Facing Reality

Chapter 5

    Grey was waiting for us on the dock by his boat. When he spotted us, he waved us over. "I don't know what happened," he told us quietly. "I just know he showed up on the deck while I was doing a little maintenance. I didn't call the police."

    "Where is he?"

    Grey nodded toward the bow of the boat. "Over there. You might want to be careful though. He's jumpy."

    I nodded, giving Grey's arm a quick squeeze as I passed him. I made my way to the bow and found John curled up on a pile of tarps and netting.

    "John?" I called cautiously. He flinched and peered over his shoulder at me.

    "I... I know you," he murmured. "Sarah, right?"

    I nodded, smiling encouragingly and lowering myself to the deck. I was scared that, if I got any closer, he would run. "What happened this morning, John?"

    He turned so that he was facing me, a tired look crossing his face. "I don't know. One minute I was in the guest bedroom at your place... the next... I was on the boat."

    I nodded slowly. "John, I'm not a doctor or anything, but do you think you could have a concussion?"

    He blinked. "I don't know. It's a possibility, but, since I don't know what happened before I met you, I wouldn't know."

    I nodded again. "Because it seems like you're blacking out quite a bit, and I know that can be because of a concussion..."

    He tilted his head to the side, considering what I had said. "Yeah," was all he said.

    "You know the police are after you, right? They think you murdered someone."

    John sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "Yes, I know. The problem is I don't remember last night. What if I really did do it?" He looked terrified by the thought.

    I slowly reached forward until my hand was resting on his forearm. "I don't believe you did."

    The hopeful look that he gave me completely convinced me of his innocence. "Really?"

    "I promise."

    His shoulders slumped with relief. "Thank you."

    "Of course." I smiled and got to my feet. "But, while you're still the primary suspect to the police, someone needs to find out who the real murderer is."

    His eyes widened. "No, Sarah. Don't. It's too dangerous."

    I raised an eyebrow and put a hand on my hip. "You're not seriously going to tell me to stay out of this, are you? Cause, whether or not you like it, I'm helping." I softened my expression when I saw the worry in his eyes. "Don't worry," I tried to reassure him. "I'll be careful."

    He didn't look convinced.