A Deep and Dark December(61)

“Pax has to question us.”

“We’re suspects?” The hits just kept coming. “I thought you said he killed himself.”

“He did. It’s a formality.”

“Wait. Why does he want to question you?”

He pulled her into him. She let him, needing his strength.

“Pax knows about us,” he said, rubbing her back.

The insinuation sank in, bringing with it crushing dread. “Everyone’s going to know. They’ll think…”

He brought her head against his chest. “Yeah. I know. I wanted you to be prepared.”

She pushed against his chest, out of his arms. “Prepared? They’re going to blame me for Keith’s death. I break up with him, take up with you, and the next day Keith kills himself. How in the hell do I prepare to have the whole town hate me? They’ll think I’m a whore. Oh, God.” She fisted her hands in her hair. “Oh, God.” She bent over. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Erin. Babe, don’t.” He took her by the shoulders, pulling her upright. “Don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault.”

“I’m not upset because I blame myself, you idiot. Keith couldn’t have cared less about me. He didn’t do this because of me. I know that. If anything, he did it because of you.”

He looked surprised. “Because of me?”

“He knew you were going to question him about Deidre.”

“You think he killed her?”

“No… I don’t know.” She threw her hands up, paced away, then back. “Actually I do know. Keith didn’t kill Deidre. It wasn’t him I saw in my visions. Graham, this is bad. This is really, really bad.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think he might have known who killed Deidre. Or at the least, suspected.”

“Why?”

“He was afraid, panicked. He knew you were going to question him, but I don’t think he was afraid for himself. What if he knew who killed Deidre and was killed because of it?”

“Erin, the house was locked when I got there. I saw no signs of a struggle.”

“I could use my ability. Focus on Keith and maybe I’ll get something—”

“No. It’s too dangerous.”

“Why not? Last time I used it I was fine. This could give us the break we need to solve Deidre’s murder and Keith’s, too.”

“Erin, stop it. Just stop.” He reached a hand out to her, his voice gentling. “Come here.”

She looked down at his outstretched hand. It blurred. She blinked, her vision watery. “I’m not crying.”

“Okay.”

“I never cry.”

“I know, Babe. You’re very brave.” He stepped closer. “Come here.”

She fell into his chest and he held her. Tears slipped down her cheeks, wetting his shirt. He bent over her, seeming to need the contact as much as she did. Sighing, he snuggled her closer. She fisted his shirt, trying to get a hold of herself. Why was she crying over Keith? She didn’t love him. It was all just too much, she guessed. Her aunt, her father, Deidre, Greg, and now Keith. What was happening with her ability? Not to mention the hot sex with Graham. He’d scrambled her brain and made her want things. Turned her world upside down.

And yet here he was, so strong and sweet. He drew her in closer, hugging harder as if he needed her just as much as she needed him. Maybe more.

“Graham?”

“Hmm?”

She pulled back to look up at him. “There’s something else you’re not telling me.”

“My dad’s down in emergency.”

“What? Why aren’t you with him?”

Pressing his lips together, his gaze moved to a spot just beyond her ear. “They’re running tests.”

“Is he going to be okay? What happened?”

“He’ll be fine. Why don’t we get a cup of coffee or something?” He released her and moved toward the door. “Maybe lunch.”

Something was off with him. “Graham, stop. Tell me what’s really going on.”

*

Graham wasn’t about to tell her the things his father had said about her. She’d been through so much. He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at her, really looked. Her face was flushed, her eyes overly bright. He wasn’t going to add to her worries especially with the problems she’d been having with her ability. Her ability. Damn it.

“Did you say you’d used your ability without a problem?” he asked. “When was this?”

Her eyes went wide. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“You must have misheard me.” She shifted, jutting out her chin. “Why are you changing the subject?”

He folded his arms across his chest. “Why are you changing the subject?”

They stared at each other across the small room, squaring off. He was for damn sure not going to tell her about his father and he could see she wasn’t going to confide in him about her latest vision. So where did that leave them?

Her gaze skidded past him to the door. “I should go check on my aunt.”

He cleared his throat. “I should probably check on Pop.”