He sounded like he’d given up, and the tone in his voice unnerved me. “What the fuck are you saying? Do you hear yourself?”
His breath became ragged. “You’re not here. You don’t see it. I can’t do this. I need her, Flynn. I need our daughter. But they aren’t fucking here!”
“Then go get them. You’re a good husband and a good father. They love you. It’ll work out. Keep seeing the therapist. Everything’s going to be alright.” I rubbed my worry lines.
“Yeah, it’ll all be alright. Thanks, Flynn. For everything.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stood at his tone. He sounded distant, like he wasn’t there anymore. “Don’t give up.”
“I’ll try. Talk to you later.” Oliver hung up the phone and left me with a sense of dread in the pit of my stomach.
From the middle of a sensual dream about Flynn, I was jolted awake by the loud shrill of my phone. The alarm was an ear-splitting wail that I’d programmed for my security system at the salon. I jumped out of bed and grabbed my phone, checking the notification from the security app.
Break-In in progress. Silent alarm activated. Security cameras recording. Sending feed. Contacting local authorities.
The feed popped up in live mode, and I sucked in a sharp breath. The front door was shattered, and the man that stood in my salon made my blood run cold.
Gerald drew deeply on his cigar before dropping it to the polished concrete floor and stepping on it. He didn’t wear a mask, just pulled his hood up to shield his face, not that it did any good. His face was in clear view of one of the cameras. He’d wandered around, snooping through things, before he lost it.
He was a rabid animal with no sense of control. He threw glass containers and equipment at the walls, smashed my mirrors, knocked all the nail polish to the floor, and turned the table in the back. My heart raced, but I couldn’t move as I watched him destroy my business. He walked over to the front desk and wrote something on a notepad for a few minutes before reaching for my cash register, and throwing it on the ground.
I squeezed my eyes and took a deep breath. Thank the heavens I had the policy of putting all the money in the safe every day after closing. I opened my eyes and watched him run out.
A minute or so later, blue and red lights flashed into the building and I snapped out of it. It was three in the morning, but I hopped out of bed and threw on some sweats and a sweater before booking out of my house to my salon. I fumbled with my phone as I drove and put it to my ear.
“What’s going on?” Flynn’s voice was alert, as if I hadn’t woke him.
“Gerald broke into my salon. Can you meet me there?” I pulled into the parking lot with several cruisers and at least six deputies scattered about.
“On my way.”
I hung up the phone. I didn’t know why I’d called him rather than Mags or Faith, but he made me feel safe.I needed to feel safe.
I swung open my door and hurried over to the sheriff.
He was a friend of my fathers and the one I’d talked to about Gerald when I came home from Faith’s wedding. He ensured the restraining order. He was the epitome of authority with his gun tucked away on his holster. His dark blue uniform and shiny shoes stood out among the rest of the deputies.
“Sheriff Sanders, thanks for showing up.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “It’s my job. Are you doing alright? I’m sure you’ve seen the footage.”
I bobbed my head. “I’m upset and confused. Why’s he doing this? He’s going against the restraining order. Isn’t he?”
“He’s breaking, entering, and vandalizing your property. I’ll make sure he goes away for this. We just have to find him first. He’s not at his address or any of his family members.” He pulled out a piece of paper and offered it to me. “Wasn’t sure if I should give this to you, but here. No need in hiding it either.”
I plucked it from him with trembling hands and read it.
Oh sweet Eve,
How I’ve missed you. The days merged into weeks, and the weeks into months. It has been a year now. You seem happy, flirting with every man and woman that walks by. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. I keep to your every shadow. Without you, life’s hollow.
You’ve started drinking coffee. You’re using those damn essential oils. You’re getting cozy with Flynn Rockwell. Isn’t that the ex you’ve cried to me about? Why are you letting him around you? Are you fucking him? I thought I warned you. You couldn’t be with anyone but me. He’s only got half a leg, right? It’ll be easy to take him out.
You got me a restraining order. I think some discipline should teach you a lesson. Should I teach you or Flynn the lesson first? I’ve been watching you since I got back. But when I saw that man sleeping on your couch, keeping you company… my heart broke. You broke my heart, Eve.
I threw the rock through your window as a warning. But did you listen? No. I saw you kiss him by the lake. I saw you sleep in the same tent. I’m pissed. Sleep with one eye open, darling. You’ll be mine again.
YOUR ONE TRUE LOVE,
