Page 69 of Left in the Dark

“Not when it’s Zayne’s.” She grins and runs to the passenger door of Mark’s truck, yanking it open.

I shake my head. “Call me when you get home.”

She laughs, blowing me a kiss. “Will do.”

She shuts the door, and she and Mark wave as they drive off.

My smile falters once they’re gone. I spin around and head inside, my heart aching.

Closing the front door behind me, I heave out a breath as I cross my arms over my chest, slowly taking in the cozy cabin.

Instead of feeling relieved in this beautiful space in the woods, I feel bereft. A chill runs through my spine.

And alone.

CHAPTER 46

Zayne

After I left the hospital, I was more confused than ever. The bits of conversation I overheard between her and Callie made me burn with curiosity.

Standing at my father’s grave with my head bowed, I apologized for all the wrong I’d done.

Like Pandora’s box opening, I confessed what’s been troubling me the most. “I’m so confused about Delaney. Ironically, she’s back in town as I’m about to rain hellfire on my enemies.” I lifted my head, staring at his tombstone. “She seems to hate Richard as much as I do.Why? Were we wrong about her?”

But there’s only silence since the dead don’t speak.

When I returned to Luca’s cabin, I started researching Delaney again, searching for anything other than what I knew about her. Finding nothing new, I texted Ryker, asking if Stryker could search the dark web and do some hacking to see if he could dig up anything.

Within a few hours, I had the information. The things Stryker found left me more confused.

I went outside and called Ryker, pacing Luca’s driveway. When he answered, I got straight to the point. “Dr. Coffin is theonly doctor who treated them? And what’s with all the scrapes, bruises, cuts, fractures, broken bones, and concussions that Lindsey and Delaney suffered?”

But it’s not Ryker’s voice that answers me. It’s Jaxson’s. “Those are common injuries in domestic violence cases.”

I stop, turning to face him. His expression is grave as he comes closer, his hands in his pockets.

“Let me call you back, Ryker.” I hang up without waiting for a response, my unblinking gaze locked with his.

“Let me see the information he gave you.”

I hand him my phone. “Look at the reports and photos.” I run my hands through my hair, an unsettled feeling inside me. “Goddamn it, Jaxson.”

I pace as he studies my phone, going out of my damn mind.

Jaxson’s jaw clenches as he silently studies the reports and photos. “Jesus Christ. The fucking doctor was covering it up.” His olive eyes darken from anger. “I hate fucking pussies that beat women.”

“I’m so fucking pissed I just wanna break something. Preferably someone.” My nostrils flare as I pace again. “Why didn’t Delaney ever tell me?”

“Maybe it wasn’t her choice. Her mom seemed to take the frequency and brunt of the injuries.” He pauses a moment. “Did you also notice the reports on the male child?”

I nod. “Richard beat Daniel, but then it seemed to stop.”

“Is he like his father?”

“From what I’ve seen, yes. He’s following in his footsteps career-wise. He’s not married though, but…” I hold my hand out for my phone, searching for what I want. “Look at this. He was involved with Samantha Quinn. She was at the hospital for injuries similar to Delaney’s…” I turn away, blinded by rage.

He beat the woman I loved, and I had no fucking idea.

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