Page 31 of Unexpected Danger
“It’s probably another one of our clients. I think you’re making too much out of a few texts, and what? Two phone calls?”
“And a man attempting to break in, then succeeding and standing in my room.”
Jasmine shrugged off her concerns, and Londyn continued. “There’s been no one else as frustrated as Mr. Nuss. I’ve already talked to Detective Rivas about this. Besides, I need to get back home. I miss my friends. I miss my life I had there. I need toapologize and seek Brodie’s forgiveness. Make things right with him and Aileen.”
“And yet you chose to leave there.” Jasmine's accusatory frown accompanied her tone, which was harsher than normal. “You are so flighty.”
Londyn rose and took a step forward to hug her friend. “Thank you for your friendship. I could not have settled into life here in Rowland without you.”
Jasmine did not return the hug. Instead, she stiffened, her arms remaining at her sides.
Londyn released her. “I will text you when I get to Pronghorn Falls. Just because I'm moving back doesn't mean I won't return to Rowland, and we can catch a movie or go out to lunch. Or you could even come to Pronghorn Falls for a visit.”
“I doubt I'm going to be coming to Pronghorn Falls. I don’t care much for small towns. And unlike you,” said Jasmine, taking a step back, “I don't run off at the first sign of trouble.”
“Stalking is hardly a minor matter. Who knows what this creep is capable of?”
“Maybe. Or maybe you just blew everything out of proportion. Besides, I still think you need to tell Dustin. He's going to be heartbroken.”
The continued insistence from her friend that she pursue a relationship with Dustin was getting tiresome, but she was correct in that Londyn needed to tell him she was leaving. While not boyfriend material, Dustinhadbeen there for her when she needed him. “Speaking of guys, I forgot to ask you how the second date went with the server.”
Jasmine’s face fell. “He doesn't seem to think we are compatible.”
“I'm so sorry.”
“Yeah, well, it is what it is.”
“Maybe it’s meant to be for you and Dustin to get together.”
Something crossed Jasmine’s face. A glimpse of hope, perhaps? “I don't know, we'll see. He's in love with you, so that doesn't exactly work too well. So, what time are you leaving?”
“I plan to leave tomorrow, no later than nine. I have to pick up the cargo trailer from the rental place. The forecast is calling for rain again, but from the radar, at this point, I’ll miss most of it.”
“At least it’s all freeway driving.”
“That does make it easier and faster.”
After a few more minutes of conversing, Londyn was finally able to excuse herself and meet in her boss's office. Sonja, too, attempted to convince her to stay, but Londyn knew she was making the right choice.
Chapter 9
Just another day on the job. Dad had always said that ninety percent of the crimes were committed by ten percent of the people.
Brodie was about to agree with that statement once again.
While Pronghorn Falls was a small town, crime had increased in the past few years. More people had moved in, seeking the slower and more relaxed lifestyle and close proximity to a beautiful mountain range.
Not that it was anything like the larger scale of criminal activity in bigger towns and cities, but it demanded a lot of time and took Brodie away from his main jobs as a sheriff.
A thug named Hyland, a repeat offender who’d previously been arrested for illegal drugs, abusing inhalants, and domestic violence, thought it was a good idea to weave all over the road just south of town on the frontage road adjacent to the freeway.
Brodie called for backup and pulled him over. As predicted, Hyland exhibited all the signs of drug use. The guy was hyper, sweating, and his face was covered in severe acne and sores.He’d retained two lone teeth. Just one look, and Brodie knew the guy was high on something.
He completed the tedious paperwork. It amused, but hadn’t surprised him, that Hyland stated he had nothing in his pockets.
K-9 police dog, Radar, had begged to differ.
Hyland said the crystal was planted in his pocket and wasn’t his. Same story, different day.
