Page 33 of Broken: Taylor

Chapter 14

The ringingof the bell over the door of the shop made Allison jerk. She’d spent the night in her own apartment after two nights at Tori’s. No one had seen anything of notice and Mindy’s brother’s body would be brought back from the coroner, which meant the funeral was about to take place that weekend.

With the suspect not being caught, it caused her fretful nights. She’d jarred awake with every sound until giving up as soon as the first bits of sunshine peeked over the horizon.

Eric Hamilton stalked in, making a beeline for the counter. She took a step backward at noting the crease between his brows.

“I thought you were staying at Tori’s?”

“I did. I slept at Tori’s for a couple of nights. Seriously Eric, I can’t stay at other people’s places indefinitely.”

He didn’t look convinced. “You got a security system?”

“Yes.”

“A gun?”

“Yep.”

He let out a long sigh. “You haven’t seen that reporter guy again?”

“No, but he did stop by Tori’s to eat and asked a couple questions.”

Other than the height and broad shoulders, there was little resemblance between Eric and Taylor. Yet the Hamilton somber expression seemed to be a constant.

“My partner and I will continue patrolling the street. Don’t hesitate to call if you hear or see anything. I don’t care what time it is.”

She’d not heard from Taylor since he’d texted to cancel coming over. “Have you heard from Taylor?”

Eric shrugged. “Nah. He went to Wyoming to see his ex.” Seeming to realize his slip, he quickly began talking again. “I think the suspect will be apprehended shortly, so no need to be nervous. I will ask that you keep the front door locked. You can see customers coming. If it’s a man by himself and you don’t recognize him, lie and say you’re closed for a few minutes.

Allison nodded and saluted. “Got it.”

The corner of Eric’s mouth twitched. “See that you follow orders.”

After he left, a feeling of loneliness took over and Allison fought not to cry. Although she relished her freedom and independence, there were days she had a recurring fear. She be injured or killed and it would be days before anyone thought to check on her.

It was silly in the case of being dead of course. At that point, she’d not care one way or the other. However, what if she was stabbed by the man who’d killed Mindy’s brother and could not call for help?

A single tear slipped down her cheek and she swiped it away angry with herself for being so silly.

It was the fact that Taylor was with his ex that caused all of these feelings. There was no use in denying how much it hurt that he’d left to see his ex-wife after being together. What would happen now? If they reconciled, he would probably move to Wyoming where he used to live.

Allison had no regrets about the sex. After all, she’d wanted the man all her life. And she’d hoped for it to happen. It felt silly now to think that the memory of it would suffice when in fact she wanted a lot more than damn memories.

A soft song played in the background filling her shop while two gray-haired women walked by deep into a lively conversation. Across the street, a woman bundled her children into a car. Life continued in Laurel Creek.

Thank goodness for that.

Leah burstinto the shop that afternoon, her gaze pinpointing Allison. While Allison rang up a customer who’d purchased several arrangements and a tray of chocolates, Leah paced with ill concealed impatience.

Allison helped the woman carry her purchases out to her car all the while giving her friend questioning looks.

As much as she wanted to know what was up with Leah, she took the time to ensure her customer’s flowers were stable in the car.

When she turned to go back inside Leah was standing beside the door. She yanked Allison by the arm and pulled her inside.

“I can’t believe Taylor left you alone,” she said, screaming it more than a little angry. “What the hell is wrong with him?” Angry mottled streaks of red crossed Leah’s face and neck. “Oh and I’m totally pissed at Luke and Tobias. One of them should have taken over. They are all in the dog house.”