Page 46 of Unexpected Danger
“Yeah, well, it's also not helping because Dustin is out for several weeks.”
Even though she already knew the answer, Londyn asked, “Where is he?”
“It's his grandma. She's not well. She lives in Washington, and Dustin has gone to take care of her in her last days. Hospice is there keeping her comfortable. It's been a devastating blow to him. You know how close he is to his grandma.”
Londyn had no idea Dustin even had a grandma, let alone one he was close to. When she said nothing, Jasmine continued. “I took to heart the words you said about maybe Dustin and me going out. We talked for a few minutes before he left to go to Washington and decided to go on a date when he returns. I hadn't realized how much we connected.”
Londyn cringed at Jasmine's revelation. How long before her friend was in danger? “Jasmine, there's something you should know about Dustin.”
“Are you having second thoughts about dating him?”
“No, not at all. How do I say this?”
“Say what?”
“Did you happen to tell Dustin that I was moving back to Pronghorn Falls?”
“I did. Why? Was it some big secret?”
Londyn tempered her comment. “No, not a secret at all. Dustin and I were friends.”
“Were? Why not now? He was upset that you didn’t tell him where you were moving.”
“He was out sick that day, and I didn’t have the chance to tell him, but I did text him.”
It sounded like Jasmine was rearranging things on her desk, a trait she often did while on the phone. “He cares about you a lot, and when he came into work and realized you were gone and weren't coming back, it devastated him. I didn't think whereyou went was confidential.” Her tone as she said “confidential” bordered on sarcastic.
“It wasn’t confidential.” Before all this had happened, Londyn wouldn't have minded if Dustin knew she was moving to Pronghorn Falls, but now… “Jasmine, I hate to have to say this, but Dustin followed me to Pronghorn Falls and ran me off the road.”
“Now I know you've really lost it,” she sneered.
“No, seriously. And then he attempted to strangle me with a phone cord in the hospital, which is where I still am. That's why I didn't call you sooner to let you know I had arrived. I was rushed to the ER after the accident.”
“I'm not sure why you're trying to paint Dustin as a monster, but he is not. He's on a plane to Washington as we speak. I just received a text from him a few minutes ago. I know you have a lot of issues, Londyn, but pinning weird made-up things on Dustin is taking it too far. He is the nicest guy and would never do anything like what you're saying.”
A sickening feeling washed over Londyn. “I'm fairly confident he's the one who's been stalking me as well.”
“That’s BJ Nuss.”
“No, it’s not Mr. Nuss.”
“All right, Londyn, now you're taking it too far. Honestly, girl, you need help. I hope you get it.” Jasmine hung up, and Londyn held her cell phone in her hand. Tears stung her eyes.
How could it be that someone she’d considered a close friend didn’t believe her?
Brodie finished assisting highway patrol with a semi-truck accident that occurred on the highway leading to the Pronghorn Mountains. The driver, who’d failed to negotiate a 25-mile-per-hour curve, overcorrected and caused the truck to crash through the guardrail and slide over the edge of the mountain.
The man was fortunate to be alive.
Brodie completed his report and glanced at the clock on the wall. He should have agreed to Mom picking up Londyn at the hospital. As it was, she’d been there far longer than he’d planned.
His fingers flew as he sent the text message.
Hey, Londyn. I’m sorry about the delay. I was called out on an accident. Are you okay?
There was no answer. Either she was asleep, in the bathroom, or her phone was off. It’d had a dead battery when he’d plugged it in this morning.
Officer Robinson stood in his doorway. “Can I come in?” she asked.
