Page 212 of Show Me

“For the assault, probably.”

“And Brent?”

“Claims he was home alone.”

Dad mutters a curse.

Jake looks at me. “I need you to go over your last conversations with him again.”

I do, giving him the details I remember.

When I’m finished, Dad shakes his head. “Sounds like threats to me.”

“However, with no video evidence, there’s no proof that their alibies are valid.” Jake closes his notebook. “We’re increasing patrols around your house. We’ll keep an eye out here too.” He hesitates. “And Xavier’s place.”

My heart drops. “Why? What happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Jesus, Jake.”

“The messages revolve around him, Ruby. If one of these guys sees Xavier as the problem, we have to consider that he could become a target too.”

The thought turns my stomach. Xavier getting hurt because of me…. No.

Jake studies me. “Emily told me you’re pregnant.”

I close my eyes. “Fantastic.”

“Did she tell Xavier?” Dad asks.

“No.”

The silence that follows says entirely too much.

“I know I need to tell him.”

Dad rests his arms on the fence. “You still worried he’ll feel trapped?”

“Yes.” Because once I tell him, how will I know if he chooses me or stays because of the baby?

Jake shakes his head. “You really think obligation is the only reason that man keeps showing up?”

I don’t answer. A week ago, I might have. Now I’m not so sure.

Chapter One Hundred Twelve

Xavier

The pigs start screaming for breakfast before the sun is fully up. I’m already awake. Have been for hours. Sleep hasn’t been worth much since the attack. Every time I close my eyes, I see Ruby bleeding beside the fence. Or hear her telling me she’s not mine to worry about.

I drag on my boots and head outside. The pigs crowd the fence while I fill the troughs, automatically separating the piglets before Samson can steal everything. Ruby’s routine. I haven’t heard her voice in almost two weeks.

Jake, Bella, and Emily keep telling me she’s safe. Recovering. That should be enough. It isn’t.

Emily’s SUV crunches into the driveway. She gets out carrying feed and takes one look at me. “You look terrible.”

“Thanks.”