“Yeah, odd doesn’t necessarily make them criminal. But I’m keeping an eye on those two.”
Sara nodded. “I think that’s a good idea.”
“Thanks for going easy on Angel. I think Nick took his cue from you,” Rafe said.
“She didn’t mean any harm.”
“Now do you see what I mean about how hard it is to live here, everybody in everyone else’s business? To Angel, telling the Bachelor Blogger about you was just like telling her next-door neighbor.”
She curled her legs beneath her, getting more comfortable. “Actually, I think it’s kind of nice. Do you realize that in the city we rarely ever see our neighbors? We rarely see our friends unless we make a huge effort! Around here, people care about each other.”
“You don’t mind that Angel turned you in for her own selfish business reasons?” he asked.
“I’d care more if she did it to hurt me, but she had no idea I was hiding out here.” She met Rafe’s gaze. “I guess I just like the idea of having a place where I feel a part of things, you know?”
“Similar to how I realize I’m coming to like you hanging out with my family,” he admitted, his voice gruff.
She thought back to their earlier conversation about his ex-fiancée and how he hadn’t wanted to share her with everyone or expose her to the chaos that came along with his family. He’d drawn an unspoken distinction between her and Sara. She felt herself being pulled deeper into this small community and this loving family, and she didn’t know what to make of it—or them.
“I’m tired,” she finally said.
“It’s been a long day. We should get some sleep.”
“I’ll be right in,” she said, needing time alone to regroup.
And to remind herself that she didn’t do long-term relationships or commitment. That as much as she liked his family, she was a visitor passing through and would be returning to her solitary life very soon.
The thought didn’t bring as much comfort as it should have.
CHAPTER TWELVE
THE NEXT MORNING DAWNED bright and sunny, but the mood at the festival was dim. Word spread quickly that the pie-booth fire had been set deliberately, but the culprit was still at large. As a result, everyone was on edge, worried their booth might be next. Some parents kept their children home, and the carnival area was empty. It didn’t help that the smell of burnt wood lingered in the air, and red tape surrounded the area to keep people out.
With Rafe by her side, Sara spent the afternoon helping his family run the spice booth. She spent much of the day on a stool behind the booth thanks to the aching pain in her knee, a reminder that she had more to worry about than Morley sending men after her.
“What’s on your mind?” Rafe asked, coming up beside her.
She blew out a long breath. “My knee hurts. Up till now, I’ve kept busy enough that I haven’t had time to dwell on it.” She perched her chin in her hands and sighed.
He settled into an empty stool. As usual, he knew when to talk and when to back off, and right now he remained silent, offering support with his mere presence. But the anxiety she’d begun to feel still clawed inside her chest.
“If I don’t have my career, who am I?” The thought had occurred to her when she’d reinjured her knee and remained, always there, hovering.
“You’re a smart woman who is a lot more than her career. What did you major in?”
She thought back to her days in college. “Criminal justice and sociology.”
“All great stepping-stones. And you have great people skills. You could do counseling, be a social worker…. You could work within the department and not on the street.”
“A desk job?” she asked, horrified.
“When’s your next doctor’s appointment?” he asked, ignoring her panicked question. No doubt because he couldn’t imagine being sidelined, either.
She shrugged. “I have to schedule one when I get back to the city. But I know my body, and it’s not healing right. I can feel it.” She rubbed her swollen knee, an ever-present reminder that her future might be far different than the one she’d envisioned or planned.
Rafe wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. “Don’t panic until you have to,” he suggested. “I know you’re scared, but I guarantee you’ll find something equally rewarding if you can’t return to active duty.”
“Rafe!” Aunt Vi’s distinctive voice called out. Aunt Vi ran over to them, waving her hands.
“Sorry,” Rafe said.
Sara shook her head. “I was about finished with the subject anyway.” And she was grateful for the interruption.
Rafe rose, then held out a hand, helping Sara to her feet. “What’s going on?” he asked his aunt.
“Pirro has been acting very odd. He’s so quiet, which isn’t at all like him,” Vi said.
Rafe inclined his head. “I noticed the same thing last night. But the fire was enough to upset him, don’t you think?”
“Yes, but he’s been acting strangely for a while. It’s just worse now. And when we should be pulling together as a family, he’s more distant.” She pulled a tissue from her purse and blew her nose loudly.
“Maybe you’re worrying for nothing,” Sara said. “I realize it’s none of my business, but did you ever think of talking to your husband? I don’t know anything about being married, but I know plenty about divorce, and secrets are damaging to any relationship.”
“Which is why I asked Rafe to find out what’s going on with him!”
“Or you could just ask him outright.” Sara tried again to reason with Rafe’s aunt.
“I couldn’t! What if he is cheating? Do you think he’d tell me? And if he isn’t, I’ll do irreparable damage to our relationship by questioning his integrity! I need to know what I’m dealing with first,” the other woman said firmly.
Rafe grasped her hand in his stronger one. “I already promised to look into it for you, but you have to promise me you’ll calm down. Getting worked up like this isn’t good for you.”
Vi sniffed back tears. “I’ll try.”
“No, you’ll do it, or else I’m not helping you. You know you have to watch your blood pressure,” he gently chided.
Sara couldn’t contain her smile. Rafe liked to complain about his meddling, overreactive family, but deep down he adored them, and they relied on him for so much. Which was why he preferred living away from here, she realized now. When he was in town, he gave whatever they needed, but he had to leave to regroup, too.