Page 67 of Surrender

Alice

This morning. What happened?

Me

He ambushed me at a bar with my new friends. How did he even know where to find me?

Alice

I’m not sure. But I have a feeling that our mom knows something

Me

She called me a few days ago and practically begged me to come back to West Bend and admonished me for selling the house. I think she knew something too

Alice

I’m so sorry

Me

It’s not your fault. Did he say what his plans were?

Alice

He just kept saying he’s going to get you back. I screamed at him not to fucking bother

Me

Thank you. I appreciate that

Alice

Stay safe. He doesn’t deserve you

Me

Fingers crossed he leaves me alone

Alice

Double Double

A muscle cramps in my clenched jaw as I tuck my phone back into my purse. Jack drives me to the bar so we can pick up my car before we get the kids. I tried to argue that I could call a ride-share, but he said he’s not positive Devon left town so it’s too soon to take chances.

I caved to Jack’s persuasion. I would have caved even if I wasn’t nursing the remnants of a hangover because he’s not wrong. If Devon could track me to a random bar, I don’t doubt he could find me at Jack’s house.

Startled by my thoughts, I turn to Jack. The houses of Main Street flash behind him in muted blurs of color. “How did he find me?”

His chiseled jaw ticks. “I was wondering that myself.”

“He’s been dead,” I hiss with frustration. “There’s nothing left behind. I sold the house and packed everything. A dead person can’t just get access to a person like that.” My mouth opens and closes as my mind whirrs with possibilities. “This is scary.”

A heavy hand lands on my knee in a tight squeeze. “We’ll sweep your car for a tracker. He clearly planned this out, but he doesn’t seem too bright. There’s a flaw somewhere, and we’ll find it.”

“I’m sorry you’ve been tangled up in this.”

“Helping you out hasn’t been a hardship. I can assure you of that.”

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