Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 30556 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30556 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
“Yeah,” I throw out. “We have shit to sort out because all it’s doing is hurting Robin,” I tell him, getting right down to it. I watch his shoulders drop, and Robin’s mom’s words ring true. He’s hurting, too.
“I’ve been meaning to come by,” he admits. “I dug into you.”
I’m not shocked by his confession because he’s a cop. Of course he looked me up. Not that I have anything to hide. My business was an open book, not to mention I’ve always been a charitable man. There’s no dirt on me to be found, and what he most likely found made him like me.
“Sorry about your cousin. You’re a good man to take her baby in.” He runs his hand through his hair and I see regret on his face.
“She’s my little girl now and she was from the moment they told me about her.” I lock eyes with him. “Robin’s mine, too, and I won’t let her go. We need to make this easier on everyone and cut the shit. I’m not going anywhere, and the longer you drag your heels the longer this draws out. The conclusion is going to be the same no matter what you decide.”
He’s quiet for a second until he finally laughs. I didn't know the man could smile.
“I have to say I wanted to lay you out that day.” He shakes his head. “But on the flip side of it, I was glad you stood up to me. All the others have run.”
“Dumbasses.”
Kent nods in agreement. “All right. I can see you’re in this for the long haul.” He leans back in his chair. “That said…” The warning hangs in the air.
“You don’t even have to say it. If I ever hurt her, I’ll kick my own ass.” Kent smirks and I give him a serious look. “I promise I’ll be good to her. I want a life with her. I’ll do everything in my power to protect her,” I vow.
“Good, then you’ll want to know about Franky Bow.” Kent drops a picture onto the desk for me to see and I recognize the guy immediately.
“That fuck,” I bite out, and I should have known. I’d actually forgotten about him after I made a call to UPS to drop any packages that came to me to the post office in town. I didn't want him near my house after our run-in.
I glance down when my phone rings, and then Kent’s starts ringing, too. I answer it when I see it’s the security team I have watching the house.
“Yeah.” My heart starts to thud in my chest.
“Sir, I wasn't sure what I should do when Robin left.”
“What!” I shout, standing up. That’s not what I thought he was going to say.
“You told us to report on anyone coming to the house. You didn't say anything about her leaving.”
“How long has she been gone?” I can’t keep the anger out of my words as every emotion thumps through my body.
“Over an hour,” he says, and I end the call. I look up at Kent, who has his phone to his ear and whatever is being said, he isn’t liking.
“Get there,” Kent barks into the phone before he ends it. “She’s at the diner and Franky’s there, too.” He’s already in motion and I’m hot on his heels.
When we get to his cruiser I jump in the passenger seat and he peels out of the parking lot.
“How did you find that out so fast?” I ask.
“After I figured out who it was stalking her, I put the word out to find him. The call was letting me know they spotted his truck at the diner. I'd told my men I wanted to be the one to arrest him, so they didn't grab him when they saw him.” He bangs the steering wheel with his hand. “They would have grabbed him if they knew Robin was there.
“How do you know she’s there, then, if they didn't tell you?” I ask as I fist my hands in my lap.
“We all have tracking on each other.” I glance over at him.
“Thanks for the tip.” I’m going to make sure I’ve got it, too, the second she’s back by my side. “How can you arrest him? Do you have something on him besides taking some pictures?” I’m not sure how long that will hold him in jail, but it’s clear this sick fuck is a predator.
“Yeah, he’s wanted for skipping bond. Franky isn't even his real name. He’s been using his cousin’s ID to lay low and get a job. His ass is going to prison. Robin isn't the first girl he’s stalked. The last one—”
“Don’t,” I cut him off. I don’t want to know because I’m already on edge. When I see the diner come into sight, I grab the door handle and get ready to jump out. My gut clenches when I see her stepping into the truck.