Chapter 54
Cameron’s face twisted with pain. “I’m just as heartbroken over Snowball’s death. Cassie, I promise you’ll get an explanation.”
“What good is an explanation? Is it going to bring Snowball back?” Cassandra snapped. “Mr. Dorsey, don’t bother saying these useless things in the future. I don’t want to hear them.”
With that, she turned and walked away.
Ryan followed a step behind, shielding her as they walked. When she got into the car, he placed his hand on the roof to keep her from hitting her head. And, most noticeably, Ryan had opened the front passenger door for her.
Mike, who had been called in to help, looked totally stunned. Wasn’t this woman supposed to be Ryan’s girlfriend? In that case, why was Snowball’s dad actually Cameron? This whole situation was a mess.
“Mike.” Ryan had somehow circled back. He patted him on the shoulder. “Can I ask you for one more favor? Please keep Snowball’s body at the hospital for now. Don’t let anyone touch it, and be extra careful of anyone who might want to destroy evidence. I’ll call the police tomorrow and get an official investigation started.”
Mike nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll have people watch the place around the clock.”
“Thanks. Cassandra’s waiting for me, so I’ve got to go.”
Mike licked his lips and finally asked the question burning in his mind, “What’s your relationship with Cassandra anyway?”
Ryan replied, “We-”
Cameron interrupted, “Cassandra is my wife, and Ryan’s a good friend of mine. She’s been in Stokelle lately, and I can’t be there for her, so I asked Ryan to look after her.”
Mike stared in shock. “She’s your wife? She’s married?”
“Yes. And you’re Mike, right? Thanks again for everything tonight. If you ever need help, just
call me. I’ll do whatever I can.”
Mike looked at Cameron. His words sounded genuine without a hint of a lie. Then, he glanced over at Ryan, whose expression was a little sour. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides. He was clearly struggling to keep something bottled up.
Mike rubbed his nose and forced a chuckle. “Well, thanks, Mr. Dorsey. But really, there’s nothing more I can do tonight. Leave Snowball to me. You can rest easy.”
Just then, Cassandra rolled down the car window, her tone slightly impatient. “Mr. Scott, can we go now? If you’re busy, I can just get a cab.”
Chapter 54
Ryan hurried over. “Coming.”
He gave Mike’s shoulder a quick squeeze and jogged to the car.
Cassandra seemed to be frowning as she spoke to him, clearly not too pleased. But Ryan just nodded without getting upset and quietly started the car, driving her away.
Mike watched them go, muttering under his breath, “I’ve never seen Ryan act so careful around anyone. He didn’t even get mad when she hurried him along.”
Cameron said, “Well, she’s my wife. For my sake, Ryan would never treat Cassandra badly.”
Mike pursed his lips, clearly not convinced that was the real reason.
After saying it, Cameron realized something about the situation didn’t quite add up. He and Ryan had known Cassandra for years. Every time they met, those two would bicker and clash like fireworks. But today, Ryan seemed a bit different.
Not only had he rushed Cassandra back to see Snowball, but he had listened to her every word, doing whatever she asked.
But thinking about it, Snowball’s death had left Cassandra devastated and furious. Picking a fight now wouldn’t be right. At least Ryan knew when to switch gears and handle things with
care.
They could squabble all day long, but when something serious happened, he’d always have her back. That was what made him a true friend.