Adam borrowed Mack’s cell and rang Detective Anderson. He’d had enough. He wanted to go home, back to Ireland to sort things out with his family. It was time. He had to clear his name.

“You got to get the court date moved up,” he told the detective. “I need to get out of here.”

“No can do. We got a problem.”

“What? You said it would be easy to get her convicted. Your evidence was strong.”

“It was, but we hit a glitch.”

Adam’s stomach roiled. “What’s the problem?”

“It seems your girlfriend has some pretty heavy connections. We could bring down the whole network.”

“First, she isn’t my girlfriend. Second—do you not have anyone else you play with?”

“Actually, I was on my way out to see you. I want you to contact Camilla and tell her you forgive her. That you love her and want to make things right between you.”

“Are you nuts? I’m not doing that. Anyway, she has a new guy. Don’t you read Hello?”

“Word is, he’s history. Your ex is in a bad place. She needs a shoulder to cry on.”

“So lend her yours. I’m not getting involved with that woman again. Hell would freeze over and start selling ice first.”

“Adam, the last bust we made was one targeting school kids. The dealer was handing out drugs like they were candy. We need a way in and you’re it.”

“There has to be someone else.” Even as he said the words, he knew the answer by the feeling of dread working its way up from his stomach.

“Not with your connections. Your fame, your looks, your money. It opens doors we can only dream of.”

“But as far as they know I’m a convicted drug smuggler.”

“Yeah but what better cover? You’re no longer the sweet innocent pin up poster rock star. You’re the real deal now.”

Adam cursed silently. What could he say? He wanted to tell the detective to get lost but when he closed his eyes, he saw Ashley’s face. Her pain at losing her sister. If he could save another family from going through what Ashley had gone through…

“Adam, you there?” Detective Anderson asked.

“Yes, I’m here.”

“So? Should I send a car?”

Adam glanced out the window. Ashley was standing talking to Mack with an earnest expression on her face. She’d made her mind up about them and, until he cleared his name, there was nothing he could do to persuade her otherwise. But even if he did clear his reputation, could he risk putting his heart on the line again? It was still raw. Being near Camilla was likely to make those wounds reopen. This was a mess.

“Adam?”

“Send the car. I’ll be packed in an hour. What will you tell the team here?”

“You’re up on more charges. The boss wants you replaced. Who cares? We suspect the ranch owner is involved anyway, so it’s bound to close at the end of the investigation.”

“You can’t mean that. What about Mack and his wife, and Loretta? They live here, they need these jobs.”

“That’s a question above my pay grade. My job is to shut down the bad guys. There’s always collateral damage. Comes with the territory. See you in a while.”

Adam stared at the cell for ages after the detective had hung up. Mack, Loretta and the team weren’t collateral damage. They were real people with a right to have a decent life. He flung the cell on the desk before remembering it was Mack’s. Opening his suitcase, he threw his clothes into it. Then he took it to the porch. He didn’t spot Loretta until he was already standing at the door.

“You going somewhere?”

“Yes. Could you give Mack back his cell please?” He passed the phone over to her. “I’m leaving. The hand makes it difficult to stay.” Even to his ears, it sounded dumb. His hand was almost fully recovered thanks to Loretta and her old-fashioned cures. It certainly didn’t stop him working. But he wasn’t about to say he was up on more charges. He couldn’t bear these people having a lower opinion of him even if it was just temporary.

Loretta pierced him with the same look she had given him that first day. The one that seemed to reach right inside his brain and read his innermost thoughts. He looked away.

“Sure it’s the hand and not your heart?” she asked.

“What?”

“You heard me. You’re running away from Ashley. Least that’s what it looks like from here.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Adam said. “There is no me and Ashley. She has her life here and—”

“She’s thinking of leaving too,” Loretta said as she walked out the door. Adam followed her outside case in hand.