Page 74 of Mountain Grump
My mouth starts to pull up into a smile as my bare toes curl against the cool concrete steps.
But then the vehicle comes into view. And my smile stops.
Because it’s not a white pickup truck. It’s a black SUV.
I freeze.
They found me.
I take a step backward, up the stairs.
They…
With the engine still running, the SUV stops, the driver’s door opens, and a man I don’t recognize steps out.
Not my family.
Not my family, but still a stranger in a black suit.
I take another quick step backward so I’m standing in the threshold, able to sidestep and slam the door shut if needed.
Sensing my unease, the man holds up his hands. “Morning.”
My gaze zeros in on the white envelope in his grip.
The same type of white envelope that was delivered to my apartment nearly three weeks ago.
He stops when he’s still several yards away. “Miss Wright?”
“Who’s asking?” I try to keep my voice steady.
He holds the envelope higher. “I have a delivery for you, prearranged for today by a man named Jack.”
I bite my lip.
He could be lying.
This could be something else.
But… I don’t think that’s true.
Slowly, I move back onto the top step and hold my hand out.
The man crosses the distance between us and sets the envelope on my palm.
He dips his chin. “Have a good day.”
Then he turns around, gets back into his SUV, and rather than attempt to turn it around in front of the house, he backs down the driveway, disappearing from view.
With my heart working overtime, I stare at the envelope in my hand.
Jack sent me another letter. And I have no idea how to feel about it.
But ten minutes later, the winning emotion is undeniable.
Dread.
Chapter 49
