Page 17 of Logan

“It was, but it’s been kicked in,” Dixiereplied.

“Did you enter the house?”

“No. When I noticed the door open, I got back into my car, called nine-one-one and locked the doors.”

“Alright, stay here. I’ll check out the house.” With that, Logan pulled his weapon, and flashlight, turned toward the front door of her house, ready to assess the damage and catch whoever had done this. He held the gun and light out in front of him and stepped onto the porch. At the door, he called out.

“Sheriff’s department, if anyone is in here, you need to come out with your hands up, or I’m coming in.” When there was no response, he entered the house.

****

Dixie grumbled to herself, her voice shaking with a mixture of agony and fury as she wrapped her coat tighter around her. It was the middle of October, and the cold air stung her skin. As she watched him vanish into the house, it felt like a knife twisting in her heart. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. His betrayal had destroyed her love for him, leaving behind a fiery anger that consumed her. She glanced through the windows and could see the faint beam of his flashlight, praying that no one was inside waiting for him. Despite everything, she didn’t want to see him get hurt.

After what felt like an eternity, he emerged from the house and strode toward her. “It’sclear, but whoever it was left the place in a mess,” he informed her. Logan crossed his arms and looked at her suspiciously. “Who did you piss off now, Dixie?”

“No one. Quit being an ass,” she snapped back.

He huffed in frustration. “Well, someone made a deliberate mess here. Do you keep cash in there?”

“No,” she answered firmly.

“Is this where you’ve been living since your father was arrested?” he asked.

“You mean, sinceyouarrested him?” Dixie retorted bitterly.

“Give it a fucking rest. I was just doing my job,” Logan growled. “You need to move past the fact that I was the one who arrested your father,” he shouted back at her.“He was guilty!”

Dixie glared at him, her voice shaking with emotion. “You think that’s what I can’t move past? What I can’t move past is how you used me to get to my father. I loved you, Logan, and all you did was manipulate me.”

“I loved you too—”

“Bull. Shit.Bull fucking shit!” she yelled, her voice rising in fury. “You don’t use someone you claim to love like that. I’ll never forgive you for playing with my feelings as if they were nothing to you. Oh, wait. Theywerenothing to you!” She turned and tried to storm away, but his hand shot out and grabbed her arm.

She looked down at his fingers gripping her arm, feeling trapped and overwhelmed by emotions. Finally, she met his gaze and saw theturmoil in his eyes. “Take your fucking hand off me.” With a defiant tug, she wrenched herself free from his hold and stormed onto the porch.

His voice stopped her before she could disappear inside. “Do not go inside. Someone will be out to take fingerprints, and you should probably stay somewhere else tonight. You have a good night...ma’am.” His words were laced with bitterness and disdain as he touched the brim of his hat, climbed into his SUV, and waited for backup. Once it arrived, Logan backed out of the driveway, leaving behind a cloud of swirling gravel in his wake.

A few days later, Dixie decided to visit Clint while Logan was working. She entered the house, hung up her coat, then walked along the hallway to Clint’s bedroom. She was glad that Logan wasn’t here, but she knew he would be soon, so she wanted to get in and out before he got home.

Pushing the bedroom door open, she stuck her head in, and saw Clint watching TV from his bed, and a nurse sat in a chair reading from a book. Clint spotted her and grinned.

“Hey, there, Dixie. Come on in, sweetheart.”

Dixie smiled as she entered the room and sat in the chair beside the bed. She smiled at the nurse as she sat down.

“Hi, Clint. How are you doing?”

“I’m good today. What brings you by? Logan’s not here.”

“I know he isn’t, that’s why I came by now.”

“You two have got to be the most stubborn people on the planet.”

“We’re fine as long as we stay away fromeach other.” Dixie touched his hand. “Do you need anything?”

“No, thanks, honey. I’m fine.” He grinned at her and her heart broke. This man was so sweet, and she loved him. From the minute she met him, he treated her with nothing but kindness. She quickly blinked back tears, but one slid down her cheek.

“Hey, no tears, sweetheart,” Clint said softly as he reached out to wipe away the tears rolling down Dixie’s cheeks.

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