Free Found With Murder by Jenn Vakey Page B

going on.  He was shifting his eyes between Lori and Wilcome, both looking just as confused as Rilynne felt.  He seemed to be avoiding her gaze completely.
    “Jared Lewis has a helicopter,” Rilynne said after a few moments.  “He owes me a favor.”
    Wilcome stood up and started pacing around the room.  His eyes shifted between Ben and the floor beneath him several times.  She wasn’t sure she had ever seen him so confused.  If the situation were different, she might actually be amused by it.
    “Okay,” he said after a few moments.  “Let’s get this done.”
    Rilynne’s eyes were on Ben when she pulled her phone out of her pocket.  He did the same, but still refused to look at her.  Instead, he put the phone against his ear and walked out of the room.
    It took just minutes for her to get his ride arranged.  Jared didn’t hesitate for a moment before offering his helicopter and even agreed to fly it himself.  After making the arrangements, she walked to the kitchen and found Ben with an apprehensive expression.  He was already off the phone and appeared to have been waiting for her.
    “So is that what you’ve been hiding from me?” she asked, leaning against the counter next to him.  “You were too afraid to tell me you have money?”
    He hesitated for a moment, knuckles dragging roughly along his chin.  He seemed to be trying to find his words.
    Rilynne moved in front of him.  She reached up and grabbed his hand, carefully sliding hers between it and his chin.  He leaned into it and kissed it softly before finally meeting her eye.
    “Were you afraid I wouldn’t like you having money, or I would?” she asked.  Though she wished he had told her, she wasn’t upset.  She couldn’t be.  She knew all too well about secrets and the reasons to keep them.
    Taking a step closer, she looked him deep in the eyes.  “We were supposed to be married yesterday,” she said.  A look of guilt passed over his face with her words.  She brushed her hand gently over his cheek and smiled.  “For richer or poorer,” she continued.  “They’re not just words.  I love you.  It doesn’t matter to me if you have a few million in the bank, or you’re down to your last dollar.  There isn’t anything that will change the way I feel about you.”
    His eyes moved around her face, as if trying to gauge her sincerity.  After a few seconds, he reached out and pulled her in, kissing her hard, harder than he ever had before.
    “I love you,” he whispered against her lips before they drew apart.  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.  I…”
    Before he could continue, Rilynne stopped him.
    “You have nothing to apologize for,” she said.  “If anyone understands secrets, it’s me.”
    “You ready?” Wilcome asked, sticking his head in the room.
    Ben nodded, his eyes still on Rilynne.  After stealing one last peck, he followed Wilcome toward the front door.
    As they left, Rilynne took a deep breath to compose herself before walking back to the living room and sitting down next to Lori.  Not knowing what to say, she just reached out and took her hand.
    Rilynne watched as Ben and Wilcome climbed into Wilcome's car.  Her mind was blank.  She didn't know what to think about the situation.  It wasn't until she heard Lori speak again that she realized the car was already gone and she had been staring off at nothing more than the empty street.
    “Thank you,” Lori said.  “I really can't even begin to think of what to say to express how thankful I am.”
    She turned to find Lori looking at her.  Her focus was clearer than it had been in days.  Though her face was still swollen and wet from tears, she seemed more alert and almost like her old self.
    “Don't thank me,” Rilynne said.  “It's all Ben.”
    She must have still looked as flabbergasted as she felt because Lori slowly grinned as her eyes swept across Rilynne's face.  “You didn't know,” she said finally.
    Rilynne shook her head