Liam
Fraiser came over with his laptop tucked under one arm, muttering something about police records and encrypted files.
“We’ve got people trying to figure out where Daddy Dearest is hiding,” he said.
“Could be a cabin, could be a storage unit—he bought property under other names. We’re digging.
Now that it’s known all over the country that all those bodies were found on his property, he’s a wanted man. ”
“Let me know the second you find something,” I said.
He nodded and walked off toward Max, the two of them talking low while Forest loaded more bags into the truck bed.
Jenny came around the corner just as I shut the tailgate. “We should be on the road in an hour,” I told her.
She nodded but didn’t move, her eyes on mine like she was trying to read me. “You really think he can’t find us?”
“I think he’s going to try,” I said, softer than I meant to. “But I also think he’s not getting anywhere near you or Poppy.”
Her lips parted as if she wanted to argue, but then she looked away, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
And for just a second—only one—I allowed myself to wonder what it would be like if this were another life. One without serial killers and hiding spots. One where I could reach over, tilt her face back to mine, and—
Forest slammed the cooler shut, making both of us jump. “Snacks are loaded,” he announced. “Priorities, people.”
I stepped back, shoving the thought where it belonged. Deep down. For now.