Page 107 of Love Me Fearless

“That’s what I’m going to find out, because if it is him, it could indicate what he plans to do next.”

The skin at the back my neck pulls tight. “What about the dead rabbit?”

With a grimace, he sets the water bottle down. “Assuming it’s not a neighbor’s cat. It could fit into a pattern.”

A queasy chill washes through my gut. “Like…a threat?”

“For a stalker with a romantic end game, it can be a way for him to express frustration. Maybe he thinks Ava isn’t coming around fast enough. Or he’s perceived some kind ofrejection.” He shakes his head. “We really don’t know enough yet.”

I brush my fingertips across the smooth tabletop, but the simple motion doesn’t calm my racing thoughts. “Is there anything else I can do to help?”

“Sounds like you’re doing plenty keeping your people safe.”

“I’m not going to get any sleep until we put a stop to this.”

Luke nods, his mouth set in a tight line. “We’re working as fast as we can.”

“I know,” I say because the last thing he needs is pressure from me.

“How much longer are you in town?” Luke asks.

That he’s put together that my stay in Finn River will end soon isn’t a surprise, but his question sends a little shock wave through me. A reminder of the answers I don’t yet have.

“I’m supposed to leave Sunday.”

Luke’s expression turns calculating. “Supposed to?”

“It’s not so easy this time.”

“Ava,” he says.

I heave a full breath. “Yeah.” Of course he’s read between the lines. He’s probably known how I’ve felt about Ava all along. The way I’d light up when her letters came. How I’d stay up late just to talk to her. The picture of us that lived in the breast pocket of my uniform, closest to my heart.

A stillness settles between us. Heavy, but not awkward. Luke knows exactly the price we pay for working a job that demands everything.

“Would you give it up? For her?”

“I can’t have both.” I push back my chair and stand. I’m not taking up any more of his precious time.

He stands too and we share a quick hug. “You were a friend to me when I needed it. I’m here anytime to return the favor.”

I clap him on the back. Fuck, I’ve missed him. If anything goodcan come of this, it’s reconnecting with one of my best friends. “Might take you up on that.”

“Good,” he says as we part.

He follows me through the door and down the hall. At the conference room, he knocks before stepping inside. I get a flash of Ava sitting at the table, looking brave under the bright lights. Her gaze lifts to mine, and my heart somersaults.

Would you give it up? For her?

The answer ricochets through me as Luke closes the door. I force my feet to keep moving, down the hall and through the bullpen and out the big glass doors.

Outside, I try to drink in the fresh, warm air but my mind is buzzing and my fingers are shaking. When I get to the truck, I brace against the side of the bed and try to breathe, but the feelings inside me refuse to settle.

I’m in love with Ava Greely.

But what if she doesn’t love me back?

Chapter Twenty-Six

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