Chapter 52
FIFTY-TWO
It felt as if time was running out… but they could only process what they had and then work as fast as possible.
The autopsy and forensics would take a little bit longer, about a day or so, so there wasn’t much to do besides visiting the properties that Sills owned.
They would do that the next day, as well as drive to Rockview to visit the young men who had shot at her and McGaven.
Katie had heard from her uncle, who knew what was going on but didn’t demand reports from her. He knew she was under the gun and had been through a lot in the last forty-eight hours. He had sent her a text that he had stopped by and fed Cisco and spent a little time with him.
Katie was looking forward to getting home after a long day. She needed to be with Cisco and try to relax in order to recharge her battery—this time with more concentration and determination.
She saw a patrol car out front as usual, but now she agreed with the extra officer since the killer had upped his game and was showing some of his hand.
Pulling into the driveway, she saw John’s truck. He’d had an even longer day, but he wanted to see her and be with her. The night was a long one at the cabin and it was filled with horror and depravity.
Katie got out of her Jeep, her legs weak. She made it to the front door and quietly opened it. Once inside, she locked and secured her house. Cisco was there to greet her, but didn’t bark. It was clear the big black dog was happy to see her as his tail whipped back and forth.
Katie saw the small lamp on in the living room and the stove light in the kitchen. She walked over to the stove where there was a note.
I miss you… wake me when you get here.
She marveled at his beautiful printing.
Opening the refrigerator, there was freshly made lemonade and iced tea. John knew Katie loved to drink these. How considerate, she thought, and smiled, pouring herself a glass of lemonade. It was a perfect balance of lemons and sugar. She was thirsty after all the caffeine and pizza.
She made sure Midnight was taken care of and she could see her uncle had fed and filled the water for both animals. She sighed deeply and began to wind down from a heavy day of crime scenes and new information.
Putting her glass in the dishwasher, she went to her bedroom, where the door was open just wide enough for Cisco to push through. She could smell soap from a recent shower, where she also headed to wash the day’s events from her body.
A dim light she didn’t notice before was coming from her bedroom. A candle was burning on the dresser—it smelled like lavender. It immediately made her relax and her pulse drop.
Katie walked in and stood at the foot of the bed. She listened to John’s steady breathing and knew he was asleep, hoping his dreams were relaxing and pleasant. She loved watching him sleep, his face relaxed and his breath gently making his chest rise and fall.
She shed her robe and combed through her wet hair. Katie walked to the bed and gently climbed in, careful not to disturb him. Once she lay down and her head was on the pillow, with the heat of John’s body next to her, she relaxed.
John awoke and moved closer to her, holding her in his arms. They didn’t need to say anything—it was felt and known.
Both exhausted from the day, they were in tune to one another’s energy—a wonderful, silent frequency they shared.
Ever since the day she had first met John, she noticed his stoic presence and dark eyes that watched her.
He was a man who commanded attention and respect, he may have been a Navy Seal, but he was soft and deeply compassionate around those he loved and cared about.
His arms were snugly around her, comforting her, and then he gently caressed her body and kissed her neck. They didn’t need to talk about their day because they already knew what each other went through—the respect and support was always there. Silence was their love language.
Katie felt safe and loved.