Planted right in front of him, staring up like a daisy at the sun, was Vee. While he glanced at the other girls as he talked, he kept most of his attention on her. I hadn't thought to tell him that she'd approached me. He was just damned good at reading people. He'd even tailored the story to her, I realized, as she started asking questions about his gear and his favorite spots, and giving him suggestions.
As Adam talked, he glanced at the dining room doorway enough times for me to wonder whether my cover spell had failed. When I heard Megan's footsteps in the hall, I stepped forward. Adam glanced up, eyes meeting mine, and he grinned broadly enough to earn me scowls from the girls.
"Sorry to interrupt," I said. "I'm all done. I'll head outside. Whenever you're ready--"
"Right behind you," he said. Then to the girls, his voice filled with regret, "The boss calls, and I think yours is about to."
On cue, Megan stepped into the kitchen.
Adam turned his grin on her. "Sorry about that. They're all yours."
He thanked them for the cookies. I thanked Megan for letting me speak to Alastair. Then we were off. When we reached the Jeep, I glanced back to see Vee on the porch, watching us go.
"Score," I murmured.
Adam tossed me the keys, then jogged back across the yard, gaze on the ground, as if he didn't see Vee there. Near the porch, he reached down, scooping up some imaginary item he'd dropped, then saw her and gave a start.
"Hey, there," he said. "I was just thinking, I should have asked you about Gray River. Someone mentioned it was great rafting. Ever tried it?"
She came down off the porch to talk to him as I started the Jeep. I revved the engine, in case Vee was worried I'd overhear. They chatted for a while--long enough for me to get warm and put down the top.
"I feel so cheap," Adam said as he climbed into the passenger side.
"You love it." I put the Jeep in drive and rolled out of the yard. "That was probably the best reception you've had in years. Surprising, too. There's some stiff competition in this town. Cookie Cult Al. Sleaze-ball Cody. And Pickup Dude."
"Pickup Dude?"
I nodded toward the familiar pickup roaring toward us, muffler clattering. The driver waggled his tongue at me, yellow teeth flashing.
"It's close," I said. "But you get my vote."
"So do you want to know what Vee said? Or would you rather keep insulting me?"
"Just keeping that ego of yours in check. It's a full-time job."
"I know what that's like," he said with an arch look my way.
I swerved over just as agarden sprinkler arced our way. Adam swore and ducked, but didn't quite make it. As I veered back onto the road, he ran his hands through his hair, shaking his head, water flecking the dash.
"I'm sure there's a brush in the glove box," I said.
"Yeah, yours." He settled for finger-combing his hair, then settled back in his seat.
"So what'd Vee say?" I asked.
He glanced over, brows lifting.
After a moment, I sighed. "Okay, I apologize. Now, please, what did she say?"
"Well, she was a little late to the party. Megan sent her looking for the new girl, who seems to be hiding out. Can't blame her. That Alastair guy is seriously creepy."
"Agreed. Now, about Vee ..."
"She was late joining the others, meaning she walked past the office when you were interviewing the old guy. She heard him tell you that Ginny and Brandi had never come to the house."
"And she said they did."
"Yep. Megan and Alastair caught them snooping around one night when they were out tending to the animals. Vee saw the whole thing. Megan wanted to call the cops. Alastair said he'd handle it. He took Ginny and Brandi aside, talked to them, then came into the house and told Megan they wouldn't have any more problems. She still wanted to report it, but he was adamant. Said it would only cause trouble in the town. She backed down."