Page 27 of Love Me Fierce

Gratitude wells up inside me as I wander down to where Everett and Mateo are playing at the edge of the creek. Matty’s got his shoes and socks off and is busy building something with the cobbles.

Everett is squatting down, looking so out of place in his forest-green deputy uniform and bulky duty belt, but his attention onMateo is sincere. A feeling I don’t understand flutters behind my breastbone.

It’s visceral and raw and impossible to ignore.

Like a need. How is that even possible? Especiallyright now.

Everett glances up, but I can’t hold his gaze.

I plop down on the grass. It’s cool down here, in the shade.

“Sepp’s on his way,” I say.

“Good,” Everett says. He steps across the little creek. “If you’re okay with it, I’ll go meet up with our team, get them started. Anything missing?”

Emotion clots in my throat. “My mother’s jewelry box.”

I keep my eyes on the grass and the way the golden sunlight filtering through the cottonwoods plays across it.

“I’m sorry,” he says. It’s sincere though maybe I just want it to be. “I’ll need to ask you some questions, but we can do it later.”

I swipe my cheeks. “Fine.”

He disappears up the grassy slope.

“Mom, look!” Matty calls out, holding up some treasure.

I roll to my feet and walk closer. He’s holding up a tiny caddis fly casing made of sand grains and other creek detritus. They’re all over the river but finding one in our little urban creek is rare.

“Can I keep it?” he asks.

I exhale another full breath, and smile. “Why not?”

A car door slams from above, and seconds later, Sepp appears.

His warm hazel eyes lock with mine as he hurries down the slope.

“Sepp!” Mateo says. “Come look what I found!”

“Be right there, buddy,” he says, then folds me into a hug. “I hate the circumstances, but I’m glad you called me.”

I give him a soft squeeze then step back and dab my eyes. “I know they’ll need to get in there and I’m not supposed to disturb things, but I have to pack up some clothes, and a few of Matty’s things. Then I guess I should find us a hotel for the night.”

Sepp nods. “I’ll hang with Mateo. You can go back in and get what you need, then we’ll figure out where youcan go.”

“Not a hotel?” I ask, frowning.

“Nope. My folks’ place in Ruby Gulch. We’ve got a cabin on the property.”

I wave my hands. “No, Sepp, I can’t impose like that.”

“You’re not imposing. Come on, you called me for help. So let me help.”

I release a shaky sigh. “Let me think it over.”

“Take your time,” he says.

Twenty minutes later, I’ve packed my suitcase with most of our clothes and the things Matty will need for the near future, like his favorite books, his train set, and Walter. Though I don’t have any toothpaste left, I pack our toothbrushes and my hairbrush. Everett won’t let me take my cosmetics. I know it’s not his fault, but it’s not helping me feel any less violated right now.

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