The broken window. The missing appointment book. The canceled clients. The fake reviews.
She was being targeted, and the person behind it was escalating. Had this person taken things so far as to threaten her license? Her very livelihood?
“I didn’t tell them anything negative,” Ethan continued. “I said that you’ve always been careful and professional.”
Hadley pressed her free hand against the desk. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“I figured you should know before it goes any further.”
“For sure. I’m glad you called. Thanks again.”
Another pause stretched, quieter this time, before he asked, “Are you doing okay? We were all worried about you moving like you did.”
Hadley pressed her eyes closed, his words ironic considering everything that happened between them. However, she’dworked hard to keep their relationship amiable. She knew better than to let bitterness take root in her life.
Hebrews 12:15 filled her mind. “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
No bitter roots. That was her goal.
“I’m fine,” she finally said. “Or Iwillbe fine, at least.”
They said their goodbyes, and the line went dead.
Hadley lowered the phone, her pulse still racing as the reality settled in.
The unease that had been building since yesterday sharpened into something harder to ignore.
Someone wasn’t just trying to rattle her.
Someone was trying to destroy her, and she had a feeling there was more to come.
CHAPTER 25
Max pulledin behind Sheriff Sutherland’s SUV and shut off the engine, the torn upholstery beneath him scraping against his jeans as he shifted.
He glanced down at the ripped seat for a second, his jaw tightening.
He needed to get it fixed. It was just one more thing to deal with and not a true priority.
Right now, he had more important matters to attend to.
He pushed the door open and stepped out, his gaze lifting to the cabin ahead.
Sheriff Sutherland waited near the porch, his expression set. “I swung by here on my search and saw signs that someone had broken in.”
“Kenny . . .” His jaw tightened as he said the man’s name.
“That’s what I’m thinking.”
Max glanced toward the trees then back at the cabin. “He’s not staying anywhere long.”
“That’s what it looks like. He’s clearly spooked and paranoid about being caught. Hopefully that will work in our favor.”
“Hopefully.” Max jerked his chin toward the door. “You already been inside?”
“I have.” Sheriff Sutherland crossed his arms and blew out a breath. “There are signs someone has been in there—someone uninvited. There’s furniture out of place, a broken window, and some missing food.”
Lyndee had been here. He felt sure of it. And she was still on the move.
