Page 65 of Echoes of Fear

“Bye, Bobby.”

“Sorry, I got you involved in this,” he says. “I’ve always felt iffy of that man since our first meeting.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” I tell him. “I’m angrier at myself for not putting two and two together about him being a dang cult leader.”

“A cult right here in Harborbrook, and not a single one of us knew about it,” Bobby shakes his head. “I need a nap. Update me.”

“Bye.”

The screen goes blank, and I feel exhausted.

“Well, that just happened,” I say.

“King’s on his way. Will you be okay on your own for a little while?”

“I’ll be fine,” I say. “I might go hang out on the porch some more.”

“Good boy, baby. When I get back, we have some things to talk about.”

“Am I in trouble?” I ask.

“No,” he chuckles. “Come on, help me get ready.”

“Did you forget how to tie your shoes?” I ask as I follow him from the room. “I have a song I can teach you.”

I smile as Taylor shakes his head.

“You’re a brat,” he mumbles.

I couldn’t agree more.

“But I’m your brat,” I say shyly. Not completely sure we’re at that stage of claiming ownership.

He stops mid-step and turns his head.

“Yes, you fuckin’ are,” he smiles. “Come on, baby. I’ve got someone to save so that I can come back home to my man.”

His man.

His boy.

His Pup.

Oh, my!

Chapter Fourteen

Taylor

“What do you mean there isn’t anything you can do about it?” I ask the police.

“The girl hasn’t been physically abused, and the…the uh..”

“Cult. The word you’re looking for is Cult.”

“Right. The cult hasn’t done anything illegal.”

“It’s no wonder you quit the police force,” King tells me. “These guys are idiots.”