Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 380(@200wpm)___ 304(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“Trust me when I say,” she continues, “my ex-husband gives absolutely zero shits about me. It’s not the ex.”
“Think it over,” Hawk advises. “Good job on the security system, by the way. We’ll take a look at the camera footage, just in case there’s something to see.”
“Yeah, well, if she was staying there, the asshole would have gotten to her, even with the alarm.” My blood is fucking boiling. “The locks have been changed, and the security is tight. So, what, is this some kind of goddamn pro?”
Sarah swallows hard and slips her hand in mine.
“To be fair,” Cullen says calmly, “the security is good, for a residence, but it’s not fool-proof.”
“Let me put it this way,” I continue, frustration running through me. “If it was someone you loved, what would you do?”
Cullen and Hawk exchange a look, and then Cullen sighs. “I’d keep her with me, man. Move her in here, but make it look like she’s still renting out there. I’d keep her close, and I wouldn’t take chances. That’s what I’d do if she were my girl or one of my sisters.”
“The girl is standing right here,” Sarah reminds us all. “A grown woman who can make her own decisions.”
I look down at her, ready to argue, but she keeps talking.
“And I’ve decided that I’ll move most of my stuff in here tomorrow morning.”
All three of us grin at her.
“Good idea,” Hawk says. “And not just because he’s a man. There’s safety in numbers. You notice they didn’t try to break into the main house to see if you’re in there.”
“No,” she agrees softly. “They didn’t.”
“I’m going to talk with my boss about the possibility of a little stakeout,” Cullen says. “See if we can catch them in the act. In the meantime, stay alert. No alone time, unfortunately.”
“That means no walking to work,” Sarah adds.
“Absolutely not,” I say before either of the officers can. “I’ll drive you. Also, no walking the beach alone.”
“What?” Sarah gasps, suddenly more horrified at that thought than a stranger in her house. “But, that’s my thing.”
“I’ll walk with you,” I offer, and when her shoulders droop, I rub circles on her back. “I’ll even hang back a little and not bombard you with small talk so you can enjoy it without me harassing you.”
“This is all a bunch of bullshit,” she mutters, then turns to me. “Not you, of course. We can walk the beach together, but this is all ridiculous.”
“Hopefully, we’ll get it wrapped up quickly,” Hawk says. “We’ll be in touch.”
Once they’ve driven away, Sarah and I walk into the kitchen, and I turn on the coffee maker. The sun will be up in an hour, so it’s not worth going back to sleep.
Not that we could if we wanted to.
“I don’t think it’s Angela,” Sarah says thoughtfully as she sits at the island and rests her chin in her hand. “I mean, she’s mad at me, but she’s not break-into-my-house mad.”
“Maybe it is your ex.”
Sarah scoffs and gratefully accepts the mug I offer her. “No. Definitely not. He likely doesn’t even remember my name at this point. He couldn’t wait to see the back of me, so I know he’s not longing for any kind of apology. Besides, I have nothing to be sorry for. It’s kind of the other way around there.”
She sips her coffee thoughtfully.
“Was there anyone you were friends with in California that was mad at you?”
“I didn’t have friends in California.” She sets her cup on the counter and braces it between her hands. “I wasn’t allowed to.”
I narrow my eyes. “Allowed?”
“It was against his rules. No friends. No outside interests. I was at his beck and call.”
“What about when he was gone?”
“Didn’t matter.” She shrugs a shoulder. “I did what he wanted, when he said. I didn’t make my own decisions.”
“Shit, Sarah. I’m sorry. I was trying to help with the art thing, but I acted just like him.”
“No.” She reaches over and covers my arm with her hand. “Absolutely not. You were acting out of love. He was a controlling ass. There’s a huge difference.”
“We’re going to find who’s doing this,” I promise her. “Huckleberry Bay isn’t big. They can’t hide for long. And when we do, I want just five minutes alone with them.”
“You’re sexy when you’re acting all alpha and protective.”
I don’t smile in response.
“I’m serious, Sarah.”
Chapter Eleven
Sarah
“Maybe I shouldn’t go.” I bite my lip and stare out the passenger side window as Tanner drives me from his house to Three Sisters Kitchen. “I don’t want to get yelled at again.”
“If Scott yells at you,” Tanner says as he turns a corner, “you get up and leave. Simple as that. Did he say what he wants?”
“No.” I twist my hands in my lap. “He just asked me if I’d meet him for lunch at Three Sisters. Our last conversation didn’t end well.”