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“Let’s get out of here.” Trevor was as disgusted as I was. “He didn’t see anything. He was jumped from behind.”
I nodded, ready to get out of here and find this guy.
“An officer will be standing outside your door all night.” Trevor informed McMillon. “You’ll be safe, okay?”
He grumbled, “Yeah, fine,” and switched on the television. “Send a nurse in here when you leave. I need some food.”
“Sure thing.” I exchanged a glance with Trevor before he turned to leave. “Get some rest, Mr. McMillon.”
“Catch that bastard!” he shouted at our backs as we left.
As we headed out of the hospital, Trevor grumbled, “What a prick.”
“Yeah, he’s always been that way. So, we’re basically just cruising around looking for anything out of the ordinary. This should be easy,” I deadpanned.
“Matt and Quinn are at McMillon’s trying to lift prints, but no luck so far. The only thing McMillon remembered was the thick leather gloves the suspect was wearing.”
“Great. I know where I’m going to start.”
“Meet you at the Mountain Breeze to check on our new friend, Howard Winthrop?” He chuckled.
“You got it.”
We got into our respective vehicles and left.
Winthrop’s rental wasn’t parked in front of his room and the lights were off. Nothing about that was against the law. I had no reason to put out the call to find him and I would not abuse my position and malign his name in such a way without probable cause.
“Damn it.” I waved Trevor off and took off behind him with the feeling I was missing something.
And that Charlotte held the key.
Chapter20
Charlotte
Adaline crept across the dark expanse of her living room on her way to confront the shadowy figure who had taken up residence on her sofa. “Jaden,” she whispered. “I told you I’d be fine. You can leave.”
“I’m staying right here until I know for sure you’ll be safe.” The deep growl in his voice sent a thrill through her body and she shivered. “He’ll have to go through me to get to you, Adaline.” His words were a vow. She knew he would stay no matter what she said to him, the stubborn man.
“Fine. Have it your way. I’m going to sleep.” Her heart pounded as she spun on her heel to go back to bed.
“Good night, Addie baby.” His eyes were on her; she could feel the heady weight of his gaze on her body as she walked away, and it took everything she had not to beg him to join her...
Windchimes...
Windchimes...
WINDCHIMES!
“Damn it, damn it, damn it!” I yelled and shut my laptop with an angry slam.
Along with my deadline, my stalker, and the many intrusive questions thrown my way earlier tonight, insomnia had always been my nemesis.
I was up in the middle of the damn fricking night, sitting on my couch, covered with a blanket, trying to finish writing the chapter I’d been stuck on for weeks. I was having no luck because I seemed to have acquired a new nemesis tonight; the dang, stupid windchimes Gwen had given me were out there blowing in the breeze and driving me to the brink of insanity.
I flopped back on the couch as my mind drifted back to Cade and how he had rushed off after the text from Trent and I cursed again.
After four martinis, two fancy snacky plates, a bazillion questions about Adaline, and a healthy amount of embarrassment, Violet’s book club was over. After everyone left, I had helped Cade’s sisters clean up the shop and secretly hoped they’d all be my sisters-in-law again. Once I explained my relationship with Trent to Cade, he’d understand, and we could go back to muddling our way toward our second chance.
