Magnolia
My phone buzzes with a text from Molly, and I’m grateful for the distraction from my spiraling thoughts about Levi being out there on that operation.
MO: Want to have lunch? I need to get out of the office for a bit.
I look around at Levi’s house, maybe one day our house? And realize I can’t just sit here waiting for him to come home. I’ll drive myself crazy.
MA: Yeah, I’ll meet you at The Café in twenty.
MO: Perfect. See you there.
I throw on some actual clothes instead of the leggings and Levi’s shirts I’ve been living in, do something with my hair, and head out. The drive into town is short, but my mind won’t stop racing. Is Levi okay? Did the operation go well? Is he safe?
Molly’s already at a table when I arrive, two menus in front of her. She stands to hug me, and I hold on maybe a little longer than normal.
“You okay?” she asks when we sit down.
“Yeah, just…a lot going on.”
“I know.” She reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “Mags, be honest with me. What’s really going on with you and Levi?”
My heart stutters. “What do you mean?”
“Come on. You’re staying at his house. You showed up to Thanksgiving together. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other.” She pauses, her expression softening. “I’m not mad, if that’s what you’re worried about. I just want the truth.”
I open my mouth to answer, to maybe finally admit what’s been happening between Levi and me, but before I can, Molly’s phone buzzes. She glances down at it, and her expression changes.
“What?” I ask. “What is it?”
“It’s Dad. He says…” Her eyes widen. “Holy shit. There was a big bust out at Freedom Farms. They arrested a bunch of people for illegal wildlife trafficking.”
My stomach drops. “When?”
“Just now, I think. Dad says he’s heading back to the station to help process everyone.” She looks up at me. “Why? What’s wrong?”
But I can’t answer, because through the window, I see them.
Police cars. Multiple police cars, pulling up in front of the Laurel Springs Police Department across the square. And they’re doing perp walks, bringing out men in handcuffs one by one.
“Mags?” Molly follows my gaze. “What are you looking at?”
I stand up so fast my chair nearly tips over, moving to the window. The Café is only a few storefronts down from the police department, and I can see everything as clearly as if I were standing out there watching.
That’s when I see him.
Cody.
He’s in handcuffs, being led out of one of the cruisers. And as if he can feel my eyes on him, he looks directly at me.
Even from this distance, I can see the rage on his face. His lips move, and I can read them as clearly as if he were standing right in front of me.
This is your fault.
And then, more chilling: You’ll pay for this.
My blood turns to ice. Molly appears at my side, following my gaze.
“Is that…?”
