Page 99 of Needing Your Love
“Talk about being around…” I raised an eyebrow, just as gossip-minded as the next resident of our town. “Sutton says youhaven’tbeen.”
A muscle ticked in Dex’s jaw as he glanced toward the window over the kitchen sink. “That’s a story for another day.”
Expecting Dex was as stubborn as I’d always assumed, I let matters lie. I was too exhausted to tease or make further attempts to change the topic again.
We cleaned up the kitchen together in silence, and he ordered me upstairs to do as Sutton had said.
I showered, tears once more coursing down my face, but at least the heaving sobs from earlier that morning no longer ripped from my chest.
Blinds closed and room somewhat darkened, I climbed back into the bed Sutton and I had left rumpled from our morning shenanigans. It seemed a lifetime ago he’d held me tight against his sweaty chest as our heartbeats had slowed, the euphoric tingles of release slowly leaking from our systems.
I rubbed my face in his pillow, clutching the softness to me. While the feathers and cotton were no match for Sutton’s flesh, his scent offered me enough reminder of his presence that I rested, my muscles sinking into the mattress.
Blessed darkness crept in, and I carried the memory of my hero along with me to keep me safe from nightmares.
Chapter 37
Sutton
Constitutional law allowed for my actions in protecting the citizens of Pippen Creek, and I’d been trained to use lethal force in certain scenarios.
But I’d never expected to be faced with such a situation and have my instincts dictate the steps I’d taken. Kurt had shot one man and seemed intent on another—could have been Jimmy or me—but I had stopped him before finding out.
I hated having caused heartache to the handful of people who would mourn the loss of Kurt, but I would make the same decision over and over again—even if Jimmyhadn’tbeen huddled on the floor or in close proximity. If Kurt and I had been the only two left in the shop, I would have ended the threat to my own life and the town’s safety without second-guessing myself.
The sheriff arrived to avoid a conflict of interest in overseeing the investigation of Kurt’s death that was required by law. As feared, a suicide note had been tucked in Kurt’s back pocket.
Sarah had been manipulated into staying with her husband rather than leave town with Kurt to seek out happiness together. His intention had been to kill Stefen, assured that Chief Sutton would do what needed doing.
He didn’t apologize.
Simply said he couldn’t live without his love.
Either his aim had been shit or he’d chosen at the last second not to end Stefen’s life.
We would never know.
Kurt had made his choice of violence, and he had paid the price.
Dexter had informed me Darla was nowhere to be seen and kept me updated on Jimmy via text so I was able to focus on my job and comply with the law in the hours that followed what would be the talk of the town for years to come.
I expected, along with the sheriff, for the event to be a justifiable homicide, that Kurt’s death would be certified as suicide due to the note he’d written. That meant I was free to go home for the night, but shit was far from over.
Mary arrived at the station around sundown, and although tears lined her face, she hugged me tight. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry, Mary,” I managed to say through the thickness in my throat.
She stepped back, holding onto my forearm with a stern grip. “Don’t you dare, Sutton Forrester.” Her voice broke, and another tear slid down her cheek. “Never apologize for doing your duty to protect the people of our town.”
I swallowed hard and nodded.
“What you did was warranted—I trust you implicitly, Chief. And I heard rumors about a note?”
Lips pressed tight, I nodded again.
She released a shaky exhale. “I’m so thankful Stefen is going to be okay. I couldn’t bear the thought of having raised a man who would take another’s life.”
He’d been in love. Obsessed with Sarah.
