บททั้งหมดของ The Saddle Creek Series: บทที่ 91 - บทที่ 100

Dillon, exhausted from his night of surveillance, had gone without sleep for longer periods of time. But, as he lay in bed, he couldn't remove the memory of Avri, flushed and satisfied as she lay in her king-size bed or their heated conversation after. Their words continued to swirl around in his mind, refusing to allow his brain to rest.He was troubled about how they'd parted and the last words he'd said to her. "I guess we're done here then." Hearing them again, inside his head, they sounded sofinal.He wondered why she was so upset with him. He'd left the noteshe was the one who hadn't followed up on their plans. She hadn't stopped him from leaving when he'd hesitated so she must be done with himhis greatest fear. Fear of not being wanted or loved, never good enough, not amounting to anythingresults from a childhood of bullying, beatings, and verbal abuse.Avri's love for him was what had kept him going day after day while in captivity. If he didn't have her he didn't have a lif

Dillon worried all afternoon about how he left it with Avri. He wanted to talk to her again, but it was so hard to put his emotions into words. On his way home after work, he drove by her house. Her car was parked in the driveway instead of in the garage and that, in itself told him she was going out again. He hoped it wasn't with that sleaze-ball, Josh Hawkins.He took advantage of searching the National Crime Information Center today, but came up again with nothing. He already knew where Josh lived; now he needed to find out where he worked and with whom. That was the utmost important detail at this time. Following Josh around all day should provide him with enough knowledge to put it all together.Choosing to follow Avri tonight and make sure she was safe, Dillon turned the corner and circled the block. He parked in Elliott's backyard facing Avri's front yard from the side. Dillon didn't trust Josh; bad energy vibes emanated from him and he'd learned to trust those senses the hard

"Hey, surprised to see your truck here, Dill, but after seeing who's laying on the pavement outside, not so much." Chase laughed as he slid into the booth seat with Elliott close behind. It was their usual night to have dinner at Rosie's."What's going on, Dillon? Do you need backup?" Elliott laughed while the waitress poured hot coffee in their waiting mugs."When Ell and I got here we stepped over him, and came on in. We headed toward our usual booth and eyed you guys." Chase wiped his face with his hands and then slurped his coffee. "I should've known you'd have something to do with it.""Josh man-handled Avri, threatened her, and I put a stop to it going any further. He's not welcome here anymore," Dillon said and then further explained his surveillance of Josh and finding his address. When Dillon finished, Chase and Elliott nodded."We can help," Elliott said. "I'm in town at the shop in and out a lot every day. I can keep an eye out and also have my manager look out for him,

Josh circled the block but didn't turn down Avri's street. Instead, he pulled to the side and stopped at the corner. His eyes located and focused on the silhouette of Avri and Dillon in each other's arms.He needed to win her back somehow, impress Avri so he could get into those files; he couldn't leave town until he came up with the money Boss demanded be returned to himwithout this vital information he needed to hold over Boss's head he was as good as dead. He continued staring, his mind reeling with ideas and memories of their courtship. Maybe he could come to Avri with flowers and candy and beg for forgiveness.When he spotted them moving together toward the house, he didn't think he would have another shot at entering her house again tonight. But he waited and within minutes, watched as Dillon crossed the street alone and went through a grove of trees.Headlights lit up the night and the big truck pulled out into the street, heading his way. He slunk into the seat, buried his h

"Does Mitch have a suspect list?" Dillon asked as he strode into Avri's office."Hi Dillon, thanks for coming over. Mitch didn't say anything about a suspect list. I have to tell you, I did tell Mitch what happened at the house last night. I also found Josh's cell number in my phone and gave it to him too. He's going to check him out. Maybe he can find something out about him," Avri said stacking files on her desk."I'd like his cell number, too, if you don't mind. Maybe one of the databases I have access to will have some Intel on him," Dillon said as he bent over and picked up a small chair."Sure, I should have given it to you way before now, right?" Avri smiled, remembering his jealous streak. She scribbled on a sticky note on her desk and handed it to him."Yes, you should have." Dillon eyed her sideways, grabbing the note out of her grasp. "When's the locksmith expected?""I told him to come as soon as possible, that it had to be today, and he said he'd be here. I'm hoping t