Chapter 3

The trouble started not with Nicole, but with Ryan Hughes's mother.

Mrs. Hughes was the town's primary source of gossip, a woman who found joy in the misfortunes of others. She had been quiet for years, but the newspaper article about Matthew woke something up in her.

She showed up at my shop a week after the article was published. I was under a '78 Ford, covered in grease, when I heard her voice.

"Andrew Clark! My, my, look at you. So successful."

I slid out and wiped my hands on a rag. "Mrs. Hughes. What can I do for you?"

"Oh, nothing for me," she said, her eyes scanning the busy garage. "I was just so proud to see the news about the boy. Such a bright young man. He gets that from his father's side, you know. The Hughes men were always sharp."

My hand tightened on the wrench I was holding. "Matthew's a Clark," I said, my voice flat.

She let out a little laugh. "Of course, of course. For now. But blood is blood, isn't it? It's a shame his real father isn't here to see his success."

Gabby, who had come over from the house with sandwiches for lunch, stepped between us. "Mrs. Hughes, I don't think we have anything to discuss."

"Oh, Gabby, dear," she said, her tone dripping with false sympathy. "Still playing the happy little wife? It must be so hard, raising another woman's child. Especially one so... valuable."

Matthew, who had followed his mom, looked up at Mrs. Hughes with his big, curious eyes. "My mom's name is Gabby," he said simply. "She's the only mom I have."

Mrs. Hughes's smile faltered for a second. She looked down at Matthew, a strange, possessive gleam in her eye. "You're a sweet boy. Your mother, Nicole, would be so proud."

"His mother's name is Gabby," I repeated, stepping forward. "And I think you should leave my property now."

She huffed, offended. "Well! I was just making conversation. Some people have no gratitude."

She turned and walked away, but her words hung in the air. She was testing the waters, spreading the poison. She was preparing the ground for their return. It was closer than I thought.