Page 74 of Relinquish

He stands inside the gate, not moving any closer as if he’s gauging my reaction. “She got called in for an emergency and asked me to pick him up. She’d already bailed him out of the shelter and didn’t want to sign him back in.”

I lead Sam inside the enclosure and latch the gate. The tattoo has vanished, and his hair sticks out as if he’s recently run his hands through it. “Thank you for dropping him off.”

“You’re welcome. I put a folder of papers on your step. Sarah said everything you need is in there. Shot information and formal adoption papers, that kind of thing. I also picked up a bag of dog food, treats, and a couple of toys. I didn’t know if you had time to buy him anything.”

“Thank you.” He always thinks of everything.

“Well, I’d better get out of here. I don’t want to intrude.” He motions toward the Jag. “It looks like you had a long drive. What happened to your flight?”

My heart sinks. So much for missing me. He can’t wait to get away and is only doing a favor for a friend. This is it. God, work is going to suck.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Cade

My eyes rake over her, taking in every inch of her at once. Lines etch around her eyes, and her clothes are rumpled, but she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. Is this the last time I’ll ever see her? Is she packing up her stuff and leaving?

I pat Sam on the head. On the ride from Sarah’s house to Lola’s, I managed to win him over. He’d curled up on the passenger seat and laid his head on the central console with his big brown eyes staring at me as I drove. That’s when I stopped by the pet store and picked up the chew treats and toys–damn mutt.

I’m not about to tell her I’d waited for her at the airport, but she’d never shown. I assumed she wasn’t coming back. Regret had filled me with every new breath. However, Sarah’s call to deliver Sam had renewed my hope. Until I saw her driving the Jag.

The weight that had eased off my shoulders when I spoke with Lucas and Jack earlier today settles around me once again. They were both happy to hear from me, and neither of them blames me for their injuries. They both thanked me for keeping them alive and consider me their hero. I don’t deserve it, but I’m grateful nonetheless.

Before I go, I need to apologize for running off and leaving. She deserves that much respect, whether I mean anything to her or not.

“I decided to drive instead of taking the flight. I needed some time alone to think.” She rubs the back of her neck.

“It’s kind of a fancy ride for this neighborhood.”

“You could say that. It won’t be here long.”

She’s moving back. Depression sinks over me as an eternity of loneliness stretches before me. The last remaining hope of working things out disintegrates, and I take a steadying breath. “I see.”

“How did work go the last couple of days? Have we gotten any proof of a Ponzi scheme?”

“Yes, we have. There’s evidence that Maitland’s business was a house of cards. With a little more digging, I’m sure we’ll find all the confirmation we need to lock him away for years to come. He may have enjoyed stealing, but every theft coincides with a request of a client to withdraw money. I think he spent all the money on yachts, vacations, and houses.”

“Do you believe Patricia was in on the Ponzi scheme?”

I lean against the fence while petting Sam’s head. Seconds later, he runs off and bumps into Lola’s leg. She bends down and strokes him. Not that I blame the little guy. I’d do the same if I could get away with it.

“I don’t think so. From what I gathered, she was clueless about any money troubles he was having. She honestly thought he was God’s gift to making money. What I haven’t figured out is how she managed to get snowed by him and participate in the burglaries, but that should all come out in the investigation.” I wrinkle my nose. “There were more videos than what he’d originally divulged.”

“What a creep. I was really hoping he was lying about that.”

“He wasn’t. He appeared to take compromising videos of all the women he was intimate with.” I shake my head. “There’s some disturbing stuff. Patricia is not the only one. Everything has been forwarded to the police, and Patricia’s cooperating. Whether it’s self-serving or not, it doesn’t matter.” I run a hand through my hair. “Before I leave, I want to thank you.”

“For what?” She clasps her hands in front of her and watches me with wide eyes.

“I called the two men in my unit who were injured. It was long overdue. They’re both in good places and hold no hard feelings toward me.” I flush. “Actually, they consider me a hero. Jack is married with a baby on the way, and Lucas has a little girl. Their lives aren’t perfect, but they’re both blessed to be alive and embrace their past, present, and future. We made plans to get together this winter and catch up.”

“That’s fantastic news.” She runs to me and throws her arms around my shoulders.

I wrap my arms around her. If this is my last chance to hold her, I want to relish every second. The heat from her skin radiates warmth through me. I inhale the familiar coconut from her shampoo and close my eyes. I don’t want the moment to end, but she’s leaving, and I’ll be stuck here mourning her loss for eternity.

***

Lola

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