Strange Medicine (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #1)(41)

“Oh, well. I wouldn’t want to impose.” It wasn’t that I hated the idea of staying with him. In fact, I kind of liked the concept of being around him more. But would he end up disliking me if he spent too much time around me? I tended to rub people the wrong way.

“It wouldn’t be an imposition.” He cleared his throat. “You can stay until they patch up that hole in your wall. But it was just a suggestion. If you’d rather stay at a hotel, I understand. You’d have more privacy in a hotel, and I get the feeling you like your privacy.”

He moved away and leaned into his car to talk over his radio. I stood where I was, wrestling with my insecurities. Was he inviting me because he felt sorry for me? Or was he inviting me because he wanted to get closer? I wasn’t even sure what I felt about the latter. I hadn’t come to Rainy Dale looking for a relationship. But it seemed I’d inadvertently fallen into something with Royce. I could also tell neither one of us quite knew what this was between us. It wasn’t just sexual attraction, although that was how it had started for sure.

He headed back into the house, and I followed, still holding the puppy. Grumpy licked my chin as I hovered outside on the porch. Royce strung yellow caution tape across the entrance to the hallway that led to the kitchen. I glanced toward the road as another vehicle pulled up with its lights flashing.

A sandy-haired deputy walked up to me, and he tipped his hat. “Howdy.”

“Hello,” I responded.

The deputy paused and rubbed the puppy’s ear. “Hey, Grumpy. You investigating now too?”

I laughed, and the guy smiled. Then he continued on into the house. I heard him talking with Royce, although I couldn’t make out what they said. After about fifteen minutes, Royce came back outside and took Grumpy from my arms.

He was close enough that his clean scent met my nose, and my stomach warmed. I cleared my throat. “You realize if I stay at your house people will talk, right?”

“They’re talking anyways.” Royce’s jaw tensed. “I’m being a good neighbor. If I was stuck living in a hotel, I’d sure appreciate it if someone took pity on me and offered me a clean bed. It’s the right thing to do.”

I had little doubt he meant what he said. He was definitely that kind of person—the type who’d looked out for his pals and make sure everyone was taken care of. But I’d also caught many gossipy whispers circulating about me and Royce. I knew there was no way to keep it a secret if I stayed with him; way too many loose lips and prying eyes around town to keep something like that hush-hush. But a part of me figured, if he didn’t care, why did I?

“Is the offer still open?” I asked hesitantly.

“You bet.” His voice was husky.

“Then I guess that sounds great. The Dusty Steer was clean but noisy.” I laughed self-consciously. “Plus, I’m feeling a little rattled. It would be nice to sleep, knowing I’m protected by a brave sheriff and his fearless dog.”

He huffed and shifted his feet. “Don’t know about that.”

“The sheriff part is right, but yeah, Grumpy would probably wet himself if an intruder broke in.”

He grinned, and my pulse sped up. “No doubt.” He watched as another car pulled up. “That’s my forensic guy.” He met my gaze. “I’ll give him some instructions, and then I’ll run you and the pup over to my place.”

“Okay.” I snapped my fingers. “Is it okay if I run in and grab a few changes of clothes, oh and my pillow?”

He frowned. “Your pillow?”

My face warmed. “I have a special pillow that helps align my spine.”

“Uh, sure.” He snorted.

I moved inside and trotted up the stairs to my room. The deputy had gone through the house, so I felt safe knowing no intruders were lurking, but all these things that kept happening made me more jumpy than usual. I grabbed my clothes and pillow, hurrying down the stairs to where Royce waited on the porch. He was speaking with a man I remembered from the night Ned had been murdered.

Once they finished talking, I followed Royce to his car. I got in and held Grumpy and my stuff while Royce climbed in too. He started the engine and pulled out onto the main road, making a U-turn and heading back into town. We passed Ned’s house, and I shivered as we drove by. I thought about the first time I’d met Ned and felt a little bad about how short-tempered I’d been.

“Have you guys made any progress on catching who killed Ned?” I asked.

“We’re working on it. I’ll be honest, it’s not going fantastic.” He sighed. “I know it’s connected to your house somehow, but I can’t figure out how.”

“I don’t feel safe anymore. After Ned was murdered, it took me a few days to relax, but now with that guy breaking in tonight, I almost don’t want to be there except during working hours when I have people with me.”

“That’s absolutely how it should be.” His voice was gruff. “I don’t feel comfortable with you sleeping there right now. Not until we catch whoever killed Ned and broke into your house.”

I sighed, wondering where I’d live if it took a while to catch the murderer. “Does Rainy Dale even have apartments?”

He chuckled. “We have senior apartments.”

“Oh, God.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m pushing forty, but I’m not quite ready for that.”