Page 24 of Grim Justice

Yeah, Grim could be intimidating without realizing it.

“Jessa,” Faith warned.

“What, Mommy? You said always tell the truth.”

I snickered. “Yes, telling the truth is important.”

“See?”

Faith sighed. “She’s a handful.”

No doubt about it. My sister could handle her daughter and the new baby. She was a great mother.

“Well, we should get going.”

Faith nodded. “Let’s go, Jessa.”

Grim and Creed rested as I locked the door. On my way downstairs, I spotted Shadow and Zane, who helped us carry out the luggage and pack one of the SUVs.

It wasn’t long before we arrived at the airport and parked, checking in at the terminal to print tickets. I walked Faith and Jessa to the gate, already trying not to cry.

“Hey,” she whispered when she turned to me. “Don’t start that. With my hormones, I’ll be bawling the entire plane ride.”

“I know,” I sniffled. “Give me a hug.”

She held on for longer than I would have thought before we separated. Jessa threw her little arms around my legs.

“Auntie Trish, bear hug.”

I picked her up, wrapping her in my embrace as I squeezed. “Is that good?”

“Yes!”

I set her back down, smiling as she reached for Faith’s hand. “Let me know when you arrive home safe so I don’t worry.”

“I will. Love you, sis.”

“Love ya back.”

As soon as I turned away from my sister, I fought tears. They stung my eyes, and I blinked rapidly, lifting my chin as I walked through the airport. I probably should have been aware of my surroundings, but I wasn’t. I hated goodbyes.

When I reached the SUV, I clicked the fob and opened the driver’s side door. I sat down, tossed my purse on the passenger side, and closed the door. Out of habit, I hit the lock button andglanced in the mirror. Dashing under my eyes, I removed the few tears that had fallen.

I had the weirdest feeling as I reached for my seatbelt and draped it across my chest. My skin prickled with awareness. It was strange. I clicked the belt into place and started the engine, lifting my head to scan the parking garage.

When I initially arrived, I backed in so it would be easier to unload all the luggage. Facing the lane in front of me and another row of cars, I found a stranger leaning against a black truck. It wasn’t the vehicle that worried me.

The man stood still, staring at me through the windshield. He wore the same hoodie as the man from the play area where I brought Faith and Jessa last week.

In fact, I would bet it was the same person.

Shit.

He didn’t move. Like our previous encounter, he never spoke or tried to contact me. He juststared.

Now, I was creeped out.

Whatever this man wanted, I didn’t care to find out. I pushed on the gas and sped out of the lot, taking the turns a little too fast. Luckily, I didn’t run into much traffic. I breathed a sigh of relief when I left the stranger far behind.

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