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“I will address this with him in the morning,” James states.
“Eh, don’t worry about it,” I casually reply.
James appeared perplexed.
"I honestly couldn't care less that he is getting laid. In the grand scheme of things, that is the least of my worries. As long as my shit isn't stolen, I don't care if he brings a new girl each night."
"Really?" James inquired.
"Absolutely,” I affirm.
James chuckled. "I suppose it’s somewhat hypocritical of us, considering what we have been up to.”
"That it is," I playfully say, taking his hand and pulling him closer.
"Speaking of us…”
"Lead the way."
He looked up at me with a dangerous glint in his eye as though he could sense what was coming next. A wicked smile curved on his lips as we moved towards the kitchen door. I grabbed his hand and walked towards the kitchen door, leading him upstairs.
TWENTY-EIGHT
AVA
When I wake, I am greeted by sunlight streaming through my window. The warmth on my face and birds chirping outside fill the room.
I inhale deeply and stretch, feeling a wave of contentment wash over me. A comfortable soreness between my legs greets me.
I reach over and find an empty bed beside me.
James is not there.
In his place is a piece of paper.
I opened it and read,"I am sorry I was not there when you woke up. I had some fires to put out. Be back soon. James."
I sigh but smile.
After last night, I feel content and, dare I say,happy.
Placing the note back on the bed, I rise to start my day.
Today, I plan on spending some time in my greenhouse, anything to divert my thoughts from James and the mind-blowing sex we had.
As I walk towards the greenhouse, humming softly to myself. As I swing open the door, I am overwhelmed by the scent of damp soil and fresh flowers that hit me in the face. I open the door and inhale the fresh morning air, taking a moment to savor it before stepping inside.
TWENTY-NINE
JAMES
The call from the police chief hit me like a physical blow as I listened to Chief Brash describe yet another missing girl. An overwhelming dread rose inside me as I threw on my clothes, knowing that if The Skinner was behind this disappearance, it was up to me to stop him.
My eyes lingered on Ava, sleeping peacefully in the bed, her dark eyelashes framing her angelic face, and my chest tightened with fear for her safety. I didn't want to leave her, having other things in mind, but part of keeping her safe was acting as a buffer between her and the missing girl. I kissed her forehead and whispered that I'd be back soon. I went to the police station, determined to get answers. Even though I already knew the answer, I had to be sure that The Skinner was involved.
The police station smelled of stale coffee and burnt paper when I walked through the door. Chief Brash, the grizzled police chief who had been patrolling these streets for twenty-five years, greeted me with a stern shake of his hand.
Chief Brash was already waiting for me. He was an old-school cop, gruff and straight to the point. He was one of the few people who understood why the FBI protected Ava, and he knew all too well the danger posed by The Skinner.
