Page 53 of Saving Her Heart
"We didn't lose," Grace protests. "We strategically came in second."
"That's literally the definition of losing," Kane points out.
Sawyer slaps Kane on the shoulder. “I’m sorry to hear that you’ll be sleeping on the couch for the foreseeable future.” He laughs at Kane’s shocked expression and then chases after Grace trying to apologize.
As everyone packs up, I notice Valerie and Brad have moved closer, still filming. Valerie's got that smirk that means she's planning something, and it just turns my stomach.
"Ignore them," Jax says, appearing beside me. "Whatever they're planning, the detectives will handle it." He takes my hand in his, and it quickly calms my racing heart.
The Walking Ladies shuffle past, Gladys pausing to pat my cheek. "It's about time you two figured it out. We've been waiting years for this show!"
"We're not a show," I protest.
"Oh, honey, in this town? Everything's a show. Might as well give us a good one!" She winks and follows her friends, their laughter carrying across the parking lot.
Someone clears their throat. We jump apart to find Captain Ramirez standing there, in civilian clothes but still radiating authority.
"Sorry to interrupt, but we've had a development and I want to keep you in the loop."
My stomach drops. "Another fire?"
"No. But we found something interesting in Brad's financial records. Large deposits from an account connected to Sunset Services."
"Valerie's husband's company," I breathe.
"Exactly. It's not enough for arrests yet, but we're building a case. In the meantime," he looks at Jax, "keep her close. They're getting desperate, and desperate people are dangerous."
He leaves, and suddenly the jovial atmosphere feels forced. Everyone knows something's wrong.
"Alright, everyone!" Kate calls out. "After-party at Hooplas! First round's on Hudson!"
"Hey!" Hudson protests. "Why is it on me?"
"Because, that’s why." She laughs at him.
As everyone packs up, Jax takes my hand again. "Okay?"
"They're not going to stop, are they?"
"No. But neither are we." He squeezes my hand. "And we're not alone. Look around."
I do. Practically the entire town is here, rallying around us. The Walking Ladies are planning some kind of surveillance schedule. The Bad News Babes are coordinating something on their group text that probably violates several privacy laws. Hudson and the guys are deep in conversation with Captain Ramirez.
"They're all here for you," Jax says. "For us."
"It's overwhelming." I admit.
"It's family," he corrects. "The kind you choose."
Valerie walks by, fake smile in place. "Enjoy it while it lasts," she says sweetly. "Tomorrow changes everything."
"Is that a threat?" Jax asks.
"It's a promise," she says, then walks away, her heels clicking on the pavement.
"We should skip the party," I say. "Figure out what she's planning?—"
"No." Jax turns me to face him. "We're going to the party. We're going to be with our friends. We're going to show them they can't scare us into hiding, and we’re going to let the department handle them."
