Did that mean she wasn’t safe here?
Chapter Five
Blaize listened intently as Carys recounted the story of what happened on her way to the ranch on the phone with the sheriff. This place’s bad luck seemed to be rubbing off on everyone who came near. It also occurred to him that he should try calling his brothers again. They needed to be part of the decision-making process when it came to all things dealing with the ranch, which would be happening soon if they were going to keep this place up and running.
He highly doubted Raiden or Phoenix would care about their father’s death. Not one of the man’s sons could stand to be in the same room with him. Cormac was a piece of work. From the initial look of things, he would create about as much havoc in death as he did in life.
Inheritances were tricky, especially when you were handed something broken. The one thing that was worth saving on this place was Kit. She deserved the world. More of that familiar guilt zinged him at the thought of how badly he’d shut everyone out of his life. Updates on social media weren’t his thing, either. He didn’t live his life for “likes” or any other type of approval. Hell, he barely used his phone’s camera.
One thing was certain—he needed to quit licking his wounds over losing Lynn. He needed to figure out how to put that chapter of his life behind him. Because he’d blacked out a couple of times after a drinking binge last year. Always woke up fully dressed but not always in his own apartment. A park bench? Yes. The back seat of his Jeep? Affirmative.
Was he proud of this?
No.
He tuned into Carys as she concluded her statement to the sheriff. The call ended with Carys promising to call or text with any updates of if the mystery person appeared again. Blaize had paid close attention to the names she’d given the sheriff. Three men.
“What was that about?” he asked.
“What?”
“The names?” He probably shouldn’t press the issue, but she’d gotten up close and personal with his business. Turnabout seemed like fair play.
“The sheriff asked about the last person I dated and anyone who asked me out but was refused, with a special note toward anyone who persisted.”
“Sounds like he believes this could be personal,” Blaize said.
She nodded. “Apparently most crimes against women are committed by someone they know and trust.”
The thought of a man hurting the person he was supposed to care about burned him from the inside out. “Makes me sick to think about what happens to women at the hands of men.”
“Agreed,” she said, a little of the fight gone from her voice. It was replaced with something that sounded a lot like sorrow.
His hands fisted at the thought of someone harming her.
“And what do you think?” he asked, forcing a calm he didn’t feel. “Could this mystery person be someone you know?” A stalker?
Carys issued a sharp sigh. “Anything’s possible, I guess.” She hugged her arms to her chest. “I’d hate to think someone I know would follow me…track my moves.” She shivered. “That’s awful.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just possible, it was likely. He made a mental note of the names she’d mentioned to the sheriff:James Gray. Ethan York. Gabe Hutchins. Blaize would do a little digging on the internet later. See what he could find out about these men.
“It’s a reality that shouldn’t exist,” he said. “Women should be able to leave their doors unlocked and not have to worry. They sure as hell shouldn’t have to live their lives in fear of the opposite sex.” Too many times, they did. And it angered him beyond belief.
He glanced at the clock, realized it was dinner time. “Are you hungry?”
“I should probably try to eat something,” she said. “Wish I’d been more prepared. I hate to be a burden.”
“You couldn’t be.” He waved a hand, dismissing the idea. Since going out to the grocery wasn’t an option, he checked the fridge to see what he could pull together. “We might have to get creative since I got in late last night and haven’t had a chance to go to the store.”
She blinked at him. “You don’t normally live here?”
“I do now,” he said before shaking his head. “It’s complicated.”
“I’m sure I can understand.”
“My father passed away and left this place to his three sons.” That was it in a nutshell.
“I’m sorry.”
