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I lived here. Noah was just visiting here. I had to keep that in mind.
Damon gave me a sympathetic look. “We are officers of the law. Let us investigate, please.”
I folded my arms and planted my feet, refusing to budge.
McCrae moved forward, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Hey, do you remember when you’d come over and we would spend time drawing cartoons together? You were so good. No one could rival you.”
I softened. He was right. On Saturday mornings, I had often sat with McCrae and drew. I had loved it.
He nodded to the house. “I know you’ve been through a lot, Ella, but we are still your town family.”
Town family.
I hesitated a moment longer, then reluctantly moved out of the way. “Fine.”
Mercy took over. She led them into the house, explaining where we’d heard the noise, and then they disappeared down the hallway. I remained outside. I didn’t want to relive it. I really didn’t want to believe that my ex was here and breaking into my house.
With a shiver, I hugged myself. The quiet of this place suddenly felt oppressive.
After a couple of minutes, they exited my house with Mercy in tow.
Damon spoke to me. “From what it sounds like, there was a break-in. Do you know what whoever did this would be looking for?”
“My ex keeps saying he needs our marriage certificate. But he has it. I … I don’t know if he would do this. He’s more of the ‘knock on the door’ type.” I looked around, fearful of the darkness growing around us. I didn’t like feeling this exposed.
“Do you want to file a restraining order on him?” Damon asked.
That felt extreme. “No. I mean, I don’t think this was him.”
“You need some cameras up,” McCrae said, doing a cursory look around the area. “I could tell Noah. He has his private security company, and he could outfit your house easy enough while he’s here this week.”
“No,” I said quickly, my heart racing. “I don’t want that. Please … don’t say anything to him about all of this.”
McCrae nodded. “It’s all confidential.”
Mercy put her arm around my shoulders.
I leaned into her. “Thank you for coming, but I think we’re good.”
“Don’t hesitate to call,” Damon said. “In fact, let me get your number so I can follow up.”
I gave my number to Damon, telling myself this was just small-town stuff. I didn’t need to feel weird about the fact that since Noah had blown into town, everything was starting to be more and more about the Armstrongs.
Things would get back to normal tomorrow. I was scheduled for a regular shift at the hospital.
“Night.” Damon moved to the Jeep.
“Thank you. Good night.”
We watched the Jeep drive off into the night. Then Mercy cleared her throat. “I’m going to head home, but if you want my advice—and I know you don’t—you need to forgive yourself so you can forgive Noah.”
I rolled my eyes. “No more forgiveness talk, okay? Plus, I’m not happy you told them about my ex.”
She hesitated, then shrugged. “Too bad. You’re not an island, Ella. You can’t go on acting like you’re all alone with your memories in this town. You have to move forward.”
I didn’t know what to say.
She pulled me into a hug and held me tight. “I’m sorry if you felt I betrayed your confidence, but … you have to trust people again. McCrae and Damon are worthy of trust. You know that.” She pulled back.
