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“Just checking in…”
He’s lying. I know he wants to use me for whatever he’s up to with Kevin. I won’t be his pawn, but since Avery’s attorney is handling it, I have to pretend like everything is okay.
“All still good here—just doing last-minute preparations for tomorrow night,” I reply.
“Good… that’s good. The gala tomorrow is sure to be a hit. After that, we can part ways.”
I eye him suspiciously. This is just strange behavior, even given what I know.
“If that’s all, I’ll be working remotely for the rest of the day to concentrate better.”
Not a lie, exactly. Being cozied up on the couch with Avery doing this definitely sounds a hell of a lot better than in this office.
“Is there something else?” I can’t help but ask.
At this rate, only God knows what the fuck else is happening. I wouldn’t be surprised if a literal bomb dropped on the parish.
After the Church and Kevin are behind us, I’m going to enjoy living a peaceful life with Avery. I think we’ve gone through enough to last us a lifetime.
Greg clears his throat.
Wait, was it Greg who sent these photos to me? Or is he the one who delivered the package?
“Nothing I can do to get you to change your mind and be a bigger part of the team? There are some…” Greg pauses to collect his thoughts.
“New opportunities on the horizon I could get you involved with. Big opportunities for people like us.”
I fold my arms against my chest as I take him in. This man is nervous around me. He doesn’t know that I’m aware he’s up to something, so I wonder why he’s acting so off. It can’t just be because he intended to use me somehow, could it? Nothing about him is adding up.
“As much as I appreciate it, I know it’s the right path for me to move forward. Thank you for your understanding. It’s been a pleasure being here.”
He clears his throat again.
“Right, well, had to try one last time. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Before he leaves, he adds, “And Lachlan, there have been some… whispers about where you lay your head at night. Just something to consider before your time ends officially.”
I don’t freeze or react at all. He’s threatening me.
First the envelope of photos and now this message. It might not be him who helped deliver the photos to me, but it’s all connected.
The problem is, he doesn’t know I’m a loose cannon. I could give two shits if this town knows that I’m with someone. I only care if there is suspicion that it’s Avery until she’s officially divorced. For her sake, not mine. She’s been through enough to have to deal with another scandal.
Sure, when she and I do go public, it will be the talk of the community for a while, but not nearly as much if she’s still married and I’m an active priest.
Greg disappears down the hallway, leaving me feeling disgusted at his measly attempt to blackmail me.
I pick up my briefcase and head out to return home to Avery.
Getting home much earlier than Avery expected, I try to open the door, but the chain is on from the inside. Strange. She usually doesn’t do this during the day.
With the door slightly ajar, I call out.
“Avery, it’s me. Are you okay?”
“Lachlan!” she squeals in response.
