Shay straightened and pushed to her feet. I felt the loss instantly and down to my very marrow. But she kept hold of my hand, her fingers still twined with mine. I stood and followed her towards the boat.

The man, who I assumed was the sheriff, disembarked. “Morning, Shay.”

“Morning, Sheriff.”

He gave her a small smile, but it was strained around the edges. “I’ve told you time and again, call me Parker.”

I studied the man a little more intently with the voicing of that statement. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, tall and broad as if he might have been a linebacker in high school. Parker turned his attention to me and extended a hand. “Sheriff Parker Raines, but you can call me Parker. I’ve been meaning to stop by and introduce myself, but time got away from me. I’m sorry I’m doing it now under less than stellar circumstances.”

Something about Parker’s demeanor eased a bit of the tension thrumming through me. “Brody James. Why don’t we head up to the house and talk there? I’ve got coffee.”

Parker nodded. “Never turn down a cup. Lead the way.”

Shay had to let go of my hand as we made our way up the path, but she stayed close, lending me her silent support. I could feel the crew’s eyes as we made our way past the studio site, and I gave Hunter a small shake of my head when he raised his brows in question.

“Looks like an impressive project,” Parker said.

“Art studio. Hunter and his team have done an incredible job.” I just didn’t know if I’d ever be able to use it after this.

“They do some of the best work on the islands, that’s for sure.”

I pulled open the door to the main house and ushered Shay and Parker inside. Shay made a beeline for the kitchen, busying herself with preparing the coffee. “Do you guys want anything besides coffee? I could make you an early lunch. Sandwiches or a salad—”

I gave Shay’s arm a squeeze. “I think coffee is fine.”

“Sure is,” Parker echoed.

“Do you want me to leave?” Shay asked.

Parker glanced in my direction. “It’s up to you.”

“Stay.”

With that single word, she slid into the breakfast nook, leaving a spot just big enough for me. Parker eased into the opposite side. It took a moment for me to force myself down. Because I knew the moment I did, the questions would start. I kept my gaze on Shay as I finally sat, as though she could lessen what was to come.

Parker cleared his throat. “I take it Shay filled you in on what happened on Anchor.”

“She did. We were just about to head up to the house to give you a call when she saw your boat.”