Page 41 of Trust No One

“I didn’t know all the details.”

“Not something I wanted to advertise.”

“How did Ken react?”

“He was at the hospital within an hour. He told me not to worry. Said he’d take care of Pete and whoever was behind the attack.”

“And?”

“I was too scattered to process. I actually thanked him. When Ken drove me home, he suggested we give it a second try. I said no. The house had sold. As soon as I was cleared to drive, I packed a bag and moved here.”

“How much is Ken in for?”

“I don’t have a dollar amount. But I’m sure it’s big.”

“If he signs the divorce papers, you’ll cut him a check, and you two are done.”

“That’s the plan. But he confessed the house money would only buy him time.”

“He’s in that deep.”

“I think so.” I drew in a breath. “Regardless, we’re done. The rest is a formality. I’m out of the picture.”

“If he owes big money, you aren’t out of it.”

Ken wasn’t pulling me back. “I’m out.”

“Trouble travels to this county all the time. No walls to keep it out.”

“You don’t see the bright side very often, do you?”

“I see what is.”

I held a sigh. My ribs ached. “I think he’s waiting for my thirty-fifth birthday. He wants a piece of the Hale estate.”

“Is that possible?”

“Not according to my attorney. I wasn’t so crazy in love that I didn’t get him to sign a prenuptial agreement.”

“Not blinded by true love?” he quipped.

“My dad raised me to protect the land.”

“If you should die while you’re still legally married, then what?”

“Molly is my heir.”

“Wills can be challenged.”

“And lawsuits can be filed.”

Several nurses walked past us. I thought about the poison Ken had mentioned. “Do you think Ken is telling the truth about Maria?”

“The tox screens aren’t finished. I don’t know how he could be so sure.”

Someone somewhere knew the results, and Ken had access to them. “Let me know?”

“If I can.”