Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
“I know, Pops.”
“Has anyone confronted Loretta?” Belinda asks.
“Katie asked her about the money, and Loretta lied about why she withdrew it. She asked Katie to let her see Owen, but she hasn’t because she doesn’t trust Loretta. No one has asked her about the conversation with Brittany at the deli yet.”
“She loves her grandson more than anything. She’s not just gonna accept that she can’t see him,” Belinda says.
I shrug. “Katie won’t back down until she knows the truth and we’re all safe. I know Owen’s probably confused about it, but for now, it’s what has to happen.”
After we finish our conversation, I go upstairs and immediately fall asleep. It’s a relief that all of this is now out in the open, and we’re all on the same page.
I can’t believe it’s already Saturday, and Eric’s flying in from Vegas today. Tyler and I go to the airport to meet him, and while I’m anxious and nervous, I’m also grateful he’s agreed to help. Although he was here last year, it’s nearly impossible to give accurate directions. Most of the country roads don’t have street signs, and GPS will lead you to the middle of nowhere, so it was just easier to have him follow us.
When he approaches us, Tyler does introductions.
“Nice to meet you.” Eric shakes my hand.
“You too. Sorry it’s under these circumstances.”
“Don’t worry about it. I live for this kind of excitement.” He smirks, then looks at Tyler. “You’ve gotten fat.”
Eric chuckles, obviously giving Tyler a hard time.
“It’s the sympathy baby weight,” I chime in. “He’s eating for two so Gemma doesn’t feel bad.”
Tyler rolls his eyes, but a smile hits his lips.
“Just playing with ya, man. You look great. Marriage suits you.” Eric nudges Tyler’s shoulder, then we walk to baggage claim.
Instead of heading back to Lawton Ridge after he gets his rental, we meet at a restaurant to talk and give him the details.
“I swear, something’s uncanny about your small town,” Eric muses as we eat.
“You’re tellin’ me.” Tyler snorts. “It’s starting to feel a little cursed.”
“Only if you’re an ex-con, though.” I sigh, taking a sip of my drink.
“You’re sure it’s a hit man they hired?”
I nod. “Pretty certain. Had to be a pro to leave the scene of the accident before the ambulance arrived. I’m positive Brittany picked him up. It was evident she wasn’t happy I survived.”
“And this Loretta…” He perks a brow. “She wants you gone too?”
“We think she funded the hit man,” I confirm.
“So essentially, we’re looking for three people?” Eric asks.
“Four, if you count Loretta’s husband, Elliot. But I haven’t seen him since I arrived. I think it’s mainly those two plus the guy they hired.”
“If he’s a pro, he’s probably equipped to take you out from a distance as well. I’m gonna need to do perimeter checks and go everywhere with you until I find him.”
“Gonna put a damper on your private time with Katie.” Tyler snickers.
Eric shakes his head. “If you’re in her house, I’ll keep watch from the car. Don’t get blue balls on my behalf.”
I snort. “Appreciate that.”
Tyler drives me back to Lawton Ridge. Katie’s with Owen until her mom can watch him this afternoon. We’ve been so preoccupied that we haven’t had much time to work on the house, and it makes me feel bad. I hope to eventually help her get to the point where she can move in. Even though she’s too stubborn to admit it, she’s struggling to pay her rent and mortgage on top of purchasing the materials needed for the remodel. I want to do everything in my power to take some of the stress off her.
When we arrive at Katie’s, Eric gets out of his car and meets us on the porch.
“Couldn’t spring for a hotel?” He chuckles when we walk inside.
“There aren’t any here,” Tyler says.
“This is my girlfriend’s place we’re fixin’ up.”
“I’m just messing with you. It’s fine. I’m not picky.” Eric smirks, looking around.
“We’ll be roomies for a while too,” I taunt.
“I really appreciate you coming here,” Tyler says as I lead Eric to the master room where we’ll be staying.
“No problem, man.”
Two air mattresses are set up with blankets and pillows with a little side table Katie brought over. I plan to bring a mini fridge with drinks and snacks as well.
“So I never got the full story of what happened last year with you two,” I say as Eric unpacks some of his things. “Care to give me the CliffsNotes version?”
“About Victoria? Or as I preferred to call her: Crazy Bitch?” Eric spits out.
“We’re gonna need a few beers for this convo.” Tyler sighs.
“Let’s go to the pub,” I suggest. “Then we can show Eric around.”
Tyler drives, and once we’re inside and seated with our drinks, they tell me the story of the first time they met. It’s a whole side of Tyler I never knew, and I’m shocked as hell when he spills all the details.