Gone to Her Grave (Rogue River Novella Book 2) by Melinda Leigh Page B

drug?”
    A shadow fell across the doorway. Gary walked into the room and stopped in front of Zane. “You want to know who the dealer is?”
    “You know?” Zane asked.
    Gary’s face reddened. “It’s Peter. He’s a lying little douchebag.”
    “Peter?” Seth straightened. “The kid in detention?”
    “Yeah. I saw him selling strips of bacon behind the school last week.” Gary sat in a plastic chair opposite them.
    Seth shook his head. “Why?”
    Gary’s eyes flashed bright with anger. “Everyone knows his dad’s out of work. He probably started taking Peter’s paycheck. Darren did it to me all the time. How can Pete buy weed and beer with no cash? A selfish little prick like Peter will always figure out a scheme.”
    “Darren wasn’t dealing?” Zane asked.
    “No. Darren was pissed off that Ted wouldn’t let him in on it. Darren’s been trying to find Ted’s stash for the last month.” Gary rubbed his hands on his jeans. “What’s going to happen to us?”
    “The doctor said your mom and the girls should be released tomorrow. He wants to keep an eye on them overnight. They were a little dehydrated and shocky. We’ll have to talk to her. I don’t know if she’s going to want to go home or not.”
    “We don’t have anywhere else to go,” Gary said in a quiet voice. “Without Darren there, it’d be all right.”
    Zane nodded. “It’s going to take a few days for your mom to get back up to speed. You think you can manage your sisters?”
    “I can do that.” The teen sniffed and raised his chin.
    “Then we’ll see what your mom says. I don’t see any reason you can’t go home once the crime scene techs are finished.”
    “What about tonight?” Gary tilted his head. “You gonna call CPS?”
    “Hell, it’s already past midnight. No point in doing that. You can hang with me if you want.” Zane stood. “I have to stay here until your mom can give me a statement. That’s going to be a while. Let’s go find something to eat.”
    “I’m going to change.” Seth stood, bag in hand. “And see if Carly’s ready to go home.”
    Zane and Gary left the room. Seth headed for the restroom. He rubbed at the ache in his chest. She wouldn’t be going home with him. He knew Patsy would look after her, but he wanted to be the one to sit up with her tonight.
    Two hours later he parked in front of the Taylor house. In the passenger seat, Carly snored. Her head lolled against the window.
    Patsy met him at the car door. She gave Carly a worried glance. “Oh, my.”
    “It’s the anesthesia and the pain medication. She was awake when we left the hospital.” Seth wiped a spot of drool off Carly’s chin.
    “I think it might be best if Brianna didn’t see her like that, don’t you?” Patsy frowned. “Maybe you should take her around to the cabin.”
    “Um, okay.”
    “Oh, and Seth?”
    “Yes, ma’am?”
    “I’d sure appreciate it if you’d stay and look after her tonight.”
    “I can do that.” Warmth spread through Seth’s chest. “Do you think she’ll be pissed off in the morning?”
    “I doubt it. But if she is, she’ll get over it.” Patsy gave him a conspiratorial smile. “I’m trusting you with my daughter, Seth. Take good care of her.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    The happy squeal of a child woke Carly. On the back lawn, her brother James kicked a soccer ball with his two little boys and Brianna. Seth and Bruce were clearing the picnic table after an early Fourth of July lunch. Normally the whole family would have been at the fairgrounds all day, but Carly wasn’t up for that much activity. And her family still wanted to share part of the holiday with her.
    She adjusted her position in the chaise longue on her mother’s back porch. As she moved, pain throbbed through her shoulder, but she could deal. Just being alive felt pretty good.
    “Mama, you’re awake.” Brianna bounced over to the chair.
    Carly braced herself for impact, but Seth was right on his