Page 68 of Wanted by the Lawman

CHAPTER 22

THE KNOCK ON the door startled Wynn from a restless sleep on her couch.

After gathering her wits, Wynn got up and peeked through the window of the door, then opened it. “Hi, Jeff. Zander isn’t here.”

“Hello, Wynn. Zander asked me to come by actually.” He removed his cap.

“He did?” This was awkward. He’d tried to call her several times, but she’d ignored his attempts. For now, she needed some time to herself to get a handle on her feelings. They’d both kept secrets from the other and when things settle down, they would have to talk. She peeked outside looking for Zander’s brother, Kace. She’d figured out almost immediately that he had been watching her. The man had been hanging out at Zander’s and she’d finally just went over and said “hello.” Kace never did admit that he was keeping an eye on her, but he didn’t need to. At least they’d had a nice conversation.

“If you’re looking for Kace, he had something come up and Zander asked if I’d take his place.”

Wynn didn’t need anyone babysitting her, but to keep the peace, she wouldn’t argue. “How’s the case coming?”

“They’re getting close.”

She spotted something dark on his shirt. Leaning closer, she pointed at the stain. “Is that blood?”

Jeff smiled. “Could be.”

Her chest tightened. She knew enough about the man that he was always polished with his clothes without wrinkles and his shoes spotless. Looking down, she noticed a smear of mud on his boots. Something was off.

“It’s really not necessary for you to hang out here with me.”

“Zander insisted,” Jeff added.

“I’m going to give him a call…” She started to close the door, but he placed his foot over the threshold to keep it from closing.

“We don’t want to bother him. He’s a busy man.”

Her throat felt like it was on fire. “I don’t think he’ll mind.” Taking a step back, the hairs on her nape lifted. Turning, she reached for her phone and started to race for the hallway when Jeff caught her with a hand on her shoulder, swinging her around. His face was red and inflamed with anger. “Wh-what are you doing?”

“Let’s not pretend any longer. You know what I’m doing,” he seethed.

“You’re the killer, aren’t you[TT1]?”

His laughter made her stomach twist. “You’re a smart one, and a touch older than the others, but you, my dear, will certainly be the most beloved.”

Her brain ticked through what was happening. How could he be the killer?

She jerked away, brought her foot up and landed it hard between his legs. He dropped to his knees, moaning like a dying animal. This was her chance to escape. Speeding down the dark hall, she made it to the door, hand on the doorknob, but the man was fast. He fisted her hair and jerked her back so hard that she felt roots pop and saw spots before her eyes. She looked into his face, never seeing anyone so mad.

“Listen, bitch, and listen closely. I’ll slice your throat right here and then blow Zander’s head off when he steps through that door. Behave,” he pushed through thin lips.

“Go ahead. Kill me! I won’t go down without a fight!”

“Fine by me!” He pulled his arm back and slammed his fist in her jaw.

Pain shot through her face seconds before everything went black.

~~~**~~~

Deputy Lansing watched his prey stir on the bed. Even with her face swollen and black and blue she still was the prettiest target. Her hair spread like satin across the pillow and he reached out to touch a tendril, but her eyes came open and he jerked back.

She fluttered her eyes like the wings of a butterfly, coming awake…

Fright crossed her face and she popped up, but he pressed her back down. “Stay still,” he demanded.

“Fuck you!”

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