Harbour Falls (A Harbour Falls Mystery #1)(92)

My father cleared his throat and said softly, “Madeleine, what kind of mess have you gotten yourself into? This whole thing is just some kind of a misunderstanding, right?”

“Of course,” I reassured him. “But I can’t explain everything just yet.”

My dad’s brow creased. “I hope you’re not withholding information from the detectives.” He sounded bewildered, an emotion he rarely expressed. “I’ve known those guys for years. They’ll do right by you, sweetheart, but you have to level with them. Tell them everything. They don’t believe you really hurt that boy.”

I wasn’t so sure about that, especially when it came to Detective Crowley. I must have looked skeptical, because my dad reiterated, “You can’t keep secrets, Madeleine. These men can help you only if you’re honest with them.”

“I will tell them, uh, everything,” I said without conviction, and then added in a whisper, “Later.”

My dad obviously didn’t hear my last word, because he launched into his next order of business. “How does Adam Ward fit into all of this?”

I started off by explaining that I was actually in a relationship with Adam—a relationship that was getting serious. But, as expected, this hardly comforted my father.

“Maddy, you promised me you’d stay away from that guy. And now you’re telling me you’re involved with the man? Unbelievable.” He shook his head disapprovingly.



“Dad, yes,” I hesitated and then just laid it on the line. “I’m in love with Adam. And he loves me. I’m sorry if that hurts you, but it’s the truth.”

“But, honey, he may be a murder—”

I held my hand up, stopping him in mid-sentence. “Don’t say it. Please. I can’t hear it from you.” I begged with my eyes. “He’s not who you think he is.”

My father looked doubtful but held his tongue, so I continued, “Look at what’s happening to me right now. You see how easy it is for someone to become a suspect for something they had nothing to do with…” I trailed off, and then the tears began to fall.

My father pulled me into a hug. “I love you, Maddy.” He patted my back. “I’m just worried.”

“I know,” I mumbled. “I love you, too, but you’re going to have to trust me on this one.”

The mayor and I ended up reaching a truce. As long as I didn’t ask for his outright blessing, he’d refrain from voicing his objections to my burgeoning relationship, particularly in the presence of Adam.

Speaking of Adam, I was anxious to reunite. But when we opened the door and stepped into the hallway, neither he nor my attorney were there. I told my dad I’d check for them in the front lobby, but the mayor said he had something he needed to do elsewhere in the station—speak with Detectives Mitchell and Crowley. Presumably to find out exactly where they stood on the question of my guilt, and I was sure he wanted to see what he could do to assuage their suspicions.

After we said our farewells, my dad walked down the corridor to the detectives’ offices. And I went to the front lobby, where I found Adam—a weary-looking but still insanely gorgeous Adam.

“How’d it go with your father?” he asked, as I went to him and leaned my forehead against his chest. He wrapped his arms around me, making me feel infinitely better.

“It went as well as could be expected,” I answered. “Just don’t expect the mayor to be giving you the key to the city or anything,”—Adam chuckled—“but I think he’s willing to give you a chance.”



I hope he gives you a chance, I thought, but left unsaid.

Stepping back I noticed Hoffman was nowhere to be seen. I cast a curious glance to Adam, and he explained that my attorney had gone back over to Harbour Falls. I was certain we’d be discussing more tomorrow, but it felt good to be done for now. It had been a long, trying day, and I was sick of talking about the events that had transpired. I just wanted to go home.

Adam and I stepped out into the cold, biting air. The promise of winter resonated as we made our way to the parking lot.

Adam was kind of quiet, so I asked, “Aren’t you wondering what went down in the interrogation room? I kind of figured you’d be expecting a blow-by-blow account.”

Adam gave me a tight smile. “Elliot already filled me in.”

“Oh,” I replied. “Um, does that mean he told you, uh, everything?”

I felt a little conflicted. I mean, yeah, I realized Adam was paying the man, but Elliot Hoffman was still my attorney. What about attorney-client confidentiality and all that?

Adam must have guessed my thoughts, because he exhaled loudly and said, “Maddy, if you want to stay out of jail, it’s imperative I stay abreast of all the developments.” I sensed a flash of annoyance as he finished speaking, but he put his arm around me nonetheless and kissed the top of my head. Maybe I was just imagining things.

When we reached the first row of cars in the parking lot, I halted, suddenly realizing we had no transportation. “Wait,” I said. “How are we supposed to get home?”

Adam had said Hoffman picked him up at Cove Beach and drove them both to the police station here in Harbourtown. Or so I assumed. In any case Hoffman was gone, leaving us with no options. Then again I knew Adam had cars at his disposal here on this side of the water too. So who knew?