Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“I can’t believe that pulling crap like this makes that kid happy,” she says, pacing the floor. “It’s stupid.”
“People hold grudges, and sometimes, it keeps them from thinking straight,” I remind her. “You held a grudge against me for years.”
“I never spray-painted cunt inside your house.” She offers me a small grin. “Although, that probably would have been fun.”
“You wouldn’t do that.”
She shrugs and returns to pacing. “Okay, I wouldn’t. You’re right, you can hold a grudge without being destructive.”
Cullen walks inside and scowls when he sees the writing on the wall. “That’s some creepy-ass serial-killer shit.”
“Is that the professional word for it?” June asks, in full sassy mode. “Because I’d agree.”
“Did you put up cameras like I told you to?” Cullen asks before walking through the house and checking the rooms to make sure nothing else has been messed with.
“That costs money, Cullen. Besides, we live in Huckleberry Bay, where this shit doesn’t happen.”
“Obviously, it does happen because I’m looking at it right now. I’m a cop, and I know exactly what happens in this town. Get yourself some goddamn cameras, Juniper.”
“Fine.” She sighs and closes her eyes. “Although, I don’t need cameras for this. I know who it is.”
“Who?”
“Josh, the young guy I had working for me for a while.”
“Didn’t you fire him more than a month ago?”
“I did.” June swallows hard. “He’s been causing little issues here and there, but nothing quite like this.”
“And you’re sure it’s him?”
“I can’t think of anyone else that would do this.”
Cullen swears under his breath. “I’m going to throttle you. What kind of goddamn issues is that little son of a bitch causing? Better yet, why in the hell didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m pretty sure he’s stolen a few tools here and there and ruined a saw that I’d left on a site, but there hasn’t been anything destructive like this.”
“She was trying to be noble and keep him out of trouble,” I add and raise an eyebrow, challenging her to argue. June only pins me with the look that says, you’re in so much trouble.
“That’s stupid,” Cullen says to his sister.
“I thought he’d go away.”
“And how is that working out for you?”
June gestures to the paint on the wall and sighs. “Not too well, if I’m being honest.”
“I’d go find and arrest the little shit,” Cullen says as he paces the floor. “But I need proof that he did this. Otherwise, it’s hearsay, and the charge won’t stick.”
“Do you want fingerprints?”
“No, I wish you had put up cameras so would have video footage of him doing this.”
“Fine,” June mutters. “I’ll install some today.”
“Good.” Cullen takes a few photos of the wall. “I’ll take these to have on file, but you and Apollo should both file police reports anyway so we have documentation of it happening. Get me proof so I can lock him up, but be careful.”
“I will.”
Cullen looks over at me. “Keep her safe.”
June’s jaw drops. “He’s not—”
“Oh, shut up,” Cullen says, clearly irritated with his sister. “I’m not blind, am I?”
With that, he shakes his head and marches out the door.
“I guess we don’t have to tell him.” I turn back to her and see frustration all over her gorgeous face. “When do you want to go shopping for cameras?”
She scrubs her hands over her face and groans low in her throat.
If it wasn’t mildly terrifying, it would be sexy as hell.
“I don’t have time for this bullshit.” She turns back to the red paint and fists her hands at her side. “I was not mean to that kid.”
“You’re right, you weren’t mean, and you didn’t do anything wrong. He just didn’t like that you were his boss.”
“Maybe, but I’m the one being punished. Now I’m really pissed. He wants to ruin a saw so I have to replace it? Fine. He wants to steal a drill or a nail gun here or there? I’ll get over it. But this? This is such bullshit.”
“I won’t disagree with you.” I step to her and drag my hand down her back. She leans her head on my shoulder. “Don’t let it hurt your feelings, babe. He’s a punk kid, and he’ll be dealt with.”
“Yeah. Okay, I’m over it.” She sniffs, squares her shoulders, and firms her chin.
Then, just like that, she’s done beating herself up.
“I’m going back to work,” she says and pats my shoulder. “Have a good day.”
“I think I need more than a shoulder pat.”
Her eyes narrow. “No funny business on a—”
“Shut up.” I grip her shirt in my fist and tug her to me, dropping my lips to hers. The kiss is long and slow, soothing us both, and when I pull back and smile down at her, she smiles back. “Have a nice day, dear. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Right.” She swallows hard. “Tonight.”
I nod and back away from her and toward the area of the house where I’m working, but she doesn’t move for the door.