“We don’t know much about him, other than that he’s unhinged, so I’m not sure we even can give her more than we’ve already talked about.”
“Exactly. I don’t like it, but I also see the merit in finishing this shit now.”
“Can I give you some bullshit advice from someone who is also dating a Hutton woman?”
“I have a feeling you’re going to tell me anyway.”
“I am glad we’re on the same page. Willow took things into her own hands with Tennison because she thought it would help me. She wasn’t thinking about herself or the aftermath. Rina is the same way. Yes, it’s her life that’s being affected, but she’s doing what she thinks is best for everyone. Waiting and being patient is not a specialty for them. Going along with it and not fighting it is a hell of a lot easier than standing in her way,” he says.
“I’m not trying to stand in her way. I’m trying to keep her safe.” If I sound defensive, it’s because I am.
“I know you are. That’s why I got Woodcroft to do some digging into Tyler.”
“Your old partner?”
“Yep. I’m just waiting for him to call me back with the intel. I’m not sure we’ll get a ton more information, but any can help Rina tonight.”
“That makes me feel marginally better.” And it does. I’m no less worried, but more information usually means a better outcome.
“Did you apologize to Willow again for me? I didn’t expect to pull you away from Grind Time so often.” Changing the subject eases my nerves.
“I promised her a solid month of not having to open when this is finished, and that seemed to appease her.” His smirk lets me know that wasn’t the only thing promised, but I’m not trying to hear about their bedroom activities.
“I’m shocked you left the two of them in charge of your shop.” I chuckle.
“Yeah, that’s why I’m leaving.” He stands up, giving me a small salute.
“I’ll be over in a few to get Rina,” I call as he leaves. He throws up a hand in acknowledgment, then disappears out the front door.
Putting a call into the lieutenant in the Rosedale Police Department, I fill him in on Oakley’s development and let him know I’ll call him again once I get more information. We’re hoping whatever gets dug up will help strengthen the case against Tyler. Since we already have the warrant, now we need more evidence.
I count my breaths before heading over to Grind Time. Rina and I had a long talk the other night after my panic attack. I told her my worries and fears, and she did the same. We mutually agreed this is the best option for locking up Tyler, but we both know it’s not the safest approach and a lot can go wrong. Being able to understand each other and where our heads are at has helped my anxiety a lot.
The walk to Grind Time gives me just enough time to turn my focus on Rina instead of what’s going to happen in eight hours.
“Long time, no see,” Oakley chirps from behind the counter as I walk in. Rolling my eyes, I turn to Rina and join her at the table she’s sitting at.
“How are you doing?” I ask.
“Good.” She’s too cheery, trying too hard to ease my mind.
“How are you really?”
She sighs. “Nervous. Mildly terrified.”
“Understandably. You want to go for a walk?”
“Absolutely.” She stands abruptly, walking over to Willow and giving her a hug, then drags me out the front door. “Where to?”
“My truck.” I chuckle. This is stir-crazy Rina, and my idea to take a breather from everything makes even more sense now.
I drive to the one place to guarantee to calm us both down and distract us until it’s time for her little get-together with Tyler. I refuse to call it a date.
I can feel her tension release as we pull up to the trail that will lead to the falls. She slumps in her seat and grabs my hand.
“Thank you.”
“I think we both need this,” I tell her, leaning over and pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. We get out of the truck and onto the trail, and the fresh air and smell of pine trees are a natural drug, pulling us both out of our heads and calming the worry vibrating through our bodies.
