Page 111 of The Rogue

He glances back at Noah, who’s laser-focused on his task. “I heard her on the phone.”

“Tonight? When she disappeared?”

He nods. “Had front-row seats to one side of a conversation.”

“What did you hear? Who did she call?”

He shrugs. “A guy named Frank.”

“Frank,” I mutter. “Helpful, thanks.” I shove off my seat. “Swear it’s like pullin’ teeth with the two of you.”

Noah sighs, shutting his laptop. “I’m not getting anywhere tonight. And frankly, I’m not sure how far I’ll get with what I have.”

I run a hand down my face. “Thanks for tryin’. Will you apologize to Charlie for me for duckin’ out early?”

“Charlie doesn’t accept indirect apologies.”

“Of course she doesn’t,” I grunt and walk him out.

Dad’s behind him and I don’t press him to stay. I got a gut feeling he knows more than he’s letting on. But it’s late. Everyone’s tired.

He pauses at the door. “Come by the Inn tomorrow with Jackson. I’ll make us breakfast.”

“I don’t know, Dad. I might make something here and then take Jackson for a ride. Spend some time with him. Alone.”

“I get it. Keep me posted.”

I head upstairs. My legs lead me into Tessa’s room. The guest room with no door. She hasn’t slept here in over a week.

She used the bed to spread the new clothes I bought her. Since she refuses to use the damn wardrobe.

I open the nightstand drawer. It slides out easily. But it’s not empty. There’s a piece of paper stuck in the seams of the drawer.

It’s her pros and cons list.

I skim down to the bottom of Tessa’s Pro list.

#5. If Frank is right…six weeks is all I need.

Something else is going on here. And I feel like a damn fool.

I don’t get a lick of sleep. Random facts race through my head. Shit that shouldn’t be filling my mind as a single dad.

I should be planning what to do with Jackson this last week before school. Prepping the ranch for the fall season.

Reminding myself of the reason I never liked that woman.

How much she reminds me of my ex.

With that last thought planted in my head. I take a stab at sleep. But all I do is list out those random words in different order until they can form together.

Chicago.

Summer Hill.

Door.

Bullet hole.

---