Page 80 of Give Me Peace

“I’m guessing there wasn’t a post card from Oklahoma in the Washington PO box?” I question absently, still staring at the map like the answer to Liam’s whereabouts might miraculously pop out at me.

“No. I had it checked yesterday and nothing was there,” Krew answers, confirming what I already knew.

He knows.

“Well, it’s obvious he’s on his way here. In a roundabout, path of most resistance sort of way,” I mumble, a sad dose of acceptance settling inside me. There’s no point in pretending that isn’t the case. Hoping it’s just a coincidence will do nothing but leave us unprepared.

I study the states between Oklahoma and Florida. Considering we’re in the panhandle, practically in Alabama, he could breach the state line easily. It wouldn’t even take him a full day of driving. Liam had to have mailed the postcard a few days ago, which means he could very well be here by now. I doubt he stuck around the scene of his crime any longer than he had to. Getting caught this late in the game would enrage him, and it’s not a risk he would take. I swallow thickly, my skin growing clammy at the thought of him being so close.

He could’ve seen Kash while he was out. It wouldn’t be difficult for him to tail one of the guys home. Liam has proved repeatedly that he knows how to avoid detection. Does he know what they look like? Are their pictures listed on the SOTERIA website? Oh God, I can’t breathe. I spin around so quickly I make myself dizzy, but I need to make sure the doors are locked. The back slider is always open.

“Baby girl.” Roan appears in front of me, holding my chin between his finger and thumb. “Take a deep breath for me.” I close my eyes until I have a better grip on my emotions. “That’s good. Talk to us, Little Fighter. What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

“Do we have enough food to last us through the week?” It’s the first thing that leaves my mouth, the filter sorting my thoughts obviously going on a temporary hiatus.

“I panic over running out of snacks, too. No need to be embarrassed, sweetness. It’s a legitimate concern.” Kash nods at me in solidarity. “Don’t fret, though. I stocked up while I was out.”

“Christ, that was dumbest shit you’ve ever said.” Roan glares at him. “What’s the real problem, Saylor?”

I take a deep breath, terrified to voice my worries, like that might give them life somehow. “There’s a good chance Liam is already here. If we go off the previous timelines, his latest victim has been dead for three to five days. That’s more than enough time for him to travel here. He might not know the exact location of the house, but he’s got us pinpointed to the general area.”

“Technically, we’re outside the city limits. Our physical address isn’t in the same zip code as the PO box,” Krew explains, but it’s still too close for comfort.

“Is there a chance he knows what any of you look like?” I glance at each of them. “Because all it’d take is him recognizing one of you while you’re out and about. He could’ve followed Kash home today for all we know. I’ll never again underestimate that man’s abilities. If he’s aware that Lochlan and Havok are away…” Roan steadies me, lifting me up and setting me on Krew’s desk.

“It’d be the perfect time for him to strike. He’d think us weaker, more exposed with less manpower.” Krew nods in understanding. “He’d be wrong, Tink. Really fucking wrong.” He speaks with conviction, not a trace of worry coming through.

“Remember what we told you; no one steps foot on this property without us knowing. We’ve got you.” Roan cups my cheek, giving me a reassuring smile.

“And I’d never let a tail follow me home, sweetness. That’s insulting.” Kash sniffs haughtily. “Definitely something Kade would do, though.” I huff a laugh, trying to let some of their confidence bleed into me.

“I know I’m safe with you guys, I just hate that we’re separated right now. Every time that happens in a scary movie, someone always dies.” I confess my ridiculous thoughts because they’re real to me.

“It won’t be this way much longer, Tink. As soon as they wrap things up in Nashville, they’ll be on the next flight out.” I nod at Krew, struggling to push back the sudden sting behind my eyes.

“Come on, let’s turn in early. How’s a movie in bed sound?” Roan picks me up like I weigh nothing, cradling me against his chest.

“Sounds good, actually.” Krew squeezes my hand and Kash kisses the tip of my nose on our way out. Instead of going to my room, Roan takes us to his.

“My sheets don’t smell like you anymore. I don’t like it,” he huffs, tossing back the covers so we can slide beneath them. He keeps me close, my head on his chest with a leg curled over his. Roan powers on the TV mounted to his wall and clicks on an episode of Friends. It serves as background noise more than anything. My eyes grow heavy in no time, the stroke of his fingers through my hair lulling to me sleep far quicker than melatonin ever could.

“You don’t stink anymore,” I comment, slipping away to the sound of his throaty laugh.

I’m sleeping so soundly it takes me a while to realize my phone is ringing. It’s on silent, but the continuous vibrating eventually wakes me. I blindly run my hand over the bed but come up empty. Roan is no longer beside me, the place he was laying now cool to the touch. Cracking an eye open, I follow the glow of my phone. It cuts off just as I detach it from the charger, only to start back up the next second. I don’t bother looking at the screen to see who it is.

“Hello?” My voice cracks as I answer.

“Love,” Lochlan greets me on an exhale. Hearing him on the other end of the line helps clear the lingering drowsiness from my mind. “How are you, sweetheart?”

“I’m okay.” It’s not completely true, but his attention is needed elsewhere. I don’t want to bother him, especially when he’s several hours away and there’s nothing he can do.

“Now give me the honest answer,” he demands, his tone sweet but firm. I sigh, using my free hand to apply pressure to my eyes. I will not cry. “What is it, love?”

“I just miss you,” I answer honestly, hoping he doesn’t hear the hitch in my voice.

“God, Saylor,” Lochlan groans, followed by a series of thuds. Like he’s knocking his head against the wall in frustration. “I miss you, too. So much, sweetheart. I’m sorry we’re not there; we shouldn’t have taken this case.”

“It was the right thing to do,” I sniffle. “Your lives can’t stop because of me.”