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She didn’t feel comfortable in her own house any longer. Not since those cameras were found. Griffin hadn’t said a word of protest when he came home late Wednesday and found her in his bed. If anything, she felt in his embrace how much he loved it.
“Of course it’s okay. You’re always welcome here.”
Then his warm breath was touching her neck again before his lips followed suit. What she wouldn’t give to stay in his embrace all day. She knew that was impossible. He had too much work to do. Honestly, she wished she was going to work as well. Being a Friday, the cafe was always busy, but Juliet had suggested last night she take the day off. Probably because the townsfolk had been in her face again. A different reason this time—Mark and his disgusting behavior. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Juliet had been right. She needed time away from people. To process and come to terms with everything going on in her life.
So, she was going to take this day and relax. Well, in her mind, baking was relaxing.
“I should get going.”
She turned around, kissing him soundly, needing that extra touch from him. He pulled her snug against him, telling her in that simple touch how much he wished the same as her.
Then he was gone and the house felt empty.
She set the alarm, feeling marginally better at being alone. Then got to work. She wanted to make several different kinds of truffles. Chocolate, sugar cookies, caramel. And they would all be Grinch style. Most people seemed to love the green guy. She was getting tired of red and blue lately, so she wanted to add another color to the mix. Since she never made any kind of truffles before, she wanted to practice first.
Music filled the kitchen. Wonderful aromas enriched her senses. A bout of peace entered her heart, making her even more grateful to Juliet for insisting she take the day off.
The first chocolate truffle she tried melted in her mouth. Absolutely divine. She could be biased though.
Lunch rolled around. A small salad with an apple did the trick to satisfy her. A short, yet sweet call from Griffin helped as well. Still no progress on his end—at least in the sense of finding Mark’s equipment. They were almost done visiting all the properties, so there was that positive note.
By mid-afternoon, she was exhausted and feeling much better. On a more even keel. She cleaned up her mess, put her treats away, and took a shower. She had a few more hours before Griffin got off work. If he got off on time. Planning to relax on the couch for an hour or so before starting supper, she got dressed before heading for the living room. Her footsteps slowed as she eyed the front door.
The alarm was set, the door closed. Yet there was a manila envelope lying on the floor. A tiny corner of it was still underneath the door, suggesting they had shoved it underneath and not actually opened it.
But for a split second her heart hammered at the thought someone had broken in. In a sense, they still had. They’d broken her moment of peace. All that hard work this morning—gone. Poof!
Walter appeared, rubbing against her leg as if warning her not to pick it up. But she had to. She needed to know what was inside.
He rubbed against her again, meowing this time.
“It’s okay, Walter. I promise.”
She didn’t believe her promise as her hands trembled picking up the envelope. She stood for a long time before finding the courage to open it. Nothing was written on the front. So it could be for Griffin and not her. Yet, she knew deep down whatever this was, it was meant for her.
As soon as her eyes hit the photos hidden inside, she knew her time was up.
He won.
Like he always did.
17
“As the mayorof the town, I feel like I need to release a statement. Assure all the folks that everyone is safe and the matter has been handled.”
Griffin sat across from his brother in his office. Duke stood near the door, which was closed from prying ears.
They’d been at it all day, finishing the list of properties and finding cameras in every single place. Disgusting. His stomach gurgled with revulsion every time they found a new one. So many people. So many private moments violated. Only a sick bastard would do something like this, and Mark fit the bill. With his silence, it only made him even more heinous.
“Of course. Do what you have to do, Bryce.”
Griffin meant it, yet by the annoyance in Bryce’s eyes, he didn’t believe him.
“So you don’t want me to?”
“That is not what I said. I said the exact opposite.”
“Do what you have to do,” Bryce mimicked but with mockery. “The town deserves to know.”
