Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
“Yeah, I think we should.”
“Okay, you meet with Tyler tomorrow,” I suggest, feeling a mix of hope and determination to make this right. “Make it clear that if he exposes you, he’ll be exposing himself too.”
She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “I got us into this mess, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get us out of it.”
I shake my head. “No, I am the one who took the risk by setting up the account. This is on me. But I do appreciate your help in this.”
We step out into the snowy night, the cold air biting at my cheeks. As we say our goodbyes, I can’t shake the feeling that everything is about to change. For better or worse, tomorrow will be a turning point.
On the cab ride home, my mind races with possible scenarios. What if Tyler has already told someone? What if he demands something in exchange for his silence? Should I tell Jack about this mess? He deserves to know what’s happening, especially since he’s involved now too . . . well sort of. He and I were extra careful to keep our faces darkened in the shadows. No way could anyone make out that my mystery man was Jack. But still . . . my life could explode and maybe he should be aware in case he’s not up to flying shrapnel.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chloe
As the cab drops me off at the house, and I tip the guy extra for braving the icy roads, I see Mr. Haven in the front of his house, a bag of salt in his gloved hands as he sprinkles it over the slick walkway. He looks up at the sound of the cab door slamming and gives me a wave.
“Evening, Chloe,” he calls out, his breath visible in the frigid air. “Looks like we may get snowed in tonight. The forecast is calling for a couple of inches at least.”
I notice that my walkway is shoveled, and I chastise him. “Mr. Haven, you shouldn’t have done my walkway. What if you slipped again?”
“Oh it wasn’t me. I’m just out adding to the salt that was already laid. Your man, Jack, must have done this for us again.”
A warmth spreads through my chest, despite the biting cold. Jack’s thoughtfulness never fails to surprise me. He must have done this after he got off shift. I make a mental note to thank him later.
“That was kind of him,” I say to Mr. Haven, trying to keep the smile from my voice. I don’t want to make it too obvious how smitten I am over this man. It’s still early and I don’t want to go into this too fast and furious, although my heart already has her racing shoes on.
“Mr. Haven smiles. “He’s a great guy. It was also kind how he fixed your fire alarms.”
I start to nod, then freeze. “What?”
Mr. Haven’s eyes widen, and he shifts from one boot to the other. Is he realizing he’s said something he shouldn’t have? He fumbles with the salt bag, spilling some on his boots. “Your fire alarms. They were beeping and . . . I just assumed you wanted them fixed so I gave him a key and—”
I force a laugh, trying to keep my voice steady. “Right, of course. I’d just beaten them into silence with a broom. But Jack is . . . Jack.”
Mr. Haven nods, clearly relieved I’m not upset. “Exactly. He’s a good one to keep around. Well, you’d better get inside before this storm really hits. Good night, Chloe.”
I hurry inside, my mind racing. As I close the door behind me, I lean against it, trying to calm my nerves. Jack’s attentiveness had always seemed sweet, but now a seed of doubt has been planted. He was inside without me knowing . . . I shake my head, trying to dismiss the warning bells going off in my head.
Is it a coincidence that he happened to be dog sitting in my neighborhood? Coincidence that he happens to frequent my favorite coffee shop? Coincidence that he happened to be on Dark Secrets and discovered my secret account? Coincidence right? Coincidence . . .
I hang up my coat and make my way to the kitchen, desperate for a hot cup of tea to warm me up. As I fill the kettle, I notice a note on the counter. Jack’s handwriting.
Hope you don’t mind, I stocked your fridge for the storm. Stay warm, beautiful. —J
I didn’t leave the house unlocked? Did I? But clearly Jack has a way of getting inside.
I open the refrigerator, and sure enough, it’s filled with groceries I didn’t buy. My hands shake as I close the refrigerator door. The thoughtful gesture that would have warmed my heart just hours ago now fills me with a sense of dread. I lean against the counter, trying to steady my breathing.