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It wasn’t the time or place to entertain a stupid crush, especially one that would never be reciprocated. Yes, she was drawn to Pierce—maybe more than she’d ever been to anyone before—but he kept everyone at arm’s length. He was a puzzle wrapped in a mystery, tucked inside an enigma, and every time she thought she was getting closer to understanding him, another layer of his history revealed itself, pushing her two steps back.
Finally, he broke eye contact and signed,“We need to talk.”
His words were like a cold splash of water, halting the fluttering wings in her stomach and bringing her back to reality. She nodded and placed the wrap she’d been about to open back in the cooler as she rose from her seat.
Pierce turned and led the way to the front of the store, past the few aisles that were still miraculously standing. She followed him until they reached a spot near a tipped-over display of chips—secluded enough to afford them some privacy yet still within earshot if something went wrong.
He turned to face her. “Gareth’s lying.”
“Why do you think that?” she asked, her voice low so as not to draw attention.
“Use signs.”
She switched to ASL.“Okay, so what makes you think he’s lying?”
“Because his story doesn’t add up. He’s hiding something.”
A shiver of unease crept down her back.“Did he tell you where he came from or how he ended up buried in the hallway?”
“He claims he was using the bathroom back there because the men’s room is out of order. We need to check with Dottie about that.”
“Easy enough to corroborate. Why do you think he’s lying about that?”
“He’s not. About that, at least.”
“So what else did he say?”
Pierce shook his head, and a faint smile curved his lips.“Nice try. I’m still not telling you the details. Classified, remember?”
“Is he dangerous?”she asked, her signs hesitant.
“I don’t know.”A faint scowl crossed his face before he hid it.“Probably not to you or anyone else here.”
“But to you, he is?”
He didn’t respond.
She sighed heavily.“I really wish you’d tell me what this is all about.”
He hesitated for a long moment.“It’s safer if you don’t know.”
Safer? How? Frustration sizzled through her, fraying her already threadbare patience. None of them were safe right now, and if Gareth was dangerous—even if it was only to Pierce—she needed to know.
“I disagree.”Her hands trembled slightly as she signed, and she hated it. She hated the fear that was slowly creeping into her, the uncertainty that was making her second-guess everything and everyone. She didn’t want to be cynical like Pierce and Dean. She didn’t want to doubt everyone she met. She wanted to trust and believe in the goodness of people. But she was starting to realize that she didn’t have that luxury right now.“We all need to know if there’s a potential threat among us.”
Pierce studied her for a long moment.“I understand your concerns. But, like I said, he’s probably not a threat to you.”
“Pierce—”
“Trust me, it’s better this way.”
She sighed and rubbed at the sudden throb in her temples. This wasn’t getting them anywhere, and judging by the hardened set of his jaw, Pierce wasn’t going to budge.
She wanted to trust him. She really did…
But how could she when he kept so much hidden from her?
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