Page 114 of Death of a Grill Master

“You already almost drowned.”

“That wasn’t—”

“And what happens when Baird realizes you’re bluffing? What happens when he stops seeing you as a pest and starts seeing you as a threat?”

Hayley didn’t answer. She didn’t need to. Bruce looked at her like he already knew she’d made up her mind.

Bruce picked up his glass. “I’m going to bed. Try not to get killed before breakfast.”

He turned and marched up the stairs, the creak of the wooden staircase punctuating his frustration. The bedroom door closed with a quiet but pointed click.

Mona raised an eyebrow. “What’s with him?”

Hayley let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “He’s been supportive—usually. All the other times I’ve gotten involved in things I probably shouldn’t have? He might roll his eyes, but he’s always had my back.”

She toyed with the edge of the folder Earl had given her, smoothing a crease. “But this one’s different. He’s scared. I think he’s really worried I’m in over my head.”

Mona softened. “That’s because he loves you. And because he’s not wrong.”

Hayley looked toward the dark hallway. “Maybe not. But I can’t stop now.”

Mona gave Hayley a long look. “If you do this, you’d better have a plan.”

“I always do.”

“Then make it better than usual,” Mona said, and followed Earl out into the night.

Hayley stood in the quiet kitchen, heart hammering harder than she wanted to admit. She cleared the dishes, wiped the counter, then sat down at her laptop.

She opened a blank email and started typing.

To: Peter Baird

Subject: New Footage

We’ve recovered new video footage related to the Desmond case. Please advise if you’d like to discuss.

She hovered a moment, then hit SEND.

The reply came less than a minute later.

From: Peter Baird

Subject: Re: New Footage

We should talk.

Hayley stared at the screen, the words staring back like a dare.

Her pulse steadied.

Her path was clear.

Game on.

Chapter 36

Sunday mornings in Bar Harbor were normally made for blueberry pancakes and fuzzy slippers.