Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 70554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“First that attempted mugging in Crystal Waters,” Post continues, concern caking itself in his tone, “then John left on your doorstep like garbage, then the gravesite vandalism, and now a violent home invasion?” He shakes his head in obvious disbelief. “You’re havin’ a rough go of it, huh, Woods?”
The Kid does his best to sympathetically smile from his standing position that’s beside my counter sitting one. “Seems that way, Sheriff.”
“They say when it rains, it pours,” Post cryptically sighs, warranting my stare away from the “Stayin’ Alive” lyrics I’m doodling on my boyfriend’s hand over to where Post is lingering in the open garage beside the other man in my life. “Let’s just hope it doesn’t flood. You hear me?”
Mutt grunts in agreement yet says nothing.
Because his job is to stand there and look pretty.
Well, pretty and protective.
And the former isn’t difficult, especially in those jeans I swear are wearing him versus the other way around.
Again.
That command was Garcia’s.
Which is driving The Kid fucking insane.
The only man Kipp doesn’t mind taking instructions from is the one that handed over the reins to our attorney who clearly has a master plan we don’t know much about.
At least not yet.
“Maybe I should send a couple of officers by daily?” Post suggests while the coroner guides his attendants towards the waiting transport vehicle. “Have them conduct a simple safety and wellness check of you and the property? Make sure y’all are secure and not in any immediate danger?” His attention shifts to Garcia. “What do you think, counselor?”
Low grumbles from The Kid have me returning to my doodles and whispering, “Behave.”
“I am behaving,” he quietly huffs in return. “I’m just…tired of Garcia being around all the goddamn time.”
“Then get a law degree,” leaves my lips in such a snarky fashion it receives a small chuckle.
“The first thing I would do is fine you for looking so fucking sexy, baby.”
“Yeah, I don’t think you know what lawyers do, Kid.” Giggles hit his ears sparking another smirk. “Stick to cars.”
“You think that might be an effective deterrent to any future attacks on my townspeople?” Investigates the sheriff at the same time he takes the offered documentation from the official bearing dark clothing.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Garcia warmly agrees to my surprise, summoning my gaze in his direction once more. “Perhaps for just a few days? I know my clients would hate to waste town resources on something that can probably be chalked up to nothing more than a string of unfortunate circumstances.”
Brad is an unfortunate circumstance.
And I cannot wait to change our luck.
Post immediately nods a second time. “We’ll give it ‘til the day after John’s funeral. Hopefully, everything will be settled down by then.”
“Hopefully,” Mutt confidently echoes.
“Looks like we’re done here.” Post hands the paperwork back to the coroner. “You folks sure you don’t need anything else from me?” His attention cuts our way. “Woods?”
“No thank you, Post.”
“Miss Ripley?"
I do my best to fake a bashful beam, shake my head, and busy myself with doodling.
“Alright then.” He states loudly convincing me to resume watching the fading interaction. “I’m off to do more paperwork.” His open palm is offered to Mutt first. “Do not hesitate to call if you see or hear anything suspicious. Roger that?”
“Of course.”
He means of course not.
And I know it’s not because he doesn’t wanna trust this town or the people in it…it’s simply because at this time, we don’t know who we really can trust.
Who Brad may have gotten to.
Who one of the bounty hunters may have paid off.
Who values money from strangers more than the life of those around them.
“Counselor.” Post shakes his hand next. “My office will be in touch if we have any follow up questions or information about the altercation and attempted break in.”
“I appreciate that, Sheriff.”
After the two men separate, Post wanders away towards his parked vehicle prompting me to tuck the hot pink pen in my messy bun beside my Mickey Mouse one and prepare for a review of the actual situation we’re facing rather than the one the cops are being sold.
Mutt and Garcia patiently wait side by side, talking and chuckling and grinning like the old friends that they are igniting jealousy in me and Kipp alike but for completely different reasons.
I don’t think they’re flirting or that Garcia wishes it were him Mutt was in love with.
No.
That type of jealousy is pointless to me.
Besides, I’ve never seen our boyfriend look at anyone the way he does me and The Kid.
You can literally see in his eyes how we give him life.
It’s sweet.
And sexy.
And powerful.
And the most soul shaking thing I’ve ever experienced.
Envy isn’t here because I share a frivolous concern with my other partner.
It’s here because part of me wishes I had a friend like that.
Someone to just talk to.