Secrets Among the Cedars (Intertwined Book 2) by Sherri Wilson Johnson Page B

didn't someone tear it down? It was quite an eyesore.
    "Kathryn! Hey, wait up."
    Kathryn turned around as Phil jogged toward her in cargo shorts and a black tank top. A gust of wind tousled her hair, and the sight of him, glistening with sweat, almost knocked her over.
    "You admiring the old shack?"
    She returned her gaze to the remnant of something that had possibly been beautiful once. "I guess. It must have some sentimental meaning around here or else someone would've torn it down by now. Looks like the ocean is taking care of business."
    "Yeah, I'll have to tell you the story behind that some time. What've you been up to since lunch?"
    "I went for a swim and decided to bring Sadie for a walk to process things."
    "Making any headway?"
    "Well, I—" She twisted her toe into the sand.
    He held up both hands. "I know. You can't tell me anything until you do my background check."
    Kathryn nodded. What more could she say?
    "Did you get my email?"
    "When?"
    "About an hour ago."
    "No, sorry. What's up?"
    "I've got to tell you something about the case. I hope it'll prove to you how trustworthy I am."
    She pushed her hair away from her face, but the wind whipped it back again. "Okay...don't be so mysterious."
    "Can we sit?" Phil motioned to a large rock on his left.
    “Sure.” Kathryn sat and pulled Sadie to her side. Sadie tugged away from Kathryn and plopped down beside Phil. The gulf ebbed and flowed at their feet, sea grass swayed in the current.
    Phil sighed and rubbed Sadie's ears. "I have to tell you something, but I need you to remain calm."
    "Calm?" Kathryn gulped and wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. She stiffened her back and rubbed the back of her neck. This didn't sound good.
    Phil squeezed his hands together and then laced his fingers. "Earlier, you let the name of your suspect slip."
    "Yes, I know. I should've been more careful. I’m not usually that vulnerable."
    "I'm glad you let it slip. I—"
    Kathryn turned to face Phil. She searched his eyes. Where were his glasses? Without them, flecks of gold sparkled uninhibited. Something else showed in his eyes though. Concern? Fear?
    A sandpiper landed a few feet away. Sadie darted toward it, pulling Kathryn into Phil. "Excuse me." Kathryn righted herself with his help and then motioned for him to continue.
    He studied the shack, obviously avoiding looking at her. "I don't really know how to say this, so I'm just going to say it." He looked up at the sky. "I don’t know how something like this could have happened. I’ve been trying for the last hour to figure out the probability of it all.” He waved his hands as he talked, and his lips quivered. “It doesn’t make sense. It’s like some weird slap in the face by fate, and I don’t even believe in things like that.”
    Kathryn touched his arm and stopped his rambling. “Phil, what is it?”
    He groaned and raked his hands through his hair. “Louie Ezzo is my uncle."
    Kathryn froze. "What?!" All the blood drained from her head, and she steadied herself on the rock with her hand. "Your uncle?" How could this be? Had Phil followed her here? Was he behind the threats? She wasn't safe with him. She jumped up off the rock and yanked Sadie's leash, causing Sadie to yelp.
    Phil bolted off the rock after her. "Wait! It's not what you think."
    She turned around and screamed into the wind. "What do I think? That you followed me here? That you're the one who's been threatening me? Why would I ever think something like that?" she scoffed.
    "Kathryn, think! How could I have followed you here? I live here." He cradled her elbow in his hand.
    She jerked her elbow away and tugged Sadie up next to her leg. "How do I know that? What are the chances that the one person I connect with in Cedar Key is the nephew of my suspect? It’s bad enough that you’re the ex-fiancé of one of my friends."
    "I’ve been trying to figure it all out. I even thought maybe you were the one coming after me to get information.”
    Her mouth flew