Page 194 of Sin With Me

“Nothing. I think my mind is playing tricks on me.” But my instinct argued right away, and when we took another turn, I saw that same man again, at the same side doors of the barn, looking right at me, as if taunting me to follow him. Was it possible that it washim?

“There’s something I need todo.”

“What is it Emma? You look like you just saw a ghost.”

I might have. “Nothing… I just need some freshair.”

“All right, let’s go.” He took my arm, hooking it onto his. I didn’t want Eric worried just yet. I could have made a mistake, and even if it was in fact John Huntz, there were too many people around for him to try anything.

“Actually, can you get me a bottle of water?”

“Yes, of course.”

I strolled to the side door, as wary of Huntz as if he were Ted Bundy. Cautiously, I scanned the entrance, but he was nowhere to be seen. I strolled a few yards with my back against the barn door. With clouds covering the usually bright sky, the night was the darkest one I’d seen in Ogden. I could barely make out a parked tractor a few feet away. As I was about to head back, my arm struck something solid protruding the wall. A hunting knife was stuck through a note. I pulled it out, reading, “Stop looking forme.”

A crackling of broken twigs sounded from the bushes. I swiveled on my foot before picking up the knife and tiptoed toward the sound. Huntz wouldn’t be hiding behind some green shrubs, and the quiet sobs I now heard made me pick up mypace.

Once I saw Missy sitting on a lone bench, I slid the knife into a side pocket inside my boot. Her eyes glistened as she sat with her knees curled underneath her, looking out at the forest. The beautiful doe eyes held fear I hadn’t seen in a longtime.

“You saw him too, didn’t you?” I asked her. Missy shook her head sideways. “I can see it in your eyes, Missy.” I sat beside her. “Do you know John Huntz? Have you seen him here before?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

I took her hands into mine and held them there for a moment. “You’re safe with me, Missy. Do you understandthat?”

She nodded.

“There was a girl who helped Eric and Annabelle escape when they were kidnapped. Was that you? Do you remember that time?” I lowered my voice even more. “Are you John Huntz’s daughter?”

“Yes.” Her voice shook and entire body trembled.

The click of a gun sounded from behind, and I turned around. Huntz stood a good ten feet back, pointing it my way. He breathed heavily through his nostrils without saying a word, and then his phone rang. He removed it from his side pocket and checked the screen. His gaze flew from the display to us and didn’t give me even a second to make amove.

“You’re lucky I’m needed elsewhere. But I’m sure this won’t be the last time we see each other,” he said before walking backward toward the forest.

Missy broke into asob.

“He’s gone, Missy. Come on. Let’s get you out of here.” I helped her up, looking for Eric, and had the unfortunate pleasure of running into the one person that made me cringe.

Claire blocked our way, saying, “This place brings back so many memories.” She sighed. “You know, boys in this town take girls in the barn to make a statement. This is where Eric and I… Well, I usually don’t kiss and tell, but you know what Imean.”

Yeah, I knew exactly what she meant, and it was definitely to gloat that I was standing in the spot where Eric had been with this woman. Not that I really cared about it at this moment.

“Get out of my way, Claire.” I pushed past her, holding onto Missy who was still shaking in myarms.

“You know, he’ll come back to me. He’ll spit you out like old gum and come to what he knowsbest.”

I turned around and stood right up to her nose, leaning in closer, throwing icicles through my eyes. Hopefully she’d get a hint to backoff.

“You may have had him as a boy, but he’s a man now. You couldn’t handle what he has to offer, and if you fucking try to stand in my way, I swear I’ll break those claws of yours and make sure you can’t hook anotherman.”

“Watchme.”

I grabbed her wrist before she sauntered over toward Eric. “Over my dead body, Claire.”

“I need to tell Eric I’ll return his shirt to him this week, after I washit.”

Why would she have his shirt?

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