No One But You (Silver Springs #2)(21)

Petra hesitated as if she wasn’t sure whether to close the door, since Sly was outside. She settled for leaving it cracked open to suggest they’d only be a moment. “What’d you do?”

“Mommy!” Jayden came running as soon as he saw her.

She pulled him into her arms and hugged him tight as she answered. “I cleaned the kitchen while Dawson Reed worked on the farm.”

Petra lowered her voice. “So...why’s Sly with you? Nothing happened—nothing went wrong, did it?”

Sadie did her best to maintain a pleasant demeanor. “No. He was...worried when I stayed so late. That’s all.”

“I see. And now he’s...making sure you get home safely?”

“Apparently.”

Petra’s eyebrows knitted as if she understood that meant much more than Sadie was saying. “Divorce is so hard. Here’s hoping I never have to go through that.”

“You have no idea,” Sadie agreed.

Petra squeezed her arm for encouragement. “What time do you need me tomorrow?”

“Same time, if that’s okay. I have to be at Lolita’s by seven.”

“No problem. The kids have school, of course, so I get up early.”

“Thanks. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your flexibility.”

“We love Jayden. You know that.” She picked up a toy that’d been left on the floor. “So it’ll be another long day? You’ll be going out to the farm after the restaurant?”

Sadie let her son wiggle down. He was getting too big for her to carry for long, anyway. “Um...not sure, to be honest.”

She cocked her head. “Dawson doesn’t need you tomorrow?”

If he knew what was good for him, he’d find someone else to help him. But she couldn’t say where he stood on that decision. They’d left it sort of open-ended. “He told me he’ll let me know.”

“Okay. Text me when you find out. I’d like to take the kids on a nature walk, but if Jayden won’t be here, I’ll wait until he is so he doesn’t miss out.”

The gratitude Sadie felt for Petra brought a lump to her throat. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Of course!”

Jayden brought the bag Sadie sent with him whenever he came, but before Sadie could go, Petra caught her wrist. “I know Sly’s out there waiting for you, but... I’ve been dying of curiosity. What’s Dawson like?”

She thought for a moment. “He’s...determined.” Yes, she felt safe saying that, especially when she thought of the way he’d stuck it out in those fields.

“Somehow that isn’t what I was expecting you to say,” Petra said with a laugh.

Of course not. Everyone wanted to know if he was the killer he’d been portrayed as being. They were hoping for some small tidbit that might reveal more than what they’d seen on TV. The way he stares at me is so creepy... He sits around sharpening a knife all afternoon... He laughs about what happened... Something juicy and gossip-worthy like that. The good citizens of Silver Springs would be surprised to know all he did was work and work hard. “I think he’s innocent.”

Petra’s lips formed a surprised O. Sadie was surprised herself, especially by how committed she was to that belief, so soon. She had nothing more to judge by than anyone else. Not really. She’d worked with Dawson only one day, hadn’t even seen him much. But there was something about him that spoke of the kind of integrity a murderer would not possess. Maybe it was his devotion to his sister. Maybe it was the courage it must’ve taken to come back to this place. He could’ve sold the ranch and moved to friendlier climes, disappeared into the melting pot that was LA or some other urban center where he wouldn’t have to face the same recrimination.

Or maybe she believed he was innocent because he’d had the guts, even after all he’d been through, to hire her in spite of Sly. He’d stood up to her ex at the door, too, probably would’ve done more if she hadn’t intervened.

She admired him, and not only for his looks.

That was something she’d never expected...

“What makes you think so?” Petra asked, still eager for details.

“He’s a strong man,” she replied.

Petra grinned and began to fan herself. “No kidding. I’ve seen him on TV. What a hottie!”

“He has a nice body, but I mean he’s strong in his head and his heart. He doesn’t need to kill old people to get what he wants, doesn’t seem like he’d ever attack someone weaker.”

“Are you sure?”

She realized she was sounding like Aiyana, who’d proclaimed his innocence all along. “No. That’s just my opinion.”

“Well, it sounds like he’s managed to impress you.”

Sadie nodded. “And he wasn’t even trying.”

“I admit I sort of hope he’s guilty—or I would if you weren’t working out there. I’d hate to think of anyone going through what he’s been through as an innocent man.” Petra gave her a quick hug. “Good luck with Sly. Would you like me to walk you to your car?”

“No. I’ll manage on my own and deal with him at home.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow.”

Sadie slung Jayden’s bag over her shoulder and led him outside to find that Sly had gotten back into his patrol car. Jayden saw the car, too, had to know it was his father, and yet he didn’t run over to greet him.