“ATF,” Hunter corrected. “Not until a few minutes ago. I bumped into him at the bar, hoping he’d follow, but it never happened. So, I stayed close, trying to find a way to warn you without drawing attention.”
“The break in at your house was from Jax. He even tried poisoning your food the day you met my friends.” Heath continued explaining.
“When Ivy got sick.” Olivia gasped in horror. Her poor child got sick, because Jax tried poisoning her.
“It wasn’t to kill you, just make you sick.” Hunter added, as if to assure her Jax hadn’t been trying to kill her. It didn’t help.
“That doesn’t change the fact he’s known where I was for a while.”
“Only the past week. He was trying to grab you without drawing attention. With Royce showing up today, they were out of time.”
“Out of time?”
“Royce’s business dealings were linked with your job. Without you, he lost a lot of sponsors, because your accounts got shut down. His other supporters started backing down, so Royce was desperate.”
“Which is why he came after me himself.”
“That’s when I had my team move in and intercepted Jax, and then met Heath here and the other guys.”
“If it hadn’t been for Hunter, Jax would have been released around the corner. The two policeman that came to arrest him were really Royce’s goons dressed as policeman.” Heath explained, pulling Olivia close to him. “Hunter explained everything to us, as his people took Jax away, and while we were dealing with that, Hunter and Mike swung around back in case Royce made a play for you.”
Olivia shuddered, as she thought about what just happened. “Is it really all over now?” She was afraid to hope.
“This part is. Royce is obviously gone.” Hunter tilted his chin over his shoulder towards the car. “His people will be arrested. The only thing left is for you to help us find out who he was dealing with. Anything you can tell us will be much appreciated.”
“I’ll do whatever I can to help. I don’t know how much it will be, though.” Royce hadn’t let her mingle with his company often. She didn’t know how much help she’d be, but she was willing.
“Good. We’ll be in touch.” Hunter nodded to Heath, who pulled her away. That was fine with her. She didn’t want to be close to Royce’s body anymore. Kathy came around the corner then, holding her head.
“Kathy,” Olivia had almost forgotten what happened to her. She ran up to her, looking her over.
“I’m fine. Stop fussing.” Kathy batted her hands away. Her hair was tousled, but otherwise, she appeared unharmed. “Are you two, okay?”
“We’re fine.” Olivia assured her.
“But your face.” Kathy started to protest.
“It’s fine.” Olivia cut her off. “The ladies have already covered me in cold wash clothes and did enough fussing. I’m fine.” Now that Royce wasn’t chasing her anymore, she could finally breathe. No more looking over her shoulder. She could have her life back.
“Alright, well I’ll be in the diner, if you need me.”
“Thank you, Kathy. For everything.”
“You’re family, love. No thanks needed.” Kathy said, before heading into the diner.
They were kind of like a family.All her friends.Everyone looked out for each other. It was nice. It had been so long, since she had that kind of support. It was nice to not have to do everything on her own now.
“Can I go into the diner too, Mom?”
“Of course. We’ll be right behind you.” Olivia gave her a kiss on top of her head, and Heath gave her a squeeze, before she ran after Kathy.
“I can’t believe it’s really over.” Olivia whispered. It was going to take some time to get used to that.
“It’s over.” Heath assured her and guided her back into the diner. Everyone was gathered around waiting to hear the whole tale.
Epilogue
The whole group decided to attend the concert at the fairgrounds. It was the official closing of the carnival. Probably the whole town was there. It was the first one Olivia had ever attended, but she was sure there would be plenty more to come over the years. Though maybe she’d skip the kissing booth. Not that Heath would ever allow her to work it again.
