“She’ll be fine,” Gage started, but stopped when Patrick shot him a look.“Alright.Well, if you change your mind, just let me know.And seriously, call if you need anything.”
I waited while Patrick walked him downstairs and then locked up the house while I stared at the bed.While the photos and the creepy note had been removed, it didn’t erase the feeling of being violated that lingered in the room.It seemed that even with my husband being dead, nothing could keep him from continuing to haunt me.While it wasn’t clearwhohad been here and left the message for me, it was very clear what this was about.
They knew I murdered my husband.
Twenty-Three
Patrick
Ifinished securingthe house and then carried Travis upstairs with me.He seemed okay, but had been limping, so I didn’t want to risk him hurting himself more before I could take him to the vet.He was alert and calm for once, which was a bit odd for him.Thankfully, he was still alive and seemed to be enjoying the pampering as he licked my face repeatedly until we got upstairs.
Poppy was sitting on the floor beside the bed, staring at it.I couldn’t begin to imagine what she was feeling right now.I was pissed that someone had been inside my cabin, but I was furious that they’d left the message for her that they did.Someone was purposely fucking with her head, and I was determined to find them and make them pay.
I set him down and smiled when he lay down and closed his eyes, loving the warmth of the carpet from the heater vent.He was a good dog—furniture chewing aside, and it seemed I was actually rather fond of the little guy after all.
Poppy looked up at me, her face etched with something I couldn’t quite place.I kneeled in front of her and brushed my finger across her cheek.
“We should get some rest,” I said softly.
She nodded and then glanced at the bed.I knew I felt violated that someone had been in the cabin, so there was no doubt that Poppy felt the same way.On top of that, they’d spread pictures of her across the bed and labeled her a murderer.
“How about I change the bedding real quick?”I offered.“A fresh comforter, maybe something a little warmer since it’s supposed to be a chilly night.”
She nodded and started to get up.I stood and extended my hand to help her, loving the warmth of her skin against mine.I wanted nothing more than to hold Poppy in my arms right now and assure her that everything would be alright.I hadn’t just fallen for Poppy; I was so far in over my head that I would burn the world down just to keep her safe and happy.
Once I had the bed changed, I pulled the comforter back and waited for her to climb in.She had changed into one of my t-shirts while I was working on the bed, and I couldn’t help but notice how much I loved her wearing my clothes.Even with her having all of the new clothes she’d bought in my closet, knowing that shechoseto wear mine instead sent a jolt straight to my heart.
I checked on Travis one last time before I climbed into bed beside Poppy and turned off the light.I felt her immediately tense beside me and hated that they had ignited this fear inside of her.
“Want me to turn it back on?”I asked softly.
“No.It’s okay.I’ll be fine.”
“It’s not a big deal.I can turn it on.”
“I don’t know why I’m acting this way,” she said, sniffling as a tear slid down her cheek.“I’ve never been afraid of the dark before.I’m a grown woman, for God’s sake.”
