Page 21 of Twisted Betrayal

Chapter Nine

By Tuesday, Rick wasgetting impatient.He talked to Derek every day and learned several things about the woman that could destroy her, but now they needed proof before they called the police.He could tell the situation was worrying Riley, and that was the last thing he wanted.

Gloria tried calling Riley several times and had stopped by the house twice.Rick saw her on the Ring camera trying to peek into the windows.He made sure the only light on was in the kitchen and all the drapes were closed.He’d even put a thick blanket over their bedroom window to prevent Gloria from seeing any activity in their house.

Derek called early Wednesday morning.

“Hey, you’re going to love this,” Derek said.

“Tell me,” Rick said.

“We found out she’d been fired from her last few jobs for suspicion of stealing, but they couldn’t prove it enough to prosecute her.I talked to her new boss, and they’re having the same problem.He’s going to let me watch her so I can catch her in the act.We also found out she sells drugs on the side.”

“Holy shit.”

“Yeah.The problem is it’s not enough to give her serious time, so I’m going to help with that.”

Rick could hear the amusement in his voice.“You’re loving this way too much.”

Derek chuckled.“Taking that bitch down is my favorite hobby right now.I also found out she’s been arrested before, for a DUI and another time for drugs, so she already has some strikes against her.”

Rick snorted.“Any chance you can get caught?”

“Fuck, no.I’ve got it all taken care of.You’ll hear about her arrest by the end of the week.”

Rick sighed in relief.“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.Tell that sweet wife of yours hi for me.”

“I’ll do that.”

“I’ll keep you up to date,” Derek said and hung up.

Rick tapped a pen against the top of his desk.If Derek put enough drugs on her and then had the clothing stores prosecute, she could be in prison for a long time.

Rick stood and walked through the house, needing to find his wife.He stood back and watched as Riley sat in a chair and looked out to the backyard.He could tell she was upset by the drooping of her shoulders.

“Hey,” he said and walked toward her.

She jumped a little and then faced him and smiled.He could tell it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Hi.”

“Derek called.”Rick lifted her, sat, and then put her on his lap.

Riley rested against him.“What did he say?”

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