Page 81 of Veil of Silence

She understood that fear more than he realized. Jacob had left her questioning every instinct she possessed. She hated that she’d let the man have that kind of power over her.

“Maybe both,” she said. “But that doesn’t make all the connections wrong.”

Austin looked at her again.

Nora held his gaze. “I don’t know what killed your father. But I don’t believe everything surrounding his death was natural.”

Something shifted in Austin’s expression—something close to gratitude.

He studied her expression before saying, “I appreciate that.”

“I’m just telling the truth.”

One corner of his mouth moved, though the expression disappeared almost immediately. “I’m afraid grief is making me see things.”

“Grief probably is making you see some things differently.” Nora moved closer and rested her hand on his arm. “That doesn’t mean you’re wrong.”

He glanced at her hand before meeting her eyes.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then the fellowship hall door opened behind them, spilling light across the pavement as a volunteer left. Nora lowered her hand but remained beside him.

Tomorrow, they’d search for Preston again. Tonight, Austin would return to a motel room knowing his father had died alone in the woods.

She couldn’t change either of those situations.

But she could make sure Austin didn’t face his grief alone.

Chapter

Thirty-One

It was nearly seven when Nora left the church.

After the closing prayer, volunteers had eaten bowls of chili and thick slices of cornbread while Luke and Prine made plans for the next day’s search.

No one lingered over the meal. They were too tired—and too conscious of the missing child to let the moment feel ordinary.

Austin had eaten only after Nora put a bowl in front of him.

Now he stood beside his SUV while the last volunteers crossed the parking lot around them. Nora stood with him.

“I assume you’re going back to the motel?” Nora asked as she studied his face.

“That’s the plan.” Austin tucked his hands into his jacket pockets. “I’m going to follow you back to your place first, just to make sure you get there safe.”

“And then after you get to the motel, text me so I can know you’re safe,” Nora tried to keep her words light, but she meant them.

She wasn’t the only one who needed someone looking out for them right now.

One corner of Austin’s mouth lifted. “Yes, ma’am.”

They shared a lingering glance.

As soon as Nora realized how her heart was racing, she looked away. She’d vowed never to be vulnerable with another man again after Jacob. Should she rethink that?

It was too soon to know.