Page 94 of Relentless

The room was empty.

Clothes were scattered over the bed like a thief had rummaged through the belongings, and left only a few unwanted garments behind. A gentle breeze was combing through the curtains of the open window.

Harper felt her breath quicken and her chest tighten. Collapsing on the bed, she clutched the pillow tightly to her chest.

Maeve was gone.

Chapter 26

Miserable Drunk

Maeve clasped Dallas’ hand as he steered the truck down the dirt road. It felt right to be closely beside him once again. She ran her thumb across his rough palm, savoring their quiet moment together. Arriving back at the ranch house much too soon, she wrapped her arm around his bicep and leaned her head on his firm shoulder. Closing her eyes, she felt the roughness of his beard and the softness of his lips as he lifted her chin for their long-awaited kiss.

“It’s good to be home,” he breathed.

Home.

Hearing the very words from his mouth was like a toasty warm blanket.

“I’m glad you’re comfortable here,” she replied.

His eyes crinkled in the corners. “I’m happy to be wherever you are, darlin’.”

Before Maeve could melt into his arms right then and there, they were interrupted by a sharp knock on the passenger window.

It was Oakleigh, shivering in the dark with her arms crossed tightly to her chest. Snowflakes were already piling up on the shoulders of her jacket as she waved her bright phone screen, gesturing for Maeve to roll down her window.

Maeve sighed, giving Dallas a dramatic side eye, sparking his deep chuckle.

“Woman,” he said, amusement marking his tone. “You got so many fires to stomp out, I’m surprised the soles of your boots ain’t melted.”

“I’m aware,” she replied dryly, nudging him with her elbow.

Oakleigh bounced from one foot to the other to conserve her body heat as the bone-chilling wind howled off the pasture and swept through her blonde hair.

“Um, if you could hurry things along before I freeze to death,” she exclaimed, her voice muffled through the glass window. “I think we’ve got a problem.”

Maeve finally pressed the button, rolling down her window. “What’s up?”

“So,” Oakleigh said, catching her breath. “You know how we noticed the vibe was off with Mom?”

Although Harper’s demeanor was predictably unpredictable, Maeve had sensed something was actually wrong with her temperamental sister that evening. Oakleigh had confirmed her suspicion after she had returned from dropping her off at home. One thing Maeve had unexpectedly come to rely on was Oakleigh’svibes. The young woman’s intuition was rarely off target.

Oakleigh displayed her bright phone screen. Maeve took it from her hands, pulling it toward her and back again as her eyes adjusted in the darkness.

Dallas covered his mouth with his palm to conceal his amusement.

“Don’t laugh at me, Dal,” she smirked, giving him another elbow. “I need my glasses.”

“Who’s laughing?” Dallas chuckled again.

“Okay, guys,” Oakleigh implored, “I’m serious.”

The slight break in her tone caught Maeve’s attention and she focused on the screen.

Celebrity Pastor Confirms Divorce Rumors

Below the headline was a photograph of Shepard Davenport. There were more than a few recognizable faces on the Elder Board beside him, laying hands on his shoulders.

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