Page 28 of Code Trauma

“We just have to be able to talk through the bad times. And the good, of course, but most especially, the bad. And ... this is a really good start.”

Thank you, Lord.

He stood and pulled her up with him. “Can I kiss you?”

She laughed. “Yes.”

Just as his lips settled over hers, his phone buzzed. He ignored it and let it go to voice mail while he relished the feel of Holly in his arms once more.

When it buzzed again, he groaned and lifted his head. “I guess I should see who it is.”

“Probably.”

He pulled the phone from his pocket. “It’s the sheriff.” He swiped the screen. “Hello?”

“Hey, are you with Holly?”

“I am.”

“Is she safe?”

“She’s in a motel room. Why?”

“I really think we got our guy. You should see the stuff on his computer. Obsessed doesn’t even come close to describing his interest in her. And the pictures on his phone are only a few of the thousands he has of her. I don’t know where his wife thought he was when he wasn’t at the hospital because he sure wasn’t at home. He was too busy stalking Holly.”

“You have him in custody?”

“We do. His wife—soon to be ‘ex’ according to her—came by and gave us more incriminating evidence against him. Said she found more pictures in his desk at his house.”

“Is she still there?”

“Yes, I think so. Why?”

Something didn’t sit right with Andy. “Do you mind if I come by and have a chat with her? And maybe Garrett as well?”

The sheriff paused. “Why? You think I’m wrong?”

“No, not at all. I just think there’s more going on here than we’re seeing, and I’ve got a few questions I’d like to run by them both.”

“Then come on over. I’ll have her waiting for you.” The sheriff gave him a description of the woman and Andy hung up. He turned back to Holly. “You heard my side and put two and two together?”

“Yes.”

“Will you be all right while I go talk to the Manns again?”

“What do you think we missed?”

He rubbed a hand over his chin and shook his head. “I don’t know, but I have questions, so don’t go home just yet, okay?”

“Yeah. Okay, sure. I guess while you do that, I’m going to take a nap and then start preparing my statement for the board.”

Still, he hesitated. “I don’t want to leave you alone.”

“Raina and Penny are coming by in a couple of hours. I’ll be fine. Go.”

He kissed her again, then stroked a hand over her cheek, marveling at the softness. And at the love in her eyes. “Okay, I’ll be back soon.”

“I’ll be here.”

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