She shook her head in disbelief. “How did you even…?”
“I hired a private investigator.” He wouldn’t apologize for it. At long last, he’d done what needed to be done to get Waylan out of her life for good. Even if it meant losing her.
It was the federal agents who hauled Waylan to his feet, one on either side.
“I’m pressing assault charges!” he shouted. “There are hundreds of witnesses.”
There were, indeed. Trey looked around at the gathered crowd, all staring and talking. The whole thing had become exactly the kind of spectacle Sandy abhorred. Well, he’d take responsibility for his actions.
Flexing his aching hand, he turned to Ethan. “I’m not sorry. Do what you need to do.”
The police chief glanced around the crowd. “Anybody see anything?”
“Not a thing, Chief.”
“Nope.”
“Forgot my glasses.”
“Anybody know if there’s more cake?”
Expression neutral, Ethan turned back to Waylan. “Looks like you’re short some of those witnesses.”
“This is an outrage. I’ll have your job for this!”
“Be hard to do that from Baltimore,” the female agent said. “Get your ass moving.”
As the crowd parted to let them through, Ethan looked down at Trey’s hand. “You should get some ice on that.” Then he fell into step behind the others.
Chapter 12
He’d disappeared.
After issuing a stiff apology to Sandy and the bride and groom, Trey had slipped away. She’d been busy attempting to get the party started again, and when she’d turned around, he was gone. What did that even mean?
“Are you okay?” Cam asked.
Sandy hardly knew. Her ex-husband had just been hauled off by the police—and federal agents, no less! What the hell had he gotten involved in? What had he brought to her town? As the mayor, she wanted to follow their newly minted Chief of Police to find out. As the mother of the groom, she wanted to do whatever she could to salvage the night for her son.
“Are you?” she countered.
“It was a helluva wedding present, seeing him get what he deserved.” Cam gave an apologetic shrug. “I know you hate scenes, but it’s worth it knowing he’s finally pushed too far. I don’t think he’ll be back.”
No. No, Trey had made sure of that.
What did it say about her that part of her had enjoyed seeing him lay Waylan out flat?
She owed Trey an apology and a thank you. She owed him a lot more than that. She’d ignored Waylan, treated him as the irritation he’d always been, and the situation had almost gotten away from her. But even after everything, Trey had been there. He’d stepped in. He’d had her back. And if she’d let him do it sooner, maybe things wouldn’t have come to a head in front of the entire town.
Someone had switched the music back on and spectators were beginning to drift back to the party. Sandy knew better than to think anybody would be talking of anything else for weeks, maybe months to come, but she hoped the actual tone of celebration could be reclaimed.
She wished she still felt like celebrating.
Norah slid an arm around her waist. “You should go find him.”
Did Trey even want to be found?
“It’s your wedding reception,” Sandy protested.