This isn't over.
And whatever Ashley Clark is running from, it just crossed into my jurisdiction.And I’m not about to let it get close to her.
Chapter 3
Ashley
Ilockmymoteldoor the second I step inside and lean my forehead against the wood, breathing hard.
The room is small but clean. Beige walls. A bed with a stiff-looking comforter. A little table with a lamp that hums faintly when I turn it on. It's not home, but it seems like a safe place to sleep for the night.
Still, I double check the locks.
Did Brandon follow me? Does he know I’m here?
I drop my bag on the chair and sit on the edge of the bed, staring at my phone.
No missed calls.
No new messages.
I should feel relieved.
Instead, my thoughts keep circling back to the same thing. Officer Kavanaugh standing in the lobby, calm and solid. Like if anything went wrong, he would handle it.
And I believe he would.
That realization both comforts and unsettles me.
I kick off my shoes and pace the room, checking the window, the lock, and glancing out at the parking lot outside. My car sits under the flickering light, and there’s also a camera affixed to the pole.Good.
I brought the duffel bag inside, but all my other possessions are in the car, and I hate the idea of Brandon or anyone else rooting through them. The light and the surveillance camera should be a deterrent.
I pull the curtains closed.
A knock sounds at the door.
Every muscle in my body locks. I don't move. I barely breathe.
The knock comes again, firmer this time.
"Ashley," a male voice says quietly. "It's Ross. Officer Kavanaugh."
Relief and nerves collide so hard my knees feel weak.
I approach the door and glance through the peephole. It's him. Same uniform. Same steady presence. I don’t see anyone else lurking behind him.
I unlock the door and open it just enough to see his face.
"Yes?"
"I wanted to check on you before I finished my patrol," he says. His tone is calm, professional. "You okay?"
I nod. "I think so."
“Good.” He glances past me into the room, not intrusive, just aware. He hesitates, then adds, "Mind if I step in for a moment? I want to go over a few safety things."
"Okay."
