Page 68 of More Than a Fling

“I saw a bright red Miata in the drive this morning,” Sam said grinning.

“Yeah, and I have you to thank for that.”

“I’m glad to be able to play cupid every now and then,” he said.

“I’m serious, a thank you seems kind of lame, but I’m really indebted to you,” Gabe said.

“You would have figured it out eventually. I may have saved you a little time is all,” Sam said.

“Luckily we’ll never have to find out whether or not I would have pulled my head out of my ass on my own,” he said chuckling.

Sam studied the camera footage from the night before and said. “Gabe, come here and take a look at this.”

“Holy shit! That’s the cop that stopped by here that day a while back for a wellness check.”

“Are you sure about that?” Sam asked.

“Yeah I’m sure.”

“That happens to be Annie’s ex,” Sam said.

“You’re shitting me, right?”

“Nope that’s him. Now the question is, what in the hell was he doing prowling around here at midnight last night?”

“Damn, following Annie?”

“That’d be my guess.”

“I’m going to call Darcy and get her over here to see this,” Sam said.

“I knew he was trouble, but I guess I didn’t realize how obsessed he was. She had a run in with him a few weeks ago and was pretty shaken up. Maybe I should have taken the situation more seriously.”

“It’s a hard call. A thin line between heartbreak and obsession.” Sam said.

“I guess so,” Gabe said, brows furrowed with worry.

“I haven’t asked lately, how’s Midnight progressing?”

“She is coming along. I’ll hate to see her go. She is a special horse and I’ve grown quite attached.”

“I’m sure that’s the hard part.”

“Not with all of them, but every once in a while, you get to work with one that feels soulful,” Gabe said. “This is one of those rare connections.”

“A great opportunity, and you deserve it.”

“Thanks chief.” Gabe saluted Sam as he left.

* * *

“Oh my God, what in the world was he doing there?” Annie said, her eyes wide with fear.

“I hate seeing you afraid. I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” Gabe said hugging her tightly to his chest.

“He must be losing it for real.” Annie said.

“For now, it’s best if you move in with me until everything resolves. We’ve got a virtual compound there with Sam, Slim, and me, plus the dogs.”

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