Page 43 of Tactical Revival

“In this case, I do, because Margot and Matty are both far too good for you. And should you press forward, all that’s going to happen is the case will get dismissed anyway, and then you look like even more of a fool for not doing the right thing and dropping it.”

Chad doesn’t respond, but his jaw clenches. “It’s not right that she kept everything and I got nothing.”

“You destroyed your family,” I remind him. “That choice was on you and you alone.”

“I want a fresh start.”

“Taking Margot for all she has is not a fresh start. You want to start a new life? Get right with God. Ask for forgiveness. Make changes to yourself. Then maybe you’ll realize just how much you messed up when you walked away from the best things that ever happened to you.” I start to leave, then pause and turn back toward him. “And for the record, if I find out you didn’t drop the case, or you come after Margot or Matty ever again, Michael will be the least of your problems.”

CHAPTER 12

Margot

It seems ridiculous that I am yet again waiting for a man to show up. But here I am, sitting in the foyer of the B&B, pretending to be busy, while I wait for Jaxson to walk in the door. I know he talked to Chad today.

Or, at least, he’d been planning on it.

But he hasn’t answered any of my calls or texts.

My stomach has been in knots most of the day, so the fact that we had two checkouts was a great distraction, but now the rooms are cleaned and ready for the next guests, leaving me exhausted but with no other busy work.

It’s just after dinnertime, so the door isn’t locked, but most of the guests have turned in for the evening.

Which means that I’m technically still working, right? In which case, standing here isn’t so pathetic.

The door handle begins to turn, so I quickly shift my gaze down. That way, when he does come in, he doesn’t see me staring after him. It’s not until I hear the door close again that I look up. “Hey,” I say with a smile.

Dressed in shorts, a tank top, and tennis shoes, Jaxson’s muscled body is gleaming with sweat. It’s unusual that he’d be out running this late, but based on his pink cheeks, I’d say that’s exactly what he was doing. “Hey, I’m surprised you’re still down here.”

I shrug. “Had some work to do. Want some water? Lemonade? I made a fresh pitcher today.”

“Sure.” He seems off, uncomfortable even, which only spurs my nerves further.

After pouring some glasses, I set them on the small table in the B&B’s private kitchen, then sit across from him. “Is everything okay?” I ask. “You don’t usually run at night.”

“I needed to burn off some steam. My mind can’t seem to settle with everything going on.”

“I get it. Lanetti missing is horrible. I can’t seem to get my thoughts off of what she must be going through.”

He nods but still doesn’t touch his glass. “Michael and I interviewed Chad today.”

I arch a brow. “You took my brother?”

The first crack of a smile graces his handsome face. “Yeah, I realized my mistake too late, but he handled things okay.”

“What happened? Is he the one who?—”

“No.” Jaxson shakes his head. “I’m confident he had nothing to do with Lanetti’s disappearance.”

Relief helps me relax just a little. They’re still no closer to finding her, but at least the man I’d been married to for thirteen years isn’t responsible.

“Did he drop the case?’

“What? Chad? No. Why?”

“He should. Probably tomorrow. It was kind of late when we got out of the interview room.”

"What do you mean? Why is he dropping it?”

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