Page 88 of Left in the Dark

When Stryker began probing into the past, he wondered what happened to the bar after I sold it. He had a hunch something wasn’t right, and boy, it fucking paid off.

“I’ll text him.”

“He’s welcome to watch the action if he’s interested.” I nod in Aidan’s direction.

Ryker’s smug grin tells me that won’t be happening. “I would, but he’s ensuring Devyn is safe while I’m here.”

I raise my brows. “I thought she was ‘incapacitated,’ as you put it.”

Ryker chuckles. “Oh, she is. I gave her a ten-minute head start in the woods before chasing her, letting her believe she had the upper hand and was ‘getting away.’ I don’t know why she deluded herself, but when I caught her, she got the fucking of her life. She couldn’t keep her eyes open while I cleaned her up.”

He smirks, moving the folder away from Aidan’s face. “I tucked her in bed, then asked Stryker to hang out downstairs. He’s busy watching his new little obsession, a college girl, while Devyn sleeps.”

I fist bump him. “Nice.”

I may need to steal that idea.The thought of Delaney running barefoot in a skimpy nightgown in the woods, thinking she’s outsmarted me, makes my dick fucking throb. I love the chase… but catching her will be the sweetest reward.

Turning my attention back to Aidan, the brief thrill of lust is gone. In its place is red-hot rage that burns beneath my skin like a thousand pokers, branding me from the inside out.

Grabbing the machete, I slice it over his foot, cutting off his toes. He howls from the pain, and the guys cheer, clinking their beer bottles together.

“You’re gonna tell me exactly why Richard fuckface Warner wanted my father’s bar so goddamn bad.” I toss the machete down on the floor and then rip Aidan’s boxers down his legs.“If you hesitate or lie to me, I’m gonna slice your tiny dick into pieces until it’s completely severed from your body.”

CHAPTER 57

Delaney

It’s been a week since I encountered the mask-wearing man in the small bathroom near the lake. I want to say I don’t miss him, but that would be a lie.

The weird thing is, I feel his eyes on me at the oddest times. Two nights ago, I was lying on my bed reading a book. I swore he was watching me, but no one was outside my window or in my house.

Last night, I was sitting on the front porch, bundled up in a hoodie and blanket and sipping some coffee, when goosebumps erupted over my skin. I scanned the yard and repeatedly looked at the cameras on my phone, but no one was there.

I haven’t told Callie about my encounters with him. Part of me is afraid she’ll judge me and think I’m losing my mind, while the other part likes having something that is mine.

It’s Friday morning, October 12. October Fest starts today and runs all weekend. I used to love going to it, but this year is different. I dread seeing the judgmental townspeople.

After I go for a run, I shower and drive to the local coffee shop. Carrying my Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte, I head toward a small table in the back, which offers a view of Main Street.

I freeze as I see my father, brother, and Tim walking along the sidewalk. My muscles tense as I wait to see if they are coming inside, but thankfully, they continue walking.

“Did you see Mayor Warner?” The lady two tables over hisses excitedly to her friend. “He’s going to speak in the park in an hour, kicking off October Fest.”

The friend responds, but I ignore what she says.

Dear ole Dad is gonna be speaking in the park, huh?An idea forms and an evil smile slides over my lips.

I need to have a chat with that asshole about not being able to see my mom. If it happens to be in front of most of the town, so be it.

CHAPTER 58

Zayne

I’m standing beneath a massive oak tree, staring at the fucking imbeciles of this town as they anxiously await Richard, I-pretend-to-care-about-your-safety-while-running-a-drug-and-sex-trafficking-ring, Warner.

Brainwashed motherfuckers.

A cheer goes up from the front of the crowd as Richard’s limo pulls up. His driver gets out, opening his door and tipping his hat at him. Richard waves like he’s a goddamn celebrity. I clench my jaw so hard I’m surprised my teeth don’t shatter.

---