Chapter 17 #2
We’ve already talked about the potential of me being a key witness, and if that’s what it takes to ensure my dad never goes free, I’ll do it.
“I’d rather the last time I see him be in a coroner’s office,” I murmur. “Assumin’ he doesn’t try to take me down with him.”
“Expert witnesses will prove the evidence is legit for the jury,” he reassures me.
“Assumin’ it gets that far. No doubt the defense will cross-examine you pretty hard.
I wouldn’t be shocked if they try to make you the bad one for withholdin’ evidence ten years ago.
And if they do, we’ll fight back and make a deal. ”
That scared kid from a decade ago who hesitated to do the right thing due to the possible consequences isn’t fearing his father’s wrath any longer. I won’t let Gabby’s memory be stained or her death be in vain.
“Well...I know a judge who owes me one.” I shrug, and Shane snorts.
I know it won’t be that easy. Things will get ugly, but I’ll do whatever needs to be done to finish my father off for good.
Before we hang up, I tell him to keep me updated on anything new and keep watching my girls.
Then before I go back to work, I text Laney.
Ayden
Warrant’s being issued for him on Monday!
Laney
Oh good! I’ll finally be able to stop wearing my Don’t Mess With a Southern Mama T-shirt and holding my pink pepper spray!
Ayden
Har har. You better keep that close.
Laney
You know I am. Though I don’t see the point. He doesn’t know the warrant’s being issued for him to come here and retaliate. And I really don’t think he’ll stop in to shop either. I mean, pink isn’t really his color.
Ayden
That mouth of yours just earned you a couple spankings.
Laney
Ooh...I can EARN them? Please, tell me more.
She sends a batting-eyelashes GIF as if to act all innocent and cute.
Ayden
You just wait, woman. In three days, that ass is mine.
Then that little devil sends me a naughty picture of her boobs.
And now I’m going back to work with a hard-on.
PRESENT DAY
In less than twenty-four hours, my dad will get the shock of his life.
I’m only disappointed I won’t be there to witness it.
I chatted with Serena after work, and Laney texted after dinner that she’d FaceTime me once she got Serena to bed.
She’s been working nonstop, and I hate that she wouldn’t let me hire someone to help.
Zane and his team are still following them since I can’t be there, but it’s been worth every penny to help my sanity and keep them safe.
With my father lingering around, I’d rather not leave them unprotected if he chooses to show up again.
When I finally see Laney’s face and hear her voice, my face lights up.
She’s beautiful as always. I love watching her in the tub and telling her what to do to make herself come for me.
Makes me more anxious and excited not only to see her in person but propose to her and get married one day soon.
I’m not wasting any more time than I have to before making her my wife.
In the middle of our call, Zane beeps through, and I tell Laney I gotta take it, so I’ll text her later. I know she’s exhausted anyway and needs to get some sleep.
“Hey, man, what’s up?”
“Someone leaked the warrant details to your father.”
“Are you kiddin’? How?”
“Someone in the department. I don’t know who, but I sent Oliver to his house and office to see if his car was there, and it wasn’t.”
“Son of a bitch. Think he fled?”
“It’s possible, but I’m worried he thinks you’re still here.”
“Are you at Laney’s?”
“Yeah, I’m parked right out front, but it’s downpourin’. I can’t see much out of my window. Do you want me to go in?”
My heart races as I think about what to do. Before I left, I secured her doors with extra deadbolts and a security system, but that wouldn’t stop a determined man from finding a way in if that was his mission.
“If my dad’s on the loose and thinks I’m stayin’ there, he’d go to extreme levels to get rid of me.” I have no doubt about that.
“Do you want me to get an officer over here?”
“There’s no time. I’m gonna call Laney and tell her to get out. Stay put and watch the perimeter. Book them a room at the Twins Hotel in the meantime.”
“Got it.”
We hang up, and I immediately call Laney. It rings and goes to voicemail. What the hell? We were just speaking five minutes ago.
I call three more times before sending her a text.
Ayden
Get out of the house. Don’t go to your mom’s.
Ayden
I booked y’all a room at the Twins Hotel.
Ayden
Once you get there, lock the door and don’t open it for anyone.
I call five more times before calling Zane again.
“Go knock on her door. She must’ve passed out. Tell her to grab Serena and go.”
“I’m on it.”
Ayden
Laney, let me know you’re getting these! This is urgent, baby.
Ayden
I’m sending Zane over. Call me as soon as you’re in the car.
I call her twice more before Zane sends me an update.
Zane
She’s grabbing Serena now. I’ll follow her to the hotel and make sure she’s secure, then come back and check things out here.
Relief hits me knowing they’re on the move.
Ayden
Thank you.
Then I anxiously wait for Laney to call.
After what feels like an eternity, my phone finally rings.
“Baby, are you—”
An explosion-like sound echoes in my ear and then abruptly cuts off.
The call ends.