Page 11 of Knot My Boss

“Will that be all, sir?” the salesman asks, returning the tray of rings to the inside of the display case.

“Not yet,” I answer, looking around the store. “I want to get a few more items.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Declan murmurs.

Chapter 8 - Darby

I’ve been in Padston for almost a week now. I have a signed lease with Gypsy to rent an apartment above the Whiskey Genie, but have yet to move in.

Why?

It’s because, for the fifth day in a row, a package has been delivered to me. The gifts have ranged from gourmet chocolates to jewelry and personal care items. Oh, and let’s not forget the flowers.

Each package has had a card attached to it, addressed similarly to the first one.

“Looking forward to eternity.”

“Can’t wait to spend eternity with you.”

“Thinking of you.”

Each delivery results in a call to the sheriff’s office. At this point, I have had the opportunity to meet each deputy and am becoming very close to the sheriff. The consensus is that I should stay with Kyle and Dayton as a layer of protection, rather than living alone. That is, until they can figure out who my stalker is.

Today’s gift arrived about fifteen minutes ago, and we are waiting for someone from the sheriff’s office to arrive before I open it. Heywood Morris is here, as he always is when Kyle needs to leave the house.

A knock on the door has me jumping—my nerves are shot. My life was supposed to be quiet, moving to Padston. Not whatever nightmare this is.

“Hello, everyone,” a deep voice chirps from the door.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see both Chayce and Adyr Galloway. Chayce is the sheriff, Adyr is a deputy, and also Chayce’s brother.

“Hi, guys,” I say, defeatedly.

“Did you open it yet?” Chayce asks.

“No, I have been waiting for you.”

Chayce and Adyr look over the packaging. There are no indicators on where it is being shipped from, just a plain brown box.

“Go ahead and open it,” Chayce says as he and Adyr flank me on either side.

Taking a deep breath, I rip into the packaging, eager to get this done. Under the plain brown paper is a plain brown box. Suppressing a groan, I press on. Getting through the protective packaging, my breath catches. It’s a jewelry box. A sizeable one as well. Made of solid wood, the piece features five drawers on the front.

“Don’t touch anything else,” Chayce says, reminding me that he is here. Both he and Adyr have gloves on, I presume, to preserve any evidence they can glean from the gift. Stepping back, out of their way, I wrap my arms around my middle, pacing the living room of Dayton and Kyle’s house.

“Holy shit!” one of the men yell. “Darby, you need to come here, please.”

Taking my time, I cross the small space, and dread fills my chest.

“Wh-what is it?” I ask, my voice cracking. Unable to see around the two large men, I step to the side.

“You have someone’s attention,” Chayce comments.

My jaw hangs slack as I peer inside the jewelry box. While inspecting it, Chayce and Adyr opened all of the compartments. There is a variety of pieces: rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The selections are just different pieces, either. Some are simply gold or silver, while others feature gems. The gems range from pearls, rubies, and emeralds.

“Did you find a note?” I ask, tears silently streaming down my cheeks.

“No,” they answer simultaneously.

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