Page 3 of Until Easton

"They loved it, man. Thanks again." Jax's expression shifts to a more serious, all-business mode. "I hope you don't mind, but Miles brought this stalker problem to my attention earlier when he asked us to beef up security." Jax crosses his arms over his chest. "He tells me it's been going on for a few months now?"

"Yeah. But it's the first time this person has been bold enough to leave a letter in person at one of our events." Anger rises in my gut. "And this time, he or she threatened not only me but my friends and family." I look around at my friends standing quietly nearby. "This needs to stop before something bad happens."

"Mind if I take a look at the letter?" Jax asks, and I pass him the folder. I watch his face as he reads the letter.

"Mind if I keep this? I'd like to investigate further," he inquires.

"Yeah?" I look at him.

Jax nods. "Yeah. This looks like much more than an obsessed fan. He or she is resorting to written threats. You should have it investigated."

"I agree," Miles says. "I also think you and the rest of the band need to lay low for a while. This was the final show. All of you take a break—go on vacation until we sort this mess out."

"What about studio time? We have it booked to start recording new shit next week," Cody states.

"I'll get it pushed back a few weeks," Miles tells him.

"Not to step on any toes, but I would also suggest personal security for everyone since threats were made against those in this room. You should also assume those threats include family, friends, or anyone you associate with." Jax's serious tone puts me on edge more than I already am.

Heisley pokes her head in the room. "Time's up. Let's go."

"Can we discuss this later?" I ask Jax.

"You got it," he says, and my bandmates and I walk out of the room.

Later in the night, after we've interacted with fans, signed hundreds of autographs, and dealt with the media, everyone but me loads up on the buses. Jax and Ellie walk up with Miles. "You got my ticket?" I ask Miles.

"Your flight leaves before noon tomorrow." He eyes me with concern. "You think you should be flying out there with this threat looming over your head?"

"It's only for a couple of days. I'm not missing my niece's birthday," I tell him, then add, "I'll find somewhere to lie low and recharge after I get back from Montana."

"Want me to book you a stay somewhere—maybe that Villa in the Florida Keys? It's private and secluded," Miles mentions, and, at first, the idea of being on a beach all by myself sounds nice. The appeal quickly fades.

"I have a suggestion," Ellie interjects, and I look at her, raising my brow. "My friend Becca, who works at the salon, runs a bed and breakfast."

"Where?" I ask Jax.

"Here in Tennessee. Not far from Nashville actually—Connelly Ranch."

"Can't say I've heard of it."

"Well, if you're looking for a different, change-of-pace place where you can disappear for a while, I couldn't recommend a better location than my hometown. And your business would be more than appreciated."

"You'll keep me posted on this stalker business?" I look at Jax.

"I will," he tells me.

"Miles, you mind keeping Gizmo for a while?"

"Sure," Miles agrees.

"Alright." I look between Jax and Ellie. "Connelly Ranch, here I come." I clap my hands together, having no idea what waits for me in the small town.

2

BECCA

Waking every morning before the sun is something I have done since I was a kid. Call me crazy, but mornings are my favorite time of the day. Probably because I spend that time with my grandfather. Sure, chores are involved, but the time I have with him is the brightest part of my day.