Searching for Winslet (Fallport Rescue Operations #5)

Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

“Thanks, Chuck.” Winslet took the glass of wine that Chuck offered and took a big sip. The last four days had been the most grueling since she’d returned to Fallport.

Not even spending Christmas with her parents had been this hard.

And they could be brutal with all the fakeness on that holiday.

So far, the only thing that she knew about the bones that had been uncovered was that they were female. That the woman was approximately between thirty-two and thirty-five years of age. That she’d been shot in the chest.

Twice.

And that was not her original resting place.

But she needed a different kind of expert to help her with that, and the best in the field was fucking Shamus, and the damn State Forensics caught wind that he was headed in this direction.

So, of course, they wanted to call him in to consult.

Even though he didn’t do that often.

He’d had the nerve to text her with his travel plans. As if she cared when his plane landed or where he was staying.

“How are you holding up?” Chuck asked, leaning against the railing on his back porch. His two boys, ages eight and six, raced around the backyard while one of the teenage girls from the neighborhood played referee so the grown-ups could have a quiet evening without constant interruption from the kiddos.

Sometimes it was hard to believe that Chuck was married with two kids. Then again, he was a kind man with a big heart, even if others in this town saw something else.

“I’ve been hiding between my classes and working late in the lab,” Winslet said. She wondered if she should tell Chuck about the job offer. Or that she was seriously considering it. Well, one minute she was, and the next she wanted to race to the airport and buy a ticket to anywhere.

Three things were keeping her in Fallport.

Two she was willing to admit.

Stability and Tammy.

The third one was complicated, and it scared the crap out of her because it was not only unexpected, but it didn’t make sense. She worried Jett was a rebound. Or that maybe she was one of the many women he fell for because they needed help.

That was a pattern, and she wasn’t blind to it. Only, she really didn’t need his help.

She desired his support.

Fundamentally, there was a difference, but she worried he didn’t know that was the only thing she needed from him. Well, that and his… she would not finish that thought.

“And what exactly are we hiding from?” Chuck raised his beer and gulped. “I heard the latest rumor about your dad. I’m sorry, but she’s young and this one feels grosser than some of the others.”

“It’s disgusting. I’d almost rather he go back to fucking only married women, which seemed to be his thing. But someone only a few years older than me who just lost her husband? Ew.” She peered through the sliding glass doors. Leaving Jett alone with either Chuck or Renee could be a mistake. Didn’t matter they were the only people in this town she called friends these days, they were ballbusters.

Both of them.

They could also be fiercely protective of those they considered in their inner circle.

“And it’s so sad how he died,” Winslet said.

“Death by suicide is always difficult. That one shook this town. Her husband was this bubbly guy. Smiled and waved to everyone. He was kind of a dork and I feel like a shit for poking fun at him.”

“You couldn’t have known.”

Chuck nodded. “Bad segue, but you and the new guy?” He glanced over his shoulder. “That happened quick.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. We’re just neighbors and he’s been quite helpful with everything.” Winslet’s cheeks heated.

“Right. It’s me you’re talking to. You know. The guy who drove you up to see him five days ago. The one who you called to make sure it was me on duty as to avoid the whispers from the peanut gallery.” He poked her arm. “I understand privacy is important to you, especially in this town. But since when do you care what people think about your bed partners?”

Instead of responding to that statement, she opted to drink more of her adult beverage. It was a nice cab, and it went down smooth. She glanced at the sky. “Oh, look at the moon. It’s so pretty.”

“I’m not letting you avoid this. I know you, Winslet,” Chuck said. “We’ve been friends for a long time. You’re friends with my wife. We’ve shared a lot of things over the years. So, don’t go getting all weird on me now.”

“I just don’t want to talk about it.”

“Is this because of the married guy you were seeing that State wants to bring in?” Chuck lowered his chin and cocked his head. “Remember, if you tell Renee, it’s like telling me. And vice versa. We don’t have secrets. You know how she feels about that. And she told you she would share it with me anyway, so don’t play dumb. It’s not a good look on you.”

Truthfully, Winslet wasn’t upset that Renee had spilled the beans. Only problem was that Winslet herself had told too many people. It was one thing for her to inform the people that she and Shamus had spent time with when the affair had occurred.

But everyone else?

All that could lead to was someone getting in Shamus’ face or telling his wife, and that wouldn’t be good.

Especially for their kids.

She did honestly care about their well-being. They were innocent. They shouldn’t be pulled into adult drama. But they also deserved two present parents. And they certainly didn’t deserve to find out about their father the way she did.

It was a constant battle in her mind and heart about how to handle this situation. Winslet had no regrets in telling her mother. While it did put a strain on their relationship, at least her mom had the information. It was up to her to decide for herself as to what to do with that intel.

Winslet had no idea if Feya knew and that was the rub.

“It’s not about Shamus. Although, I’m worried about him coming here and he arrives Monday. While I want to hurt that bastard for the position he put me in, I don’t want to hurt his family. Only problem is I’m afraid I’m telling too many people on purpose.”

“I will never forget the day you and Renee found out that your dad was sleeping with her mother.” He smacked his hand against his forehead. “I’m the only one who ended up with a black eye while trying to break you two girls up and still, all I can think about is wanting to pour Jell-O over you both.”

“You’re a pig.” She punched him in the arm.

“I don’t deny that.” He chuckled. “Outside me, Renee, Emory, and Julie, who else knows?”

“My sister and her husband.”

“Seriously?” Chuck shook his head. “I adore your kid sister, but that’s a hot button for her. I don’t know if you know about?—”

“Oh, she told me and that whole thing is about to blow up, but it’s not my problem,” Winslet said.

“I feel bad for Anne, being pregnant and all. But honestly, she knows her husband has a wandering eye,” Chuck said. “Did you tell anyone else?”

“I might have told Zeke, Weston, Tal, Brock, Ethan, oh hell, the entire group of those guys.”

Chuck sucked in a long breath and closed his eyes for a couple of seconds before blinking them open. “None of them will say anything, but they aren’t going to be warm and fuzzy with this man.” He raised his hand. “I think you’re trying to get someone to leak the information because you’ve always believed the wife, or husband, should be armed with the information.”

“I have always maintained that position, but I was never the other woman. I don’t want to be a homewrecker.”

“You’ve always been the kind of person who takes responsibility for your own actions. I admire you for that. But you didn’t know when you started seeing him and he did lie to you.” Chuck squeezed her forearm. “What happened when you found out he was married?”

“That was it. End of affair. I never saw him again. But that doesn’t change the fact that he was a married man, and I was the other woman.”

“Perhaps not. But let’s be honest. You wouldn’t have gotten involved with him if you knew. That’s one hell of a big deal- breaker for you.” He clanked his beer against her wineglass. “If his wife finds out and she leaves him, it won’t be your fault. If you had stayed with him, I’d have very different words for you. I know you feel like you’ve done something wrong. But you haven’t. Shamus is the only one to blame in this situation.” He pointed toward the house. “I want to talk more about Jett.”

Winslet rolled her eyes. “Why?”

“Because in all the years I’ve known you, I’ve only seen you jump into two relationships with both feet. Me and Harvey.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” She lowered her chin. “We were kids and more best friends than boyfriend and girlfriend.”

“I’ll admit that you and I wouldn’t have gone the distance. Not because we didn’t care about each other.” He laughed, shaking his head. “You were my first love. Sounds kind of weird to say that, but it’s true.” He waggled his finger. “You are way too good at redirection. Sometimes I think you should have been a lawyer.”

She shrugged.

“My point is we went from zero to sixty in a second. You did the same with Harvey. But every guy after that, it was a snail’s pace, or you were just having a good time. Even with Shamus, it took you a few months to open up.” He rested his hand on her shoulder, giving it a good squeeze. “I know how that changed you. Why it changed you. It’s also why I’m a little shocked to see you dive right into the deep end with Jett.”

“You’re reading too much into it.” Except, he wasn’t. He was right on the money and Winslet knew it. A fact that terrified her because the last thing she wanted was a broken heart.

Or to break his.

“Am I? I see the way you look at him. The subtle way you lean your body into his. Or the way your hand brushes over his shoulder when you walk by.” He held up his hand when she opened her mouth. “And it goes beyond that. You’ve told him things you don’t tell anyone. You’ve pulled him in deep. And I know he’s done the same, and while he’s an open book, he’s not an emotional man.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“You’re making my point for me.” Chuck lowered his chin. “Look. I like the man. He’s a good person and good for you. But you tend to get weirded out when people accept life on life’s terms. Jett is that kind of man.”

Winslet didn’t need Chuck to explain the kind of human Jett was or how Jett processed life. She’d seen and felt it firsthand. But Chuck didn’t know the half of it. Or the wounds that were buried deep in Jett’s soul. Jett could accept reality all he wanted, but he still needed to feel the emotions that lingered in his heart.

And he had a few.

“Dad, can we go down the street to Timmy’s house?” Brodie asked. “A bunch of kids are getting together to play street hockey.”

“Elizabeth is still in charge. You know the rules,” Chuck said. “You best be nice to your little brother and be home by nine. Not a second later. Got it?”

“Yes, sir,” both boys said in unison.

“I’ll keep an eye on them.” Elizabeth waved.

“I got lucky when that girl’s family moved in next door. Just glad I don’t have a daughter. I’d be locking her up.” Chuck pointed his finger toward the sliders. “I’m starting to get a little jealous over what Jett and my wife could possibly be talking about this long. He’s quite the charmer.”

“Well, I doubt it’s limo rides and blow jobs,” she said, needing some comic relief in the conversation.

“As if you told him that.”

“He wouldn’t drop it. You left me with no choice.” She batted her eyelashes. “I mean, really, why the hell would you drop that bomb when you knew I was going up there to spend the night with him?”

“If I end up with another black eye before the night is over, I’m never speaking to you again.”

“Promise, promises.” Winslet laughed. But she had to admit, she was curious as to what Renee and Jett were so deep in conversation over while opening a second bottle of wine.

Or why it took so damn long.