholic church. Those people know how to drink.”
The police chief stood and rapped his gavel across the pulpit. “People, settle down. Quiet now.”
The deafening silence washed over Grace, making her tremble. She clenched her hand in her lap and prayed for the strength to follow through.
“As you all know there have been some things that have been brought to light.” The Chief’s gaze drifted to Grace and then fluttered away. “This meeting has been called so that we can get some answers to our questions.”
He cleared his throat and spoke. “Before everyone jumps up and tries to talk at once, I’m setting down some ground rules. Whoever is speaking will be allowed to speak without interruption. Once they are done, you can ask whatever questions you want, one at a time.” He narrowed his eyes at the crowd. “Is that clear?”
No one spoke so apparently everyone was in agreement.