Page 103 of Crossroads of Love

Slowly, hesitantly, I open my eyes. He’s holding something out, not a gun, but a badge—an FBI badge, glinting in the pale streetlight. My breath hitches, my heart still pounding in my ears as I stare at it, trying to process what he’s saying.

He sees the confusion in my eyes and takes another step back, giving me space. “I’ve been investigating Aaron and the department,” he explains, his voice steady but firm. “I stuck around to investigate his death. I knew people would come after you and Jayla.”

I blink, my mind struggling to catch up with his words.

“What?”

It’s all I can manage. My hand loosens on the car handle as I process what he’s saying, but the panic hasn’t faded. Not yet.

“They think you know something,” he continues. “That’s why you’re in danger. They’re coming after you, Lena. And they won’t stop until they get what they want.”

I stare at him, my heart still racing, but now for a different reason. I shake my head, trying to keep control of the fear that’s still gripping me.

All of the anxiety and fear that was filling me slowly dissipates.

That makes more sense. Henry probably had to make it look like Hank bought the land, but he was letting him use it to hide in plain sight. Henry would have done something to get him out of Hicks Creek if he was a bad person. Because, truly, why would anyone want an old hunting cabin in the middle of nowhere?

I slowly blow out a long breath and let the calm wash over me.

“We can’t talk about this here,” I say. “Not out here. If anyone overhears what Aaron did, if they’re watching...”

He glances around the parking lot, his eyes scanning the shadows. “You’re right. We need to go somewhere safe.”

“My place,” I blurt out. “No. We should go out to the farm where no one in town can see your car there. Jayla’s at basketball practice, and Gavin will be there.”

“I’ll follow you.”

I nod quickly, finally managing to unlock my car door. My hands are still shaking as I climb inside, glancing nervously around the empty lot. He turns and walks toward his old truck, a few rows over. I start the engine, the headlights cutting through the darkness, and for a moment, I just sit there, gripping the steering wheel like it’s the only thing anchoring me.

FBI. Aaron. Danger.

It all swirls in my head like a storm I can’t quite control. But there’s no time to think about it now. I put the car into gear and pull out of the lot. Hank’s truck follows me as we head toward the farm.

I call Gavin, his voice calming me through the speakers. “Hey, beautiful, are you home finally? I was just about to head over there.”

“Change of plans. I’m coming to you.”

“Okay, what’s wrong? Your voice…”

“Hank is FBI. He approached me in the parking lot. He’s following me to the farm.”

“Lena, what? You can’t be leading him through dark country roads!”

“It’s fine. I believe him.”

“Why do you?”

“I don’t know why I believe him; I just do. I’m not the greatest judge of character, admittedly, but…I believe him.”

“Turn your location on and share it with me,” he growls on the other end.

I do so quickly, then remain on the phone with him for the entire drive as I fill him in on the little that Hank had told me.

My mind is spinning with everything he said.

Aaron—how long had he been under investigation? How deep was this? And more importantly, why the hell is someone coming after me? What do they think I know?

As the farm comes into view, the familiar sight of the house and stables steadies me, if only for a moment. I pull into the driveway, my headlights illuminating the gravel in front of the house. The truck is parked off to the side, and just knowing he’s here gives me a small sense of relief.

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