“Thanks.”
We hung up and I concentrated on the road. Burnsville was a small, Sleepy Hollow type of town. It was so miniscule, no one had ever heard of it. The crash site was easy to spot with all the flowers, charred ground, and yellow tape. I didn’t want to imagine Hadley’s life ending there, but it was staring at me, right in the fucking face. There was no goodbye, or one last touch. She was simply . . . gone.
As soon as I got out of the car, all I could do was stand there. My feet wouldn’t take me any closer. I thought I could handle it, but I was wrong. Dropping to my knees, I punched the blackened ground, over and over. The throbbing ache in my chest was almost too much for me to take.
Placing my hands on the ground, I closed my eyes and squeezed them tight, trying to hold back the tears. “I’m sorry, Hadley. I’m so fucking sorry.”
A car door slammed and the sadness turned to rage. Why couldn’t I have one fucking minute to think without someone interrupting me? Getting to my feet, I swiped at my eyes and turned around. “What are you doing here?” I growled, glaring at the inconsiderate cocksucker headed my way.
Nick sighed and approached cautiously. “I followed you. I told you I wanted to help. Plus, I think there’s some things you need to know.” His gaze landed on the charred ground and he froze. “I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be to come here.” Tears flooded his eyes and he cleared his throat, looking away.
I snapped my fingers in front of his face, drawing him back. “Focus! What do I need to know?”
“I was at the station this morning and Mr. Rivers was there. I overheard him on the phone saying he was leaving for a couple of days but he’d be back for the funeral. Why would he be leaving when his daughter was just killed?”
“Fuck if I know. He’s a busy man.”
His brows furrowed and he shook his head. “Too busy to grieve over his own daughter? No. It’s strange. He’s not exactly acting like a father who just lost his daughter.”
“What exactly are you saying?”
He shrugged. “I think you might be right. Something about Hadley’s death is wrong and I don’t like how everyone’s brushing it off as an accident. I heard some of the guys at the station say you’re one of the best undercover cops around. Is that true?”
Turning on my heel, I stormed back to the car and opened the door. “If I was, this never would’ve happened.”
“Then let’s figure this shit out.”
“Don’t you need to go take care of your sister and handle the paparazzi or something?”
His jaw clenched. “Stop being a dick and let me help you. I’ve known her for years and if I’m able to help in even the smallest capacity, isn’t it worth keeping me around?”
We stared each other down, but I could see the determination in his eyes. He loved her too. “Fine. Get in my way and I’ll break both your legs. Let’s see how you play hockey then.” I got in my car, and of course, fuckhead followed me to the motel; it was the only one in the small town. One thing was for sure, I wasn’t leaving until I had my answers.
“Are you going to be up my ass the entire time?” I opened the door to my room and Nick brushed past me.
“Have you heard anything?”
“No, I haven’t. It’s been three hours. Now calm the fuck down.” I slammed the door and sat back down at my computer.
Blowing out an angry breath, he ran his hands through his hair and paced. “I’m trying. I don’t see how you’re all calm about this.”
I glared at him. “I’m calm because I have to be. I can’t do my job being irrational and angry.” I wanted to be angry and beat the shit out of things, but I couldn’t.
Nick sat on the bed and lowered his head. “I just never thought she’d be taken away from me.”