Page 69 of Jack

It’s been two hours with nothing. Joel Clark’s trail disappeared. His dad’s a cop. He has several big-name lawyer friends in LA. He has the connections to move quickly, but we should still have found something. Nick texted me a few highlights from Clark’s file. I refused to take a call while Lily was sleeping.

Rodeo opens the door when someone knocks. Surprisingly, Kayla walks into the room. The two stare at each other for a moment. Neither speaks. Rodeo still likes her. I don’t know what caused this rift between them.

“Kayla.” Lily releases a shaky breath and smiles.

If a member of my family couldn’t come to stay with her, Kayla or Emily would be my next choice. Kayla snaps out of the staring match with Rodeo and rushes across the room. Lily pulls her knees up so Kayla can sit on the last couch cushion.

“Hey. How are you feeling?” Kayla narrows her eyes and points to Lily’s nose. “That looks broken. It definitely needs ice.”

She jumps up and heads for the kitchen. Rodeo follows until she spins around and holds her hand out.

“I can get ice on my own,” Kayla snaps.

“Rodeo.” I shake my head.

He growls but thankfully listens. He leans his back against the wall and crosses his arms. From where he’s standing, he has a clear view into the kitchen. I wish these two would sit down and talk.

“Angel.” I lay my palm against the side of her neck and place a soft kiss next to her lips. I want to kiss her. I’ve kissed her every day since that afternoon by the river.

“You have to go,” she whispers.

“I do, but I wanted to ask what you remember from the library first. What did he do and say? Any small detail could help us find him.”

She drops her head and stares at her feet on the couch. “A hand covered my mouth. He pulled me between the bookcases. I knew it was him before I saw his face. He said my punishment would be bad this time. He threatened Mrs. Hammond. Said he’d burn the bakery down with Emily, Ava, and Melody inside. When he tried to take out the back door, Finley hit him with the chair.”

She gave me the basics. There’s more, but I don’t push for now. Nick will have the footage from the library’s cameras by the time we have Church.

“Finley?” Kayla’s mouth drops open. “Finley Rhodes hit your ex with a chair?”

Lily lightly laughs and sighs at the same time. “I take it the sweet little librarian doesn’t do anything wrong or crazy.”

Kayla sits at Lily’s feet again and offers her an ice pack wrapped in a kitchen towel. “She doesn’t, and I didn’t realize shewas still volunteering at the library. Wow. I should call her. Who knew Finley Rhodes had a dark side?”

“You like dark things now?” Rodeo huffs.

“Shut up, Coty. Shouldn’t you two be leaving?” Kayla asks over her shoulder.

Lily turns and puts her feet on the floor. “We should go to the guest house.”

“But…” Kayla’s eyes meet mine over Lily’s head.

Lily sits up straight and gives me a fake smile. “It’s okay. Kayla’s with me. I’ll be fine at home.”

This won’t go over well. It doesn’t matter, though. It’s already done. If she freaks, she freaks.

“You are home.” I’m already moving toward the front door.

“What? Jack? What’s going on?” She’s off the couch and right behind me.

I turn to face her. With my thumb and index finger, I lift her chin. “You live here now, angel. The prospects are packing up the last of your things at the guest house now.” I press my lips to hers for a firm, quick kiss.

“Jack, no. We should talk about this.”

“We can talk later, but my decision still stands.” I ignore her further protests and look at Kayla. “Don’t let the prospects in. They can leave the boxes on the porch. Two of them remain outside until I get back. If you need something, call Mom if I don’t answer.”

“Geez, Jack. I know what I’m doing.” Kayla rolls her eyes.

“Jack.”

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