Page 80 of Rex

“I do have a name,” she says with a laugh.

“Have you told your husband what it is? Because we only know you as ‘my wife,’” Reeves states, even using air quotes.

Ivy laughs but continues across the room until her body collides with Pigeon’s. Leaning down, he gives her a sweet kiss and pulls her tight to his side. I greet her and get a soft smile in return.

“Hey, Candy. Are you still coming out to the ranch this weekend?” Ivy asks before glancing at the video playing on repeat on my monitor screen.

“Yeah, I will be, and the kids want to come with,” Candy answers but in a distracted voice because her eyes are glued to the video.

“Um, okay, that’s great. Love to see ya’s there. Can I ask why you’re all watching a weird-ass video of Dale? Like, where was this even taken?” Ivy asks innocently, and all eyes shoot to her.

“Who’s Dale?” Pigeon asks at the same time I do.

“That’s it! That’s who that fucker is!” Candy shouts at an alarming level, but it doesn’t clear up my and Pigeon’s question.

“Who’s Dale?” I ask again.

“He works at the animal sanctuary. Worked with me for several years. Creepy-ass Dale is how I’ve always thought of him. Last name is Henry, I think. Weird, odd, always-staring Dale,” Ivy answers. “Why the video of him?”

“The video is one Aria caught of the guy stalking her,” Pigeon explains to his wife.

“I knew that walk! It’s him, Ivy’s right. Let’s go rip his dick off,” Candy says before stalking toward the door.

Reeves risks life and limb, but he blocks the doorway so Candy can’t leave. She steps back, lowers her head slightly, and orders him to move his ass.

“Give us a minute, Candy. We need to be sure first,” Reeves says, but his voice has a pleading tone to it.

I’m guessing he doesn’t want to end up like Axel and get dumped on his head.

“How would he even know Aria?” I ask while looking around the room at each person.

“She and Lisa have come there several times in the last few months. They bring me food and like to hang out with the puppies. Lisa’s been thinking of getting one for herself since Lucy moved and took Greer with her,” Candy explains in an impatient tone. “It’s Dale. Dick ripping coming up!”

This time, Reeves doesn’t get a chance to stand his ground. Candy wraps her arms around his waist, lifts him, and turns, setting him back on his feet just inside the doorway. When I hear the front door slam shut, I jump into action.

“We have to get there before Candy catches a charge,” I shout, and know the guys will follow me out.

“Be there as soon as possible! I’m killing the camera feed at the sanctuary so it doesn’t catch Candy committing murder!” Pigeon shouts, and I realize that was good thinking.

We arrive at the sanctuary and rush inside to find nothing going on. Candy is in the hallway speaking with the manager, who looks shell-shocked.

“He’s off today,” Candy spits out the words, and the disappointment in her voice speaks volumes about how much she was looking forward to dick ripping.

“Can we get an address for him?” I ask in the politest voice I have, striving for normalcy.

“I’m so sorry! I can’t give out that information about an employee! I’m sure you understand why I can’t,” Margie explains while nervously wringing her hands.

“Ivy, do you know where this rat lives?” Candy asks.

“No, I don’t. Sorry,” Ivy says apologetically.

“Thanks, Margie. Please don’t tell Dale we were here looking for him,” I say before making my way outside.

Me: Ivy recognized the man in your video. She said it’s Dale from the animal sanctuary.

Aria: OMG! Yes! That’s where I’ve seen him before! Now what?

Me: We’re tracking him down. If you don’t hear back from me before six, maybe go to Les or Lucy’s place until I contact you?

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