Page 91 of Legacy

I swallowed hard, knowing I couldn’t wallow here for long. Either Callum or my mother would show up, dragging me out. I knew them well enough. With one last look at the office, I locked the door and headed to my car back at the main parking lot.

I frowned, the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end once again. I couldn’t tell if anyone was looking at me, but then again, maybe they were just feeling sorry for me after what happened. But no, something was off. I stared down one of the alleys, frowning, before turning back. Strong hands gripped my arms, and I gasped, looking up into familiar eyes, yet ones I did not want to see.

“Hello there, Little Carter.”

I tore myself away from Callum’s father and lifted my chin. “Mr. Ashford.”

“I like the sound of that. Mr. Ashford. Nobody calls me that anymore.”

“Sorry for bumping into you. I need to go back to my car.”

“He left you alone like this? Not a very protective thing to do.”

“I’m just fine. Excuse me.”

“Well, if you’re sure.”

“Felicity? Everything okay here?”

I nearly sagged in relief at the sound of Thatcher’s voice and turned to see him and Keely walking towards me.

Keely stared at Callum’s father, a frown on her face, before she reached out and took my hand.

“Hey. Glad I caught you. We were heading up to your parents’ house.”

“Me too. Do you need a ride?”

“I’d love one.” She looked over at Thatcher, who was still glaring at Callum’s father.

“Mind if I ride with her? I know you’re on call tonight.”

“No problem. I have a few things to take care of anyway.” He looked over at me for a moment. “You good?”

“I’m great. Thank you.”

I didn’t know exactly what I was saying thank you for, but Callum’s father always creeped me out.

No wonder Callum and his siblings did their best to stay away from him.

I took Keely’s hand, and we made our way to my car.

“Should I wonder why you two were going to my parents’ house together?” I asked, realizing that I hadn’t even known the two hung out.

“Oh, I was walking towards… I was walking in this direction, because I couldn’t get my car to start, and Thatcher was just going to drive me. He’s a nice guy. But don’t worry. Not that nice.”

I raised a brow. “Really?”

“You’re the one who’s dating an older man, not me.”

I smiled then, laughter spilling from my lips.

And that was why I loved Ashford Creek. Even with the shadows, my friends could make me laugh.

Chapter 14

Callum

“Why did I think that things would be less violent in person? Even after all these years.”